They think the public perception for many years has been confused by my lack of one style, and a bunch of d.i.y project offshoots does nothing to strengthen the 'brand' ... and actually I see their point.

I disagree with their thinking here...I think that this is what you are famous FOR! Eclectic, varied, surprising. These are things that make you unique, and that should be encouraged.

In general though...great news, with a slice of bummer. Still great though!

Yeah Dev, and whatever you decide to do we will back you up! Agreed 300% with Blazingmonga.

Tour EP got squashed by label and management.
Live Acoustic EP as well... I have it all mixed and ready, but they don't want to release it for fear of 'oversaturation'
...and contractually, I can't just pound them onto the internet or anything.


Ziltoid dvd as well, the label doesn't want to release. They say if they release a dvd, they want it to be super pro, not just a 'show'... again, frustrating.

d

that's really depressing especially since i'm sure 90% of the people here will buy 90-100% of what you release. I can understand the label's apprehensions but they're unwarranted. i'd rather buy a ziltoid DVD or acoustic EP than watch the videos for free on youtube. well as long as the boxset kicks major ass it'll be worth the wait, hopefully some of the live and/or acoustic stuff will be on there.

and talk about oversaturation... what about bands like pearl jam and dave matthews that have like 50 live albums?

i'm sure 90% of the people here will buy 90-100% of what you release.

90% of people here. Most other people won't. Don't forget we're only a negligible part of the audience.

[The Dev]

Thats true. But I really appreciate the support from those here.

Really though, I've got a nice stockpile of stuff collecting... all good.

Tour EP got squashed by label and management.
Live Acoustic EP as well... I have it all mixed and ready, but they don't want to release it for fear of 'oversaturation'
...and contractually, I can't just pound them onto the internet or anything.


Ziltoid dvd as well, the label doesn't want to release. They say if they release a dvd, they want it to be super pro, not just a 'show'... again, frustrating.

d

that's really depressing especially since i'm sure 90% of the people here will buy 90-100% of what you release. I can understand the label's apprehensions but they're unwarranted. i'd rather buy a ziltoid DVD or acoustic EP than watch the videos for free on youtube. well as long as the boxset kicks major ass it'll be worth the wait, hopefully some of the live and/or acoustic stuff will be on there.

and talk about oversaturation... what about bands like pearl jam and dave matthews that have like 50 live albums?

The total forum users, even if we all purchased everything, would likely cover costs at best for a label. Comparing Dev to PJ is ludicris, they have had a solid team working for them for the better part of 20yrs. They manage the Pearl Jam Company. The success of 'ten' gave them a total blank cheque. I don't think, in any or all of Dev's whacked out styles, there is a remote chance of outselling 'ten' alone. Add to that the success of .VS and PJ could do whatever they wanted from that point forward. Dev's never going to reach those sales plateaus. It's just not possible.

Don't forget that the industry is also totally different. .VS sold somewhere around 900 000 in the first week alone. Today's top weekly sales are somewhere around 50 - 100 000. I'm not even sure if anyone can break 100 000 in the first week anymore. Dev's music is way too "out there" to capture that kind of audience.

None of that was intended as a slight on Dev or his music. I personally hold at least 2 of his releases in my all time top ten. It's just a reality.

[The Dev]

Totally hear you.

To be perfectly honest, each of my records sell about the same worldwide... between 15 and 20k ...again, worldwide. I think Addicted did 6k in the states, 2500 in Aus, 10 in Europe, 700 in Canada, 1000 in Japan etc...

And with the network I have, I really sell the same for every record, I think Ki did 15k worldwide. In perspective, I think DevilDriver's latest did 18k in the u.s alone in it's first week, Hellyeah did 28k (in the US first week)... so really, the incentive for labels and everyone to drop what they're doing and 'rock Devs newest record' is pretty small.

I haven't seen royalties for many years off of my solo stuff. The advertisement, videos, and recording budgets have yet to be recouped on most of them (if not all). But there's ways to make money. We do mailorder stuff, and cumulatively, there's lots of products to merchandise.

Again, all good, and I love doing music and 20k is way more than I ever expected.

In the age of illegal downloading, the record sales alone only really represent a very small part of the audience I think... there's a whole bunch more people listening to you who may not have ever bought a record, but may buy a ticket to a show or a shirt or something...
either way, this thread has gone totally off topic, lol.

Totally hear you.

To be perfectly honest, each of my records sell about the same worldwide... between 15 and 20k ...again, worldwide. I think Addicted did 6k in the states, 2500 in Aus, 10 in Europe, 700 in Canada, 1000 in Japan etc...

And with the network I have, I really sell the same for every record, I think Ki did 15k worldwide. In perspective, I think DevilDriver's latest did 18k in the u.s alone in it's first week, Hellyeah did 28k (in the US first week)... so really, the incentive for labels and everyone to drop what they're doing and 'rock Devs newest record' is pretty small.

I haven't seen royalties for many years off of my solo stuff. The advertisement, videos, and recording budgets have yet to be recouped on most of them (if not all). But there's ways to make money. We do mailorder stuff, and cumulatively, there's lots of products to merchandise.

Again, all good, and I love doing music and 20k is way more than I ever expected.

I firmly believe that with a little more financial backing, and with just a bit more push here in the states, you could be selling a lot more. Honestly though, I think nothing could possibly sell you more than, well, you. In your interviews you are approachable, well-spoken, and very funny. I just listened to the radio bit you did for Triple J, and you have a natural ability to entertain, no matter what. If you just had someplace to showcase that as well as your music, I think there would be a pretty rapid expansion in your fan base. Just a guest spot on a decent TV talk show would do wonders, I believe. Maybe not the Tonight Show (do you think Jay remembers?), but something like Conan, if his new show is anything like his old. Someplace that you could play a tune, do an interview, and really introduce you to a wide audience. That's the kind of thing I think could greatly increase sales of your music, and open up more venues to perform.

Is that something you would even consider doing, if given the opportunity?

Thats a great idea! In Australia, we have a Comedy Music quiz show called Spicks and Specks, they have four guests each week, and they are nearly always musicians or comedians, who are touring Australia at that time, and have funny musical stories to tell. Next time your down touring Aus Dev, I'm sure they'd love to have you, especially if you did some ziltoid for them. But I suppose touring is already pretty hectic with organising venues and gear and soundcheck, and 0 sleep. Do they have anything like that in the Canada or the US?

The Muppet Show! Talk shows...nah. Muppet Show? Fkkin' yeah baby!!

The Muppet Show! Talk shows...nah. Muppet Show? Fkkin' yeah baby!!

That would be too awesome. Especially if it was Ziltoid hosting. lol

"Kermit! I hate your balls! They are green and smell of pork!"

[JuZ]

Thats a great idea! In Australia, we have a Comedy Music quiz show called Spicks and Specks, they have four guests each week, and they are nearly always musicians or comedians, who are touring Australia at that time, and have funny musical stories to tell. Next time your down touring Aus Dev, I'm sure they'd love to have you, especially if you did some ziltoid for them. But I suppose touring is already pretty hectic with organising venues and gear and soundcheck, and 0 sleep. Do they have anything like that in the Canada or the US?

I contacted S n S prior to the last tour to suggest Dev as a guest and they were actually receptive to the idea but claimed taping schedules cconflicted with Dev's schedule. No idea if Dev's keen or if they are but it would be great.

[The Dev]

Well, one of the 'stresses' during this time (if I may be so bold to complain somewhat...) is I have parted ways with my manager of 10 years. I too believe that there is a TON of potential, and I've always been left scratching my head as to why things continue to move laterally. And in many cases, lose money. So I made a big decision in my world after Finland for many reasons, and I have been looking for new management.

And I'll tell you, trying to convince potential managers that you 'have what it takes' on many levels, and that 'it just needs to get in front of the right people' is easier said than done. I have 8 people 'interested' yet most of them still aren't returning calls or haven't got their proposals in (4 weeks after meetings) I don't get it. I believe I'm able to say... 'look, I've got 15 records I own the rights to, 2 more coming out in March, a ton of live stuff stockpiled, 15 different 'brands' to merchandise, Ziltoid, Rockband, a great band thats willing to tour 6 months of the year, an acoustic sideline, a studio, I can do video, I'm a reasonably entertaining personality, Peavey is doing a signature guitar, and I basically have the best 'fanbase' a dude could ask for...lets do this. Show me a plan, because I have a symphony in mind next...'

And the response I get is 'We don't really think you know what you want...'

And I feel like 'I JUST TOLD YOU!! Lets ROCK MAN!!!'

Things are in relative shambles right now truth be told, we're holding it together for the US tour and the ViP tickets have helped buffer the reality of a money losing tour, but it's confusing to me... sometimes I feel like I'm making a real nice dinner and presenting it to people who only know how to sell cheeseburgers and they're like... 'wtf am I supposed to do with that?'

ugh...

But honestly, 'giving up' is not even a remote blip on the radar, it would just make it EASIER to focus if someone who UNDERSTANDS and has serious connections would be like 'what the fuck are we waiting for? there's a million opportunities here, lets do as many as we can with the intention of making tons of interesting, cool music... lets tour it too...and lets make the show amazing! here's a bunch of money so you don't have to mix some bands album while writing'

Sadly, so far (although I'm only a month into the search) it's: 'we only sell cheeseburgers, and your food is really weird...maybe we'll let you be involved with us for 20% of gross, we'll get back to you when we feel like it'

My gut tells me to hold on though, and not to settle this time...keep my shit together, make these two killer, killer records and keep getting the band tighter and the right things will happen.

Again, couldn't do it without you guys, thanks.

Oh and btw... being a Dad on top of this is a ballcrusher. But all in all, I'm thoughroughly 'blessed' (in the strictest agnostic sense) and I love my life.

LETS FUCKIN ROCK!!!!

God damn music industry... I know and can feel you will get the support you need. I really don't understand how they wouldn't like everything you bring to the table. You are the complete meal with all your different styles. appetizer, drink, main course, apéritif and dessert!! I like cheeseburgers but fuck a cheeseburger if I can get the complete meal.

Much Respect to you and your choices Devin

Massive support Dev, we all know you can shove those "cheeseburgers" right back in the industry's face.
Bring on the Yum Cha!