As any punk kid, I've always been very critical of music industry's mainstream distribution channels.
Access and information have always been highly manipulated, and consequently exposure and reach for any independent label/artist is restricted and very often paid for or dependent on who you know in "the business".

As a label, we don't agree with this.We don't see music as a business and we're more interested in helping to bring captivating projects to life, regardless of what is considered as a "successful release". I even wrote about this for The Juice Fanzine #03, where I questioned what an "indie label" stood for in this day and age, and how these concepts were vanishing and everyone was throwing money and attention into these new streaming platforms that were slowly spoon-feeding you what the major players in the industry dictate, in the same way mainstream radio and television have always done.
As music fan and a consumer, I believe the current streaming model is far from ideal. Convenience and (manipulated) access for the listener in return for (conditioned) exposure and very little money for the musician is not enough. Bandcamp being the only noteworthy exception here, as they allow for direct downloads and money goes straight to the uploader pocket. Still, a 10% fee off every sale is tough.

But as a label, we have to recognise that we're working within the same boundaries as everyone else, as much as we try to set ourselves apart and do things differently. With that in mind, to deny ourselves, and most importantly our artists, of a tool that can bring more value to a project and potentially showcase it to a wider audience, is essentially not doing our job properly. We have a responsibility of maximising the reach of every single record we put out, and streaming - together with digital downloads - play a big part in this, whether we like it or not.

So call it a change of heart if you will, but Juicy is now licencing music via all major streaming platforms and digital music stores. It won't be all of our catalogue, as we can't afford that - don't get me started on the subject of the paywall to get music in these places - but any artist that is currently still part of our roster will have their relevant discography available via these platforms.

Don't get it twisted though, we're still a label 100% committed to physical format. We have a very solid DIY attitude to everything we do and will continue to be involved in the creation of real life objects that carry meaning and sound in them. We are fond of physicality because it requires a different type of creative process, builds a different connection between content and audience, demands a different kind of attention. That's hasn't changed.

So if physical is still your thing, check out the new vinyl from Los Padres currently on pre-order. And yes, we are proud to say that it will also be available on Spotify and Itunes from release date.