INTRODUCTION TO THE NEW MUSIC DISTRIBUTION SERVICE

 

The New Music Distribution Service (NMDS) distributes all independently produced recordings of new music, regardless of commercial potential or personal taste. A wealth of new music is being created in the areas of jazz, classical, and rock, as well as outside of any clearly delineated experimental categories. Because of its generally uncommercial nature, this music has had minimal representation in the music industry. Independent record production and distribution may be the only way for musicians to maintain artistic and economic control of their work. In addition to the sale and promotion of their music, we advise musicians and producers about the recording and manufacturing phases of record-making. We deal with everyone equally, regardless how much or how little the records sell. The music in this catalog is intended to be successful on its own musical merit, rather than on strictly commercial terms.

 

The New Music Distribution Service is a division of the Jazz Composer’s Orchestra Association, Inc., a not-for-profit organization chartered in New York in 1966. The Jazz Composer’s Orchestra began producing its own JCOA recordings as early as 1968. As an increasing number of musicians and composers in all fields started to explore independent record production, the problem of inadequate distribution became acutely apparent. In order to deal with the need for a distribution outlet for its own records, as well as for all new jazz and new music, the New Music Distribution Service was established in 1972. Initially, 98 records on 17 small labels from, the United States and Europe were handled, with services being exchanged on an international basis. However, during the next few years the unprecedented growth of domestic independent record companies necessitated exclusive concentration on the problem as a national one, and ties with foreign labels were dropped. Now, the demand for service is such that over 2000 records on 360 labels are being distributed. This growth does not appear to be slowing down. It continually becomes more obvious that independent record production is the only way for most of these musicians and composers to issue their music. As the only organization in the field, NMDS continues to provide and improve this vital and unique service to the creators and the audience of new music.

 

NMDS sells records to individuals by mail order and to record stores across the country. We regard the mail order portion of our business as the most vital, because this allows you to select what you want from the entire catalog. By doing so you directly support our efforts to keep this creative music available. Our aim is to provide you with a rich variety of music. For those of you to whom this music is totally unfamiliar, we have provided an introduction to NMDS recordings, which may help you become acquainted with these new sounds. For the record store this catalog represents a strong alternative to the monopolistic practices of the commercial ‘music industry’. These records may give the store the edge that distinguishes it from just another record store.

 

The descriptions in this catalog are not intended to be definitive, but rather to guide you. Each of our catalogs is larger and more diverse than the previous one, reflecting the continuing commitment of the music community to independent record production. Beginning with this edition, we have also instituted an attempt, however futile and elusive it may seem, of listing artists by style of music. Because of the inherent problems of trying to categorize them, many of our artists can be found in more than one category. We hope that this will enable you not only to find the composers and musicians you are looking for, but also to discover others working in the same genre.

 

As a non-profit organization, we are counting on your support. You can help ensure the survival of creative new music on records not only through your purchases, but also through your tax-deductible contributions. You may now become a Friend of NMDS for $25.00 per year, for which you will automatically receive our quarterly New Release Listings, and we will also ship your orders at our expense. This offer applies only to orders of more than one record shipped in the continental U.S. If you are able to contribute more, you will receive the above privileges, plus a signed copy of Laurie Anderson’s first Single (for $75), or a signed and numbered copy of a boxed three-record set of the John Cage Town Hall 25-Year Retrospective Concert (for $150).

 

This catalog has been prepared with significant support and encouragement from the New York State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, and many generous individuals.

 

HOW TO USE THIS CATALOG

 

Record companies are listed in alphabetical order. An index of composers and musicians begins on page 61. An introductory guide to NMDS recordings is on page 89. Ordering instructions and order forms are bound into the centerfold. An artists listing by category begins on page 69. Our discount prices are found on the back of the order form and on page 91.