Here's the letter in full:
Following on from the list of independent musicians websites that you
featured in the latest issue of Future Music, I'd like to sing the praises
of the site that came top of your list.....
Electromancer.com, the site where I first put my music on the internet, is
to close. It's run by one man, Marvey Mills, and has been going for quite a
few years now, giving unsigned artists the chance to promote their music in
a non-threatening, non-competitive environment. It's not about people
chasing record labels, it's a place where musicians can share their work
with like-minded people. Marv cites increasing running costs, increasing
"free" membership numbers, but fewer members who are prepared to pay for
"Platinum" membership (I hold my hand up to that!), and the fact that it
takes a helluva time to manage and maintain it all. Marv also makes music
under the name FBF (retro, 80s electronica - he's a fan of John Foxx, well
worth a listen).
I first came across Electromancer in December 2003, when I'd started to
think about doing something with my music other than playing it to my
family. A few people had said that "Never Alone" and "I travel" were good
enough to go on the web, and I had a look around for some sites to help me
test the water, and where I could be anonymous enough if people thought my
stuff was rubbish. In fact, I got quite the opposite reaction! Everyone who
heard the tracks and wrote a review or comment was really positive. One
reviewer said that Never Alone was "worthy of a small record label
release". That hasn't happened yet, but the track has since been played by
a number of DJs in clubs up and down the UK. The same track got to Number 2
in the Electromancer download chart in its first full month. The site, its
owner, and members have had a massive influence on me and my music. They've
written some great reviews , and really inspired me to keep making music. I
wouldn't be where I am today with my music if it wasn't for Marv and the
Electromancer people. Things have taken off a bit for me recently, but it
still feels like "home", and I'll miss it. It's definitely the end of an
era, as there aren't any other music sites like this around anymore.
Electromancer will close on 3rd October 2006. In the meantime, please visit
the site and support some great musicians.
Have a look at my Electromancer page here. There are 3 free tracks on there too.
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