Sean Fitzpatrick A amp R

Posted by David Singleton
8 Jan 2001
Monday, January 8, 2001

I wonder if Fripp and Singleton have ever considered a closer label relationship with Virgin (as exists, for example, with Real World Records). Perhaps I shall play devil’s advocate and suggest it at our next meeting. Fripp and I can both practice our token spits when the name of an evil empire is raised. I fear the days of effective independent retail distribution would seem to be dwindling. At a time when 10% of the releases have 90% of the sales, retail is inevitably less and less interested in the remainder. It will not be long before major labels buy the rack space in retail stores, so that they alone choose what to place there.
For all these reasons, true independent labels must inevitably become increasingly focussed on the internet.

Sean Fitzpatrick, A & R hero at Virgin records, has returned from the corporate suntan competition in Tenerife with good news. Ken Berry, big cheese, would like to invite me to a meeting, (for which read free lunch and free beer, perhaps free big cheeses) later this month. I shall have to decline the beer, but perhaps they will serve champagne. I pray we will not have to drink Virgin Cola, a vile substance, which I think has so far been spared the Americans.

I have been unable to attend in court, so have had to content myself with mixed reports from the front line. A weak performance by various prosecution witnesses, was followed by a weak performance by several defence witnesses. The public gallery remains split 50/50. Those that originally supported the prosecution continue to do so, and likewise with the defence. So much is inference, and we choose to hear what we wish to hear. I wonder if the jury’s opinions will be similarly coloured by previous experiences. It is terrifying that justice can be this arbitrary.

It occurs to me that a jury of twelve people is probably, in truth, little more than three people. The vast majority will, no doubt, allow themselves to follow the lead of a few strong characters. I therefore pray that those strong characters will wield that influence wisely. The hearing continues.

The hot weather is attracting more and more people to the river. I hope for rain, so that my normal peaceful existence will return.

'What needeth it to sermon of it more… Now let us sit and drink and make us merry'



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