Got an even better idea than that.
You and your band practice, practice, practice. Find a good talker and make him go out and find local gigs for you, at bars, youth centers, clubs, etc. Once you have a little money saved up, make a record. If you take a look at this page:
http://www.cuerecording.com/boing.htmYou will see that recording a CD in a pro environment is less than $1000. Once it has been mastered, burn a whole bunch of copies at home, or find a cheap duping service. If it turns out to be popular, go have some cases printed and cds stamped - see ad at bottom of page showing that you can get 1000 complete packages for $1700. Sell them at your shows, sell them online:
http://www.artists-first.net/index.phpCongratulations - your music is now popular enough to get you laid occasionally, and your music has gotten out to plenty of people. You might even have enough money to make another album at an even better studio. #*#
For those of you who don't play, consider making short-term loans to these bands. Anybody who has had a year of college can write up a simple contract that when they make some money, the band pays you back first. Additionally, a clause about paying back with interest if the band doesn't do well, or whatever. Personally, I loaned a band the money to make a 7" record. It was an enjoyable experience, and I may do it again.
Why this will fuck the RIAA - because the RIAA is about big business, and the maintenance of certain profit margins. It has absolutely nothing to do with artists, fans, music, or even cds - it has to do with sales. And they are in power because we keep them in power, with the radio system, the Mtv system, the cd store system, and etc. Everyone who has ever been to a live show at a small club knows that there are thousands of bands out there 10x better than anything on your radio. It's about time that we start deciding what we like and what deserves our money, instead of letting somebody else decide for us.
#*#
Q: "But Worker201, how am I going to make 20 million dollars, rape the shit out of dumb groupie whores, and get addicted to cocaine without the support of a giant record company?"
A: What the fuck did you get into music for? I've seen girls take their shirts off for hapless local pogues just because they tuned a guitar behind the stage - there's no shortage of sex, once you play a few gigs. So the legendary stories of Motley Crue, Kiss, and Def Leppard are totally within your grasp, and you don't even have to go on a national tour. However, if you do want to go on a national tour, that's just as easy as booking a gig in a local bar.
As for drugs and money issues, well, that's your fucking problem. Usually, the fame caused by multi-million dollar payoffs causes you to take drugs. Besides, the key to destroying the multi-billion dollar business of the RIAA is to remove the big money from the business.
Q: "But what if we do this and the RIAA gets some super-talent supergroup together that totally rocks and sells $3 cds?"
A: Tough break, we are left with a supergroup that totally rocks - how terrible! And $3 cds? That's terrible too! Listen, hotrod, the RIAA can put out shitty records and charge ridiculous prices because we let them. They're basically a cartel, fixing prices, and unmotivated to produce quality products. A little competition, and things will change quickly. If that means better music at better prices, then the movement has succeeded.