Irony 101: Record companies elbow out the vinyl LP in order to maximize profits through the sale of cheap-to-manufacture CDs, which ends up paving the way for a digital music revolution that, in effect, obliterates the music industry’s consumer stranglehold. And the icing on the cake? The resulting destabilization creates the perfect environment for the rebirth of the vinyl record, which in turn empowers the independent artist.

How Did All This Happen?

In 1988, after surviving the reel-to-reel, the 8-track, and cassette tape, the vinyl record was finally toppled and all but eradicated by the CD. Although there was no shortage of enthusiasm for the easy-to-play compact disc, the disappearance of vinyl was largely orchestrated by major label distributors, who stopped allowing retailers to return and swap unsold records (a practice common in everything from magazine and book to music and movie sales).

Left with little choice in the matter, retailers began to stock CDs, and labels stopped offering most titles on vinyl. It was a good move for corporate shareholders, as CDs were a fraction of the cost to manufacture, while still justifying the higher price tag of a new techy product.

Kicking off this week was an itunes exclusive of The Grey Man EP which features bonus content that is currently being sold on 12” vinyl in stores. 
 
The Grey Man EP and 12” feature:
1. The Grey Man
2. What Cannot Be Found (pt.1)
3. Every Silence
4. You Are My Sunshine
5. The Grey Man- music video
6. Not So Tough Found Out… music video

The indie band recently released, Your Are My Sunshine, and will be touring in support of the album. You Are My Sunshine is a rich playground of sound unfolding into layers of angelic tenor, driving guitars, experimental backdrops and rousing lyrics (some of which can be found in an elaborate maze the band has recently confused web goers with). The production team of Aaron Sprinkle (Eisley, Anberlin, Pedro the Lion), Copeland vocalist Aaron Marsh, and mixer Michael Brauer (Coldplay, John Mayer, My Morning Jacket) joined forces with Tooth and Nail and the result is a brilliant 11-song collection.

Originally formed in 2000, Copeland released their label debut Beneath Medicine Tree via The Militia Group in 2003, and In Motion in 2005. In 2006, the band signed with Columbia Records to release Eat, Sleep, Repeat and followed up with Dressed Up & In Line, a 2007 album of B-sides and rarities.

Stay tuned for more news from Copeland. For more information, please visit www.thecopelandsite.com.

-  Press Release provide by Big Picture Media