Ever stopped by your local Cash Converters or Dixon’s and wondered where all those newer releases come from? It’s safe to say that a large portion of those CDs were once seen floating around music industry offices and record stores. What happens to all those unused, unwanted releases?Are they destined to spend eternity collecting dust? Are they resold to gain a few extra bucks?
As Industrial Strength reports, for the past eight years, instead of disposing or reselling the demo and promotional copies that are sent to them, Melbourne record store Pure Pop Records have generously donated them to charity.
Each Christmas the St. Kilda Record store donates to the Lighthouse Foundation who in turn distribute them to children and young adults involved in the charity’s various programs. This year, Pure Pop is asking the music industry to do the same.
The Lighthouse Foundation began in 1994 and assists otherwise homeless youth by providing accommodation for people aged 15-22 in suburban homes across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Word of the record stores more ethical approach to clearing space in the office is evidently a more honorable way of removing clutter without taking advantage of musicians or compromising their artistry.“Even if you don’t secure that sought after record deal, please know that you have contributed to a very worthy cause.” – Pure Pop Records.
“Many record companies, reviewers, radio folk and other disreputable music industry folk see flogging promos to second hand stores as an added little perk of their jobs,” a statement on the Pure Pop Records website says, “this goes against the grain with us.”
The label goes on to assure music hopefuls that even if they “don’t secure that sought after record deal, please know that you have contributed to a very worthy cause and the copy of your CD that you see in Cash Converters wasn’t the one you sent us.”
As Christmas approaches, Lighthouse is putting a call out to other music industry and media organisations to follow the lead and donate any unused CDs, DVDs and merchandising. Check out Pure Pop’s website for details.
The series will feature an exhaustive programme of 68 local artists tackling 68 iconic album releases and will run from December through to March, and is a continuation of fundraising efforts to ease the venue’s soundproofing woes.
Those unable to make the trek to St. Kilda – or who have simply missed out on the limited 50 seat ticket capacity – need not fear. Pure Pop have partnered with Valleyarm Digital and Cinematix to broadcast select performances online via YouTube.
With all of that in mind, there’s really no excuse for missing out. View the full program at purepop.com.au.
