2024 was't all that much of a BIG YEAR!

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What do we all actually expect in the near future, or what needs to change?

Let's try to do this constructively with ideas.

We've had enough of all the Prince LLC/Estate bashing already.

It's not helping us to hear more music.

Should formats like SDE continue to follow? Change?

Or, should there be a new (faster) form of official (paid) music sharing?

For sure it needs to be some win-win formula.

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Let's hope those in charge, read along.

SDE are far from an optimal way to release previously unreleased music.

Digital-only releases are the way to go for most material. FLAC, WAV, AAC, MP3, etc. Let me buy files, with some minimal artwork and liner notes. Take a more archivistic/systematic approach. Release complete performances, rehearsals and recording sessions, from all periods. Not just Purple Rain. Not just the 80s. Don't do it chronologically, as it doesn't make much sense.

Most of those tracks should probably not be released to streaming platforms, but compilations could be released from time to time, as CDs, vinyls, etc.

Being constructive won't matter either, they just don't listen, but someone on here had a great idea about licensing out the numerous concert films to Netflix to release on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Outside of that a streaming service, physical releases are pointless, it's 2024, mimic what has already been done and worked for other artists. The Grateful Dead online archive of 15,000 concerts is a great format, but can be monetized.

happyshopper said:

Download only feels cheap and nasty.

Realistically, it's the only way to release Prince's huge archive, though. Releasing CDs and vinyls for everything (e.g. rehearsals, work-in-progress mixes, etc.) doesn't make any sense.

Again, releasing things digitally most of the time and releasing things physically from time to time, for more commercial/mainstream releases, sounds like an excellent compromise. People who want to see way more material released will be happy. People who like to collect CDs, vinyls, box sets will be happy.

SDE's are absolutely fucking stupid, outdated, and we will miss out on 95 percent of the best vault stuff because of the limitations of this archaic format.

They need think bigger than that for physical releases, or at least think differently and outside the box. And yes, download-only will need to factor in at some point, there's just too much.

We're totally fucked, frankly.

- Keep relesing fysical discs or SDEs wit h the remastered album, all singles, finished outtakees and Prince's versions of tracks for other artists, unreleased remixes etc.
- License concerts to HBO/MAX (WB owned) with the help of WB for additional footgae that they are rumored to have in there own video vaults
- Phycial Bluray and CD combo releases of single concerts dates complete with soundcheck, support act and aftershow if available for that date
- Add a access code with each SDE for a online library with work-in-progress versions, recoding sessions, rehearsals, soundchecks, concerts linked to the SDE period (unique access code that can be stacked with other SDE access codes to your account for the library) and of course the digital files of the SDE in question.

olb99 said:

JorisE73 said:

happyshopper said:

JorisE73 said:

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- License concerts to HBO/MAX (WB owned) with the help of WB for additional footgae that they are rumored to have in there own video vaults

Common misconception. Warner Music is a totally separate company to Warner Bros (now Warner Bros Discovery) that own Max. They were sold off years ago. [Edited 8/30/24 5:44am]

oh ok, thanks.
Than any streamer will do that have contact with whatever WB company that houses there video library

Under the current management, it's all totally hopeless. They don't listen. Many great ideas have been shared with them already through countless different channels, but the response (if any) is always: "Thanks, but we have our own plans".
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It's not only mindboggling for us fans, but I do consider it criminal how they treat the legacy of one of the greatest artists ever lived.
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Ideas about what recordings should be released and how, in my view, should only be a part of a great concept for the fate of P's legacy, as this concept should also elevate Prince into the realm of music history's true greats and inspire future generations of artists to innovate as fearlessly as he did. Purple Rain themed bedsheets, t-shirts and mugs just won't cut it, I'm afraid.

[Edited 8/30/24 6:17am]

Thanks, Vannormal for this conversation. I do prefer the SDE releases.

At this point, change isn't going to happen until Londell and Charles are ousted from their positions. Any polite constructive criticism goes ignored; any harsh and scathing criticism is met with passive aggressive tweets. The only opinions the estate cares about are those of fans who kiss their asses unconditionally and praise everything they do.

I've been saying this for a few months and it rings true more with each passing day: the estate has zero interest in sharing vault releases with the world, they only care about peddling merchandise and event tickets. The Diamonds & Pearls SDE (which they didn't even compile) didn't sell like hotcakes, so they gave up on music altogether. From now on, the only music we're getting is cash-grab reissues of the same old shit with a slightly new coat of paint, whether it's colored vinyl variants or Dolby ATMOS remixes that nobody asked for.

Just look at the type of fans who comment on their social media posts - casual fans who are easily wowed by nostalgia and don't know or care about the treasure trove of recorded material that the estate is sitting on. The estate is fully catering to these folks from now on because they spend cash on useless shit without asking questions. As far as Londell and Charles are concered, the rest of us can go get fucked.

I am going to try to formulate a response to everything that has been suggested here.
Again, leave out the blaming, it simply doesn't/never works. It only shows personal frustrations, which no one benefits from either, and that doesn't help one flying fuck.
We'd better think about that typical American formula “If You Can't Beat ‘m, Join ’m.” (I'm European)

We could conspire here, and write a sort of “open letter,” and try to get it published in some media, and, also send it to Prince LLC/The Estate. Don't just laugh this proposal off, it's a possibility. Right? Why not use it. As a community of Prince music lovers, we could just do that.

And, let comments like “It's over, dudes. Get over it” to avoid. It's unconstructive, and doesn't help a soul one single bit.

This doesn't need to be about giving up or giving in, it's about trying to find oportunities and work together, ok? For those who don't want to help or participat, love you just the same.

All this could work if we also try to get some (constructive) help (if possible) from people with more links, more connections.

To start with the creators of .ORG here. Maybe try and communicate with D. Tudahl, or anyone else (closely) involved, etc.

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SDE or any other form of releasing material will never be optimal. Let's be clear about that.
Prince's inimitable work ethic birthed improbable volumes of music and all that goes with it, which were also rarely, if ever, coherent, (to be stuffed in the idea of a SDE).
So, any SDE will always leave purists hungry. Digital formats will then in turn dissatisfy 'stuff' collectors (like me). Therefore, best to compromise, and have a mix of everything.

Let's not argue about that anymore.

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I am by no means a connoisseur. But if digital editions were made (of whatever is accessable and posible), how profitable would they be? (FLAC, WAV, AAC, MP3, etc, all these formats for example).
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As for SDE, indeed a remastered version of the Album, and closely related unreleased material.
In this, I would like to see a parallel possibility to enjoy digital material, from remixes and edit versions (omitting these from the SDE), plus the availablilty of (as much as possible) work-progress-mixes, rehearsals, soundchecks, after shows, live studio compilations and (a feasible volume of) concert performances from this tour, for example.

Personally, I (certainly) don't need every concert in ultra-high quality and on Blu-ray, or any other physical release. I don't mind extra Bluray releases at all. Just try to make it available through other platforms within the quality that is achievable/acceptable and affordable. We all sit often watching illegal super bad concert footage via YT etc. It doesn't have to be that bad, but if nothing else, just make it available to fans on digital channels.

(Another thing, I (personally) DO LIKE the Atmos mixes of albums, as dowloads.)

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Olb99 said what i think : "Again, releasing things digitally most of the time and releasing things physically from time to time, for more commercial/mainstream releases, sounds like an excellent compromise. People who want to see way more material released will be happy. People who like to collect CDs, vinyls, box sets will be happy."

lustmealways said : "...at least think differently and outside the box.." That's what we need to accomplish, but again, with a profitable result.

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Either way, it will be virtually impossible to get a perfect as complete as possible edition that will please everyone. This is abundantly clear. On top of that, the finds in the vault will also show that not everything is recoverable and can be published. Personally, I don't care so much about perfect sound quality. For me there is also something untouchable in those 'dirty' or 'unclean' (cassette) recordings (such as the Kiss demo). The roughness of it also adds to the mystery and genius that is Prince. And I think this certainly applies to the very oldest recordings (which interest me immensely.) Those can be available digitally for all I care. Virtually only superfans will listen to them, and the material will still be available to those who want to study it.

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JorisE73 said : “Add an access code to each SDE for an online library of work-in-progress releases, recording sessions, rehearsals, soundchecks, concerts linked to the SDE period (unique access code that can be stacked with other SDE access codes on your account for the library) and, of course, the digital files of the SDE in question." I think this is a viable idea, at least, if it can pay off.

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SIrSighALot said this, and i can relate to that too : "they should focus on releasing released material on streaming if they can't release unreleased music at the moment. (...) What's stopping them from putting all maxi singles on streaming?" Good example.

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The idea of relasing 3 to 4 times a year seems quite impossible (to me), and probably wil cost a fortune, with less profit. We need to think in a 'profitible way' for all.

Two thoroughly substantiated releases per year seems more feasible and oportune to me.

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Please, some helpfull and respectful constructive reponses will be more than welcome.

If you prefer to bash (I can't blame you for doing it, i understand the frustration), find other threads here on .org. There's plenty of 'm.

[Edited 9/2/24 1:11am]

Vannormal said:

Please, some helpfull and respectful constructive reponses will be more than welcome.

If you prefer to bash (I can't blame you for doing it, i understand the frustration), find other threads here on .org. There's plenty of 'm.

[Edited 8/30/24 23:34pm]

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Don't mean to bash at all and I do appreciate your suggestions and contructive approach, however, you seem to ignore the reality that I mentioned yesterday:
many of us already submitted not just ideas but some complex, detailed concepts too to the people in charge, but the answer is always "thanks, but we have our own plans".

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Another thing: P's legacy needs a concept that goes way beyond the fate of the recordings. Trying to put together a concept on an open forum like this, with many people adding all sorts of different ideas, can never result in a concept that most will agree on, as parts of the concept must fit together perfectly to work as a concept. Unless we could simply gather ideas first, and then vote for one person who would be able to build a consistent concept out of those ideas – but I guess you know how such an election would go down here...
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Anyway, the sad reality is that Londell&Co. won't listen.

peedub said:

RODSERLING said:

Yes, but is it really financially profitable, or is it just done at the artist ( or heirs) expenses for posterity sake?

Everything doesn't have to be "really profitable". Especially in music and arts.

Exactly!
The information situation right now is extremely uncommunicative, closed and unclear.

From here you can't expect anything yet, or change anything.

Indeed, all court problems should be off the table first, and unfortunately that may take a (long) time.

Concerning the Netflix adventure, we still know little to nothing. Again, it's all about (seemingly not wanting to) communicate, presumably low profile, in order to do as little damage as possible to their own decisions... then, only to come out afterwards with a (late) bang... is what i think, feel.

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So we are in a preliminary impasse with no timing, and in a waiting mode as fans.
All ideas notwithstanding, I think it is a good idea to think ahead. Nothing is in vain.
I will try to send a letter on my own to some top magazines. Who knows!

Waiting for some kind of “voting” is indeed a difficult thing her on the (understandable) frustrated Prince.org.

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I want to say something about this actually; about us all trying to achieve something together as a community...
I am 57 years old myself, and I notice that most Prince fans around my age have something selfish about them. Something conservative that is hard to pierce. 'Everyone for him/herself' it seems.

I notice that in sharing unreleased music etc. Why is that so (hard)?

The so-called 'inner circle', which I doubt is really there (and if so, which most likely also regularly bursts apart from inequity and pettiness. I would bet a leg on that.)

Of course there are people/fans who have more. Too bad anyway I would say for NOT WILLING to share.

And some “fanatics,” who want nothing more than to make a profit out of it by selling stuff, are (in my eyes) not Prince fans, not even music fans. Just short-sighted and destructive to others out of self-interest, as they will always exist, unfortunately.

Then all the unnecessary and unwanted hard arguments (here), provoked or unprovoked, banal attacks and bashing... It serves no purpose whatsoever, never.

The result is that Prince.org almost resembles an abandoned graveyard, where everyone is behind a grave ready with the same old tired weapons.

It is my personal opinion,but really, honestly, everything (here) should be about Prince and his music and not about our insignificant egos and shortcomings of any kind.

Use other frustration outlets for that (like 'so called free-speech-apps.')

(...including myself...)

That makes it very difficult to come up with something constructive and work together as one fan base. I am anything but a fanatic, or a “fam.” I'm just a music lover.

It really bugs me how hard it is here to get the spirit back into it.

Informative super valuable bullies like Bart and a few others obviously we really need. I respect them for their much needed insight and contributions. I can look over that kind of petty behavior and commentary without any problem, and take advantage of it as needed.

Anyway, I had to get it off my chest.

We just need more normality, fun and talks and info about Prince's music.

Who can not agree with that!

Peace to us all goddamnit.

[Edited 9/2/24 7:30am]

bozojones said:

SoulAlive said:

bozojones said:

I've been saying this for a few months and it rings true more with each passing day: the estate has zero interest in sharing vault releases with the world, they only care about peddling merchandise and event tickets. The Diamonds & Pearls SDE (which they didn't even compile) didn't sell like hotcakes, so they gave up on music altogether. From now on, the only music we're getting is cash-grab reissues of the same old shit with a slightly new coat of paint, whether it's colored vinyl variants or Dolby ATMOS remixes that nobody asked for.

I feel the same way.

I hate to be cynical and defeatist about the whole estate situation, but there's just no point in anyone getting their hopes up for improvement from these guys. They've been at it for roughly two years now and have only gotten worse at their jobs. All we can hope for is some kind of shakeup that leads to new management of the estate, but it'll probably be years until that happens, if it happens at all.