MAY 2009
Harder Beat Magazine Online
The Economy and Music

It’s a strange, but well-known fact — when the economy suffers, music prospers!!
Huh? Why would this be?

Stop and think about it for a moment. When people can’t afford a luxury vacation or a new car or a big screen TV, they turn to smaller, less costly ways to entertain themselves. During rough economic times, three industries usually flourish: cosmetics, candy and entertainment. People don’t give up hope, so they start looking for less expensive ways to feel good about themselves.

Going out to dinner, a movie, going to a live show, buying cosmetics to dress up, buying a CD or giving themselves a candy treat are common methods. Many businesses found this out during the Great Depression of 1929, and it’s been true during all the recessions since then. People may not have enough money to buy a new car or go on a big vacation, but they can buy a box of chocolates, or a CD, or go dancing or go to a movie or a live show.

Your chance at making money comes from playing as many clubs as you can and selling your merchandise there. Offer a discounted price on your CDs, T-shirts or bumper stickers. If it’s not an outrageous price, you’ll pick up some sales from people that wanna feel good, even if it’s just for one night. They might not be able to go to Disneyland, spend a $1,000 on a new TV, or $20,000 on a new car, but can they buy a $10 CD?

Do the math. (Harvey Gerst), ITR Studios, http://ITRstudio. com

Music veteran Harvey Gerst owns Indian Trail Recording Studios outside Denton. In the past, Harvey has been in a nation act (The Byrds), worked for major recording studios and designed amps for Jackson. Reach him at 940-482-3422 or www.ITRstudio.com.


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