EP download totals?

[Christopher]

Originally Posted by mitzo

From Fleetwoodmacnews.com:

At #143 (down from #63) The new EP "Extended Play" extended it's stay on the top 200 indie chart selling a further 672 units for the sales week down 53% vs the previous week where it sold 1,435 units. Total U.S. sales since it's release April 30th is an abysmal 10,709.

That is abysmal, especially for new product under the name Fleetwood Mac. I was hoping that the EP would've sold at least 20-25K units by now, but considering the fact that this was an Indie release, quietly distributed via Itunes & Amazon for digital download only, I guess that I shouldn't be all that surprised. But whoever overlooked the opportunity to sell hard copy CD's of this EP at their merchadise table should be shot, because otherwise I would anticipate that they could've easily sold between 10-20K more copies by now to the fans (mostly older) who'd be more drawn to a physical copy. I have to think that the 10K+ units sold so far only further perpetuates Stevie's notion that the majority of people do not want new music, much less a full length record.

Not that I ever believed for a minute that she would change her mind & decide to record a full record with FM again anyway. I think similar to BTM, Stevie feels the same towards SYW - that they tried it without the "Rumours" era five, and it didn't have the same magic, and it didn't necessarily work in her mind. I think Stevie would only record a full record with FM again only if Chris came back (which will probably never happen.)

Stevie is staying true to what she said during many of her Q&A's for the IYD screenings, intently aware that she is getting on in age, and stated that she planned to start shortening her projects. This EP was her way of shortening the year of Fleetwood Mac, otherwise they'd be promoting a new CD for 2 years.

[jkmaletic]

Originally Posted by Christopher

That is abysmal, especially for new product under the name Fleetwood Mac. I was hoping that the EP would've sold at least 20-25K units by now, but considering the fact that this was an Indie release, quietly distributed via Itunes & Amazon for digital download only, I guess that I shouldn't be all that surprised. But whoever overlooked the opportunity to sell hard copy CD's of this EP at their merchadise table should be shot, because otherwise I would anticipate that they could've easily sold between 10-20K more copies by now to the fans (mostly older) who'd be more drawn to a physical copy. I have to think that the 10K+ units sold so far only further perpetuates Stevie's notion that the majority of people do not want new music, much less a full length record.

Not that I ever believed for a minute that she would change her mind & decide to record a full record with FM again anyway. I think similar to BTM, Stevie feels the same towards SYW - that they tried it without the "Rumours" era five, and it didn't have the same magic, and it didn't necessarily work in her mind. I think Stevie would only record a full record with FM again only if Chris came back (which will probably never happen.)

Stevie is staying true to what she said during many of her Q&A's for the IYD screenings, intently aware that she is getting on in age, and stated that she planned to start shortening her projects. This EP was her way of shortening the year of Fleetwood Mac, otherwise they'd be promoting a new CD for 2 years.

Agreed.
Are they (and Stevie's IYD documentary) not selling hard copies because they are afraid of printing too many and therefore losing money on unsold copies? Cause that's kinda chicken sh#t.
Stephen King is releasing his new book on June 6 in printed format only, or at least to start with he said. He said he doesn't have problems with ebooks, but that sometimes it's good to have the good old paperback sometimes. I bet his mgmt wasnt too happy with that decision, but he stuck to his guns. I respect that. I wish I remembered the name of his new book.. ??

[Angel69]

Originally Posted by jkmaletic

Agreed.
I wish I remembered the name of his new book.. ??

Joyland. He also released "Guns", a non-fiction essay on gun violence in America this past January.

[MacShadowsBall]

Originally Posted by mitzo

From Fleetwoodmacnews.com:

At #143 (down from #63) The new EP "Extended Play" extended it's stay on the top 200 indie chart selling a further 672 units for the sales week down 53% vs the previous week where it sold 1,435 units. Total U.S. sales since it's release April 30th is an abysmal 10,709.

Originally Posted by TrueFaith77

Not surprising. I don't really think the whole EP thing was the way to go anyway. But good for them for trying.

Also, I think minimal Stevie presence was a mistake as well, sales-wise.

But we'll never really know...

Originally Posted by Christopher

That is abysmal, especially for new product under the name Fleetwood Mac. I was hoping that the EP would've sold at least 20-25K units by now, but considering the fact that this was an Indie release, quietly distributed via Itunes & Amazon for digital download only, I guess that I shouldn't be all that surprised. But whoever overlooked the opportunity to sell hard copy CD's of this EP at their merchadise table should be shot, because otherwise I would anticipate that they could've easily sold between 10-20K more copies by now to the fans (mostly older) who'd be more drawn to a physical copy. I have to think that the 10K+ units sold so far only further perpetuates Stevie's notion that the majority of people do not want new music, much less a full length record.

Question: Is this EP considered a flop? Too soon to tell?

[editme2]

I don't know if it's a flop or not. This is the first time they've done anything like this. I suppose a band as "big" as Fleetwood Mac should be able to move more than 11,000 copies of anything they put out there, regardless of the format. But in this case there was very little, if any, push behind the product. Yes, Lindsey talked about it at shows, but he was very vague about release dates. Then it kind of just appeared. They did do some posting on Facebook and it did get reviewed pretty widely, but there was no radio support or any kind of advertising or other promotion accompanying it (no appearance on The Tonight Show, for example).

I think it was brave of them to go digital-only, but given their audience, perhaps it wasn't the right thing to do at this point. Plus, there was very little Stevie on it and the one song she did contribute was old and, to be frank, not very well produced.

So, in the larger scheme of things, this EP will probably be considered a flop (even though I think that's a bit unfair), but the real test will come when they put out an actual CD. If that doesn't sell well in the first week, then they're in trouble.

[elle]

Originally Posted by editme2

Ithe real test will come when they put out an actual CD. If that doesn't sell well in the first week, then they're in trouble.

with the risk of sounding like TrueFaith:

they will not do a whole CD after this. even though they can only blame themselves for making it practically impossible to find after the first week (i'm pretty sure almost the whole 10,000 are first week sales) and next to no promotion, SN must be now even more convinced that nobody wants to buy their music.

we are lucky we got this EP, and we will be even more lucky if Lindsey and Mick keep pushing to put more new music out and we get a few subsequent EPs.

and SN fans will be really lucky if she accepts Lindsey's offer and uses his melodies for the poems she has in her vaults and they put that out too.

[secondhandchain]

There was absolutely zero marketing for this EP...so it's very unfair to call it a flop. I'm sure it will be Stevie's excuse not to do anymore new music. Of course she'll turn around and do a full solo album.

[TrueFaith77]

Originally Posted by elle

with the risk of sounding like TrueFaith:

what's so bad about that?!

Originally Posted by elle

they will not do a whole CD after this.:

agreed

Originally Posted by elle

and SN fans will be really lucky if she accepts Lindsey's offer and uses his melodies for the poems she has in her vaults and they put that out too.

to what does this refer?!

[michelej1]

Originally Posted by editme2

I don't know if it's a flop or not. This is the first time they've done anything like this. I suppose a band as "big" as Fleetwood Mac should be able to move more than 11,000 copies of anything they put out there, regardless of the format. But in this case there was very little, if any, push behind the product. Yes, Lindsey talked about it at shows, but he was very vague about release dates. Then it kind of just appeared.

Even now, he could be more specific about where it is. He could actually say the words "Itunes" and "Amazon." He could call it "Extended Play" so people would know what to search for, instead of just putting in the words "Fleetwood Mac" and hoping they get lucky.

He does say the title "Sad Angel." I guess you could leave the venue with those words in your head and go searching for the song. But you have to be determined.

It's true that most of the sales probably occurred the first week, because that is when it showed up on the Itunes page as a featured selection, so people could impulse buy it. Not to mention that that's when most of us bought it.

Michele

[mylittledemon]

Originally Posted by Christopher

That is abysmal, especially for new product under the name Fleetwood Mac.

They totally need to get a physical product and sell it for $5 at their shows. I think it's fair to say the band likely would've pushed more than 10,000 copies during the tour. You get all those folks in line for t-shirts and they get spend crazy!

[BrownEyedGirl26]

Originally Posted by Christopher

That is abysmal, especially for new product under the name Fleetwood Mac. I was hoping that the EP would've sold at least 20-25K units by now, but considering the fact that this was an Indie release, quietly distributed via Itunes & Amazon for digital download only, I guess that I shouldn't be all that surprised. But whoever overlooked the opportunity to sell hard copy CD's of this EP at their merchadise table should be shot, because otherwise I would anticipate that they could've easily sold between 10-20K more copies by now to the fans (mostly older) who'd be more drawn to a physical copy. I have to think that the 10K+ units sold so far only further perpetuates Stevie's notion that the majority of people do not want new music, much less a full length record.

Not that I ever believed for a minute that she would change her mind & decide to record a full record with FM again anyway. I think similar to BTM, Stevie feels the same towards SYW - that they tried it without the "Rumours" era five, and it didn't have the same magic, and it didn't necessarily work in her mind. I think Stevie would only record a full record with FM again only if Chris came back (which will probably never happen.)

Stevie is staying true to what she said during many of her Q&A's for the IYD screenings, intently aware that she is getting on in age, and stated that she planned to start shortening her projects. This EP was her way of shortening the year of Fleetwood Mac, otherwise they'd be promoting a new CD for 2 years.

Christopher, You really should be their manager! They need someone who is "Pro-active", because they let so many oportunities pass them by. It's "us" fans that are wanting them to succeed, much, more than the band themselves unfortunately! They can still sell the EP at their remaining shows around the world which will help sales. Who is managing them at the moment anyway, I can't remember?

[elle]

interesting discussions!

i'm puzzled by all the calls for putting out the physical copy. i've made a CD out of downloaded version, added some other FM songs, and now usually listen to it in my car. so if you want the physical copy, why not do that? or do you really crave that generic photoshop cover that much?

if most of FM members do not care about sales, as they seem not to judging by their non-promotion of availability of different downloads (none of their official sources list amazon availability, for example, just direct you to itunes), then why in the world would they care for another possible 10,000 copies they could sell if they had physical CD, and go through all the hassle of actually putting it out?

i'm thinking we should poll people here with some of these questions:

• did you buy Extended Play?
• on amazon or itunes?
• just one / two songs or the whole EP?
• would you buy a physical copy?
• when you have a choice of download or physical copy which one do you prefer?

i can give you my answers:

• did you buy Extended Play? yes.
• on amazon or itunes? both. (although if i knew it would be available on amazon, i would wait and skip itunes)
• just one song or the whole EP? whole EP
• would you buy a physical copy? probably not (although i bought almost every available format of SWS and Songs from the Small Machine Live in LA, other than vinyl since i don't own record player).
• when you have a choice of download or physical copy which one do you prefer? download. i'm all for instant gratification. i want the stuff NOW. unless it's itunes movie, than i'll buy DVD or blu-ray too. and although i hear and am annoyed when someone is off-key (recent Rumours outtakes anyone?), i don't hear or notice all the production nuances that others seem to be so up in arms about. guess our ears catch different frequencies .

if you chose not to download EP, is it because:

1. didn't like the songs / snippets i heard
2. didn't like the production
3. not enough Stevie
4. no Christine
5. no Peter Green
6. i am really not FM fan

(i tried to list what i saw in itunes reviews, as well as here, as a reason for people not liking the album).

[SadAngel86]

Originally Posted by elle

interesting discussions!

i'm puzzled by all the calls for putting out the physical copy. i've made a CD out of downloaded version, added some other FM songs, and now usually listen to it in my car. so if you want the physical copy, why not do that? or do you really crave that generic photoshop cover that much?

if most of FM members do not care about sales, as they seem not to judging by their non-promotion of availability of different downloads (none of their official sources list amazon availability, for example, just direct you to itunes), then why in the world would they care for another possible 10,000 copies they could sell if they had physical CD, and go through all the hassle of actually putting it out?

i'm thinking we should poll people here with some of these questions:

• did you buy Extended Play?
• on amazon or itunes?
• just one / two songs or the whole EP?
• would you buy a physical copy?
• when you have a choice of download or physical copy which one do you prefer?

i can give you my answers:

• did you buy Extended Play? yes.
• on amazon or itunes? both. (although if i knew it would be available on amazon, i would wait and skip itunes)
• just one song or the whole EP? whole EP
• would you buy a physical copy? probably not (although i bought almost every available format of SWS and Songs from the Small Machine Live in LA, other than vinyl since i don't own record player).
• when you have a choice of download or physical copy which one do you prefer? download. i'm all for instant gratification. i want the stuff NOW. unless it's itunes movie, than i'll buy DVD or blu-ray too. and although i hear and am annoyed when someone is off-key (recent Rumours outtakes anyone?), i don't hear or notice all the production nuances that others seem to be so up in arms about. guess our ears catch different frequencies .

if you chose not to download EP, is it because:

1. didn't like the songs / snippets i heard
2. didn't like the production
3. not enough Stevie
4. no Christine
5. no Peter Green
6. i am really not FM fan

(i tried to list what i saw in itunes reviews, as well as here, as a reason for people not liking the album).

*did you buy Extended Play? Yes
*on amazon or itunes? iTunes
*just one / two songs or the whole EP? Whole EP
*would you buy a physical copy? If it was released, yes.
*when you have a choice of download or physical copy which one do you prefer? Download, because as you said elle, instant gratification.

[seekerj]

Originally Posted by elle

interesting discussions!

i'm puzzled by all the calls for putting out the physical copy. i've made a CD out of downloaded version, added some other FM songs, and now usually listen to it in my car. so if you want the physical copy, why not do that? or do you really crave that generic photoshop cover that much?

if most of FM members do not care about sales, as they seem not to judging by their non-promotion of availability of different downloads (none of their official sources list amazon availability, for example, just direct you to itunes), then why in the world would they care for another possible 10,000 copies they could sell if they had physical CD, and go through all the hassle of actually putting it out?

i'm thinking we should poll people here with some of these questions:

• did you buy Extended Play?
• on amazon or itunes?
• just one / two songs or the whole EP?
• would you buy a physical copy?
• when you have a choice of download or physical copy which one do you prefer?

i can give you my answers:

• did you buy Extended Play? yes.
• on amazon or itunes? both. (although if i knew it would be available on amazon, i would wait and skip itunes)
• just one song or the whole EP? whole EP
• would you buy a physical copy? probably not (although i bought almost every available format of SWS and Songs from the Small Machine Live in LA, other than vinyl since i don't own record player).
• when you have a choice of download or physical copy which one do you prefer? download. i'm all for instant gratification. i want the stuff NOW. unless it's itunes movie, than i'll buy DVD or blu-ray too. and although i hear and am annoyed when someone is off-key (recent Rumours outtakes anyone?), i don't hear or notice all the production nuances that others seem to be so up in arms about. guess our ears catch different frequencies .

if you chose not to download EP, is it because:

1. didn't like the songs / snippets i heard
2. didn't like the production
3. not enough Stevie
4. no Christine
5. no Peter Green
6. i am really not FM fan

(i tried to list what i saw in itunes reviews, as well as here, as a reason for people not liking the album).

One more:

7. I don't download, not ever, for anything, or apparently now, any one or any band. I also don't buy things that aren't already assembled. Same philosophy. Why should I pay and then have to pay more, and especially, to spend more of my time to create my own physical copy? And I'm certainly not going to allow some "entity" to tell me how many times and to what machine I am allowed to copy the stuff. It's not about the artwork.

[Dex]

Originally Posted by seekerj

One more:

7. I don't download, not ever, for anything, or apparently now, any one or any band. I also don't buy things that aren't already assembled. Same philosophy. Why should I pay and then have to pay more, and especially, to spend more of my time to create my own physical copy? And I'm certainly not going to allow some "entity" to tell me how many times and to what machine I am allowed to copy the stuff. It's not about the artwork.

This is all fair enough, but I'd like to point out that digital downloads (and flatpack furniture) are almost invariably cheaper than their traditional counterparts. And apple's restrictions are completely bypassed if you burn the file to a CD. If you don't want to do that, ok. I'm just sayin'. Part of the reason I've gotten into digital downloads is they're cheaper and more reflective of how I actually listen to music. I like physical releases and I do sometimes still buy them, but basically I'm paying more for something that just sits on my shelf untouched for years.


Anyway:


did you buy Extended Play? Yes
on amazon or itunes? iTunes
just one / two songs or the whole EP? Whole EP
would you buy a physical copy? No
when you have a choice of download or physical copy which one do you prefer? This answer varies depending on how much I feel like supporting my local high street vs. big evil corporations. But I usually only buy one or the other. Not both.