Rare concert recordings are landing on the Internet Archive (techcrunch.com)

Article summary

A music fan, Aadam Jacobs, has been recording concerts since the 1980s and has amassed over 10,000 tapes, which are now being digitized by the Internet Archive. About 2,500 of these recordings have been posted online, including rare performances by artists like Nirvana and Sonic Youth. The recordings were made using mediocre equipment, but volunteer audio engineers have improved their sound quality. The collection is a valuable resource for music fans and preservationists.

Main themes

• Music preservation
• Live concert recordings
• Internet Archive
• Bootleg culture
• Music history

What commenters say

• The Internet Archive is the best platform for preserving and sharing live concert recordings due to its non-commercial nature and commitment to preservation.
• Some argue that torrenting or peer-to-peer sharing is a viable alternative for distributing live concert recordings, but others prefer the Internet Archive's approach.
• The idea of musicians recording every live show and making it available to attendees or fans for a fee is seen as a potential revenue stream and a way to provide a unique experience for fans.
• There is a debate about whether live concert recordings should be made available to everyone or only to those who attended the show, with some arguing that exclusivity adds value and others advocating for open access.
• The DMCA may pose a threat to the availability of live concert recordings online, even if they are shared non-commercially.
• Some commenters reminisce about the days of buying bootleg recordings and appreciate the improved accessibility and quality of live concert recordings online.
• The importance of preserving live concert recordings is highlighted, with some arguing that it is essential for music history and cultural heritage.
• There are existing platforms and repositories, such as Relisten, that provide access to live concert recordings, and some commenters discuss the potential for collaboration or integration with the Internet Archive.