Black Francis slams greedy industry

BLACK FRANCIS has hit out at record companies for overcharging fans and said artists should be able to charge what they like for their music.

And the Pixies frontman said live shows are becoming more and more important for bands because that's where the money is.

Francis, who has just finished producing Art Brut's latest album, added that artists should get used to not only making less money but charging less for their music and memorabilia too.

Speaking to NME.com, the legendary guitarist said: "The rendezvous point between the patron and the artist has been moved from a record shop or online…to live shows.

"People are excited about live personal appearances. They'll buy tickets for that. That's a great thing for live music. But now everyone's touring, which is great for roadies and nightclubs and theatres. But now everyone and their mother is on the road. So that means there's a lot of competition for your dollars."

"I think what has to happen is everyone has to get used to making less money and have to charge less money. Everything's got to get cut down to more of a five-dollar world. People will say, "Oh yeah, I'll pay five bucks to see that or for a T-shirt or a record. I think it's gonna become more of a five-dollar world than a $25 world, $50, or a $150 world.

"I realise to some people I may sound like a hypocrite because the Pixies are getting ready to release a box set. I think the limited edition version retails for $450. But that art already exists - the demand for that particular product has been researched by the people putting it out. If people don't buy it, we'll all be fools.

"I think everyone should sell whatever product they want to sell for whatever price they want to sell it for, but ultimately the market will dictate what it is and people will have to charge less money for everything.

"Record companies have been overcharging people for way too long and now this is the trouble that they're in. They created this situation because they were just a little too greedy."

Pixies have reunited to headline this year's Isle Of Wight Festival on June 14, with other live dates planned but have yet to be confirmed.