It's amazing how many people are making excuses for the industry not supporting it's own ecosystem, really telling why music is so undervalued in society. Screw your head on. Artists need to make money, currently it's not through music releases, or live gigs. Soon even Film/TV placements will pay less and less. 'It's for the love of it' yeah well why not both?! Children. Richie great words, appreciate your insight a lot thanks for speaking on this.
Except from great DJ you prove that most of all you are human and believe me that is much respected than music or DJing. Don't dissapoint yourself there is always hope and maybe someone, somewhere with the help of proper people may bring the equality. Hope never dies. PS I heard you last Friday(9/20) at Reworks(Thessaloniki) and i enjoyed your set once more time. Dancing till we die....
You can hear the dissapointment in Richie's voice. Richie is very self aware, the fame and success didn't get to his head and he always promotes up and coming artists. True legend
You’re kidding, right? You can see him, right? This guy is a totally drug addled loser at this point. Sure he gets a ton of bookings and can slay but he’s offering nothing new. He’s jacking himself off with this post. It’s gross and he is OBVIOUSLY TIRED.
Hi Claude, Searched for more recent sets of yours now and then. Seems you are not spinnin and/or sharing a lot. Although the quality of your sets back in the days, was not always that 'stable', other sets are still in my mind even 25 (?) yrs later and some of the best sets I ever heard. Think I found 1 set on your Soundcloud, but unfortunately the audio quality was pretty terrible. Can't listen to that on a decent system. If you can share more, or playing in NL, DE or BE again, I hope to find out. Much respect! Pepijn
Had the privilege of meeting Richie during his set at the groundbreaking of the Apple SoHo store 20+ years ago when I worked there. He was considerate then of everyone assisting with the set up of the gig and he's still that same level, caring person now. Thanks for giving musicians a voice and for fighting the good fight, despite the odds stacked against everyone.
Thank you for this genuine response about Aslice. I feel very grateful to at least know there are people like you in the industry that truly supported this project and as a musician I feel the industry do not deserve this. Thanks ❤
Thank you Richie for this message! Big egos don’t wanna share. You see it everywhere in the world. It’s fear based. I think it’s important to focus on the potential instead of judging the ones who didn’t share. They will always exist. A kind of Aslice 2.0 will hopefully come up. It is worth and important putting energy into it. Everybody of us can focus on supporting no matter how big the network is.
I totally agree with this. Many producers don’t get the credit and money that they should. Sadly I never hit the dj residency’s. But if I had I would love to give back to the amazing artists who delivery such great music 🎶
Your even more my hero after watching this video, most in your position wouldn't even care. I myself only bedroom dj, but I buy all the music I like directly from the artist on mp3, flac or vinyl. If everybody at least did this; it would support the artists.
It truly means a lot that you care so much about this topic. I can feel your heart speaking and as a producer snd live performer it’s nice to know that we are appreciated. Perhaps the times we live in have made people too egocentric but the idea of Dj’s supporting the artists whose music they play is a unifying gesture that hopefully will see the light of day…one day soon 🙏🙏
Thank you so much for being such an awesome artist and supporting us unknown or lesser known Producers. You’ll always have my support in any of your endeavors
Feeling that for real, as a techno producer since 1992 from Frankfurt originally Harthouse Rec.. So sad but true!! THX to Richie speaking out the facts!! One of the main issues is also the vanity of many huge name DJ's which are using our culture for their purposes which is like a parasite. Richie is absolutely right it's a fact, cause otherwise they would share & support the sources of their success THE MUSIC they play which are produced by other people. Time to speak out the truth. Respect @richiehawtin
Stopped playing out in the scene in LA back when the record stores dried up. Made sense then. I'd pay 12-20$ a pop for records. Coming out with literal crates after a full day hoping from one to the next buying new stuff. Whatever money made from promoters that week went to next weeks records and gear and meanwhile I was eating ramen for the most part. Back then you guarded your music sources. Kept them as close to the chest as you could until the word got out. Richie's dead right. Without the producers, musicians, and singers it all dies. If you're out there taking without giving back I don't know you think you're doing. The best part of the music scene was giving as much as taking.
I feel like musicians (especially independent musicians) let themselves down by putting their music on Spotify. If all independent musicians just had their music on Bandcamp (or an equitable platform of your choice/own platform if you like) and swerved the parasitic middle-men they could build something so much better, or force Spotify into becoming an equitable business. Streaming services live and die on the depth of their library. It's time to fuck them instead of letting them fuck you.
As a small bedroom producer i can only say thank you for showing reponsibility and speaking up for the good. Thank you! I would like to say that in my opinion it also could "small", talented producers who have a passion and a dream help a lot if people like you, that have a "powerful" position in the scene create or maintain plattforms like Labels and events, like you did for a long time and for example Luciano is doing now with Cadenza. Those smaller bedroom producers will automaticly get a lot more attention only by releasing on Labels ran by bigger name Artists and that would already help a lot. I would love to see Minus etc. brought back to life and maybe some nice Events that feature people releasing on your Label(s). I think that would help the scene a lot. But again thank you so much for your support!!
Thank you Richie for being our voice! This is why I’ve always respected you and regarded you in a different light than 90% of these artists. Thank you for always supporting my music throughout the years, you have no idea how much you inspired me.
It feels like the end of the underground, a pivotal moment in your life where there was once something , then the next time you looked it wasn't, like when records shops or clubs started to close. Thank you Zak and the team.
Thanks for sharing Richie, it's so sad. If DJ's aren't interested or say it's not their problem and the fee for their set goes to them and only them, then it's not about the music is it, or support, it's greed. And nothing seems like its for the music these days, other than a select type of person, Richie being one. I have been fond of Richie for 30 years with his music, and especially that it is about the music with him. Keep being you! Can only fall for so long, so something is on the horizon, it has to be. People basically make music for free, and it's a popularity contest these days. IMO so much top 10 in genres don't even remotely belong their on authenticity I'll tell you that.
I am no one...but I'm playng my own productions ! That's the key.. being original and authentic with own signature ! Dj is producer and producer is also a dj !
We have to fix the publishing societies like GEMA. If a club like Berghain is paying out a huge amount of money but it ends up in the pockets of major labels and pop artists we have a big problem. I think it’s been proven that an opt in model doesn’t work ❤
I can feel the pain you feel. It is people like you that care about the industry so much. It is in your heart. Unfortunately greed rises to the surface and when the producers stop producing and they no longer have anything to play is when they will realise. But they will be rich by then. Bring back vinyl…. Go back to when it was simple
Thank you so much for these open and really heartwarming words. I am in this scene since the early 90s now and after all the changes the scene went through it is so good to see that there are still people who care about the artists. Big respect und thank you again.
Unfortunately egotism and narcissism run rampant in 'the dance scene'. There are good people, but there is a substantial part that is rotten. Massive kudos to you for calling this out and please keep pushing for fairness and true union and support, instead of just empty words and mindless hedonism. All the best to you from a fellow veteran of 'the scene'.
The whole world is obsessed with narcissists and hedonistic behaviour because the media (among other) glorifies it. There has to be a shift in mindset and it has to happen soon. The world gets more rotten each day.
I’ve never seen Richie so upset before, it’s super sad to see. DJs need to go back to buying their own music, they get music for free and then refuse to pay for it in their sets.
Thnx for your wake up call.. Think its very important that people at least buy the music they play.. Maybe someone like you will continue where Aslice stopt..:)
Well the solution is to put a Shazam box in every venue and connect it to the PRO‘s. Obviously they are run by old board members enjoying the money pool system but this is where we have to put the pressure!
Richie You are a great musician and a great man, don't give up because this is the only right direction for our music scene to develop in a sustainable direction that gives opportunities for development.
I am quite shaken about his - Haven`t seen Richie around for a while and now seeing him being the messenger of this hits hard. You can also see he was struggling to bring this over which is comprehensible. I am in gratitude for your words Rich, bringing this to light.
What a profound and relevant message. Thank you for your leadership. Mentorship. Vision. And courage. A new solution starts with awareness, and you have articulated succinctly the case for change. Let’s do it.
and how do the listeners find out about these producers? Often, via DJ sets. Aslice is unworkable because it's an overy-idealistic idea, with overly-bureaucratic processes to make it work. Imagine all that extra paperwork! That's also a reason why most DJ's weren't interested.
Wow this is heavy it's sad to see someone like yourself that I have admired and respected for so long over the years have to make a post like this. I can see that there is anger there and I commend you for holding back on that. Not an easy post but certainly a necessary one. We need to take a look at ourselves now. This is a tough blow for sure. I hope like you say that we grow and learn from this as opposed to the other... These times can feel like everyone out for themselves at times and it can feel very brutal. Thank you for being so outspoken Rich for always being true to yourself. You have been such a beacon of positivity and creativity over the years I support you in making this port.
Richie, I am one of these artists you are talking about...sadly, it is also the mirror of our society we are living in...superficially, people acting like whatever and nothing behind and DJs taking all the credit for something they never created, and the creators are sitting at home, not knowing how to pay the rent... well-done scene of peace and love. The Love for music is more substantial than everything else, and therefore, art will never die, but it would be nice to find fair and balanced solutions because this is an unfair and idiotic joke.
Top Dj's should be putting the example and paying for the music they're playing! Even if that means no more exclusive promos/unreleased music, also mandatory to post full tracklist of their sets! So other djs and electronic music enthusiasts be able to buy the records. If I remember well Dj's were all about promoting the records they've been playing - not gatekeeping records.
Richie, I've always admired you. You put your soul into what you do, and this project is proof of that. It’s also proof of how many other DJs are just profit-seekers without talent, doing little dances behind the console. You can really notice true passion and talent when a DJ not only mixes but also produces music; that’s the boundary. I'm a producer, a home studio one, and I do it with passion because it fulfills me. I'm not aiming to sell, publish, or play around. But if there are people who truly care, it's only right to reward them for their effort, which is certainly greater than those who do little dances behind the console. Sending you a big hug, keep it up!
Sad news, i hope something similar emerges and you keep us informed so we can all contribute, even if we can only do a little bit. Thanks for your opinion, a cordial greeting from Granada-Spain, it has rained a lot since the first time I saw you in 2007, It is always a pleasure to see your commitment to music .
You always had my love and respect,after this video,even more!The scene has a pair of huge elephants in the dance floor that most people try to ignore!I love this too much to see and let it pass!!!!You have all of my support Much love from another dj and techno producer from Portugal!! Cheers!!!
I remember the days when I used to play and barely could get £200 a gig, i used to spend more on buying records than earning. I wish I stayed on as djs are making fortunes now. I stopped Djing 20 years ago. I didn't know about this Aslice so I'm so glad to find that Ritche is supporting such an incredible cause. It's shocking that other Djs are not showing some conscience and support the artists. I'm surprised PRS have not got involved yet. Ritche, you're a legend man. I'll think of someway this can be fixed in the future for artists now that you've raised awareness.
well its about honesty. i guess the issue is some djs who arent paid much at all cant afford to give away a slice. big big artists earning big fees should. its a tough middle ground, but i guess it has to come down to the individual and if they beleive in the artists they support. if they play the music, they should. thank you for sharing richie i could tell it was difficult.
Wow, I didn’t even know about Aslice. What a great concept and very unfortunate the dj community didn’t get on board with it. Thanks for sharing. I rarely play out anymore but if/when I do I’m going to try and track down the producers and send them money. Thanks for the inspiration. 🎉
The same can be said about the psytrance scene (more underground psytrance) - i started making minimal psytrance when the movement started in 99 - and had somewhat success up until 09 ( i burned out totality )- back then we got paid from releasing music - not to live off but it was a income to support the time we used on it and we had some money for new equipment - i then returned in 2024 only to see a scene with labels that give little to no money for artists that use a lot of time and effort to make this music.. its incredible how the music scene has developed after the digital age. its really a shame. anyway just my thought - i never knew about aslice or anything but i totally agree with your points richie... support or the artists has never been more obscure.
I don't think a "voluntary" platform such as Aslice ever had a chance of working out. But it did show what's possible, it gained important feedback from all interested parties. So it played its role as a step in the right direction. In the future, I envision record labels, alongside beatport/bandcamp competitors that don't treat artist's music as royalty-free, and artists will be able to choose where to release their tracks - as a loyalty-free version, which has a higher chance of being noticed, or as a traditional record, that when played live would require certain payments to be made. Maybe even take a note from software licensing, where it's common to give out software for free to students, for a massive discounts to small startups, and full price to large corporations.
I like to think that all the good done by Zak, the Aslice team, Richie and all the True Artists who participated will not be lost, and that the death of this Aslice is only the antechamber of a new birth of something even more effective and bright. All of you Real ones, you have sown well.. I don't know where, how, when, and by whose hand, (we will probably have to think long term in this case) but sooner or later all this will bear fruit. Thank you ✨💚🙌
failure is just a different form of progress, maybe even it's main form. lets learn what did and what didn't work. the sad part is that DJ'ing is super easy, literally everybody can do it, while producing is insanely hard. now there's levels to both but i don't need to say that here i think.
Maybe, something must end so something better can evolve out of this disappointment.... Maybe this is the time for all to go together consciously to make it better.... Because what will we other people do who are dancing it we do not have you all who makes us feel good with your music❤❤also because we who love the music we pay always, we give it all just to experience the moment of the music!!! ❤ Thanks for telling us and sharing.
Gr8 message Richie. Soooooo much money is made well beyond what’s necessary for anyone and yet $0 goes to the artists including probably not having bought the download in the first place;). I always thought the promoters and venues might one day enforce the payout but it never happened. Would be wild to see the list of Performers, Agents, Managers, Venues, Promoters, etc that have ever given back a dime to the artists that made the music played on any given night. Thanks Richie 🖤🤙🏽🕺
What you're saying is amazing... and I totally agree. Let's also not forget how many djs who are working regionally are just not getting paid at all. I was one of them. I even toured a bit. Crew boss just didn't want to pay us. His thing is dead now, but for so many who work their asses off and sacrifice everything.. leave their jobs to become starving musicians even when they are playing rooms with 600 people in it. Even carrying super heavy sound equipment... set up/ tear down.. zero pay... how does that effect the mentality of a person?
So sad to close aslice, one of the best proyects to preserve the carrer of "small" producers... Theres too much greed between the superstars Djs, it´s hopefully here this words from a true Legend like you . RESPEPECT!
The majority of Dj’s might not create or produce the music they are playing, very true, fact! Dj’s are and have always being pollinators regardless if they create or produce their own music This on a global scale, in any genre, regardless of one’s personal taste of music. The reason why (potentially) great artists don’t get to experience the limelight is because of copyright… copyrights are a destroying the flow of talent to surface, hence collective love for music we all share. Music is like air, you can’t touch it, it’s a way of communication from one soul to another. Music is not a seed, rather a tasteful fruit for the listener, take or at least limit the power of greedy harvesters (EMI, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group) that have nested themselves in between it all, and the world will grow back to become a better place for all....❤
Aye Richie, you're on point on this. It's going to take someone like you to take this forward. I've no idea the answer, gofundme donations if you like the track? I've notice you have artist/track on screen when you play, something like that, with donate now? Just spitballing. We need something, or its going to collapse in on itself.
I met you, very briefly after a gig, way back in 2010, I think, and I told you, "You're my hero, man." You were incredibly nice in response to something you probably hear hundreds of times a week. I've been out of the scene for years now, but this video shows you're still worthy of that load of respect for trying to support something that you could easily do without supporting. Unfortunately, I know all too well from having worked in the industry for years, exactly why this failed, and it's because there are too many at the top who don't have the selfless nature you do and who only view things from the perspective of, "It's working for me, so why would I go out of my way to change it?" In England we call it the "I'm alright, Jack" mentality. That sort of thing is what drove me away from the scene in the first place and it's sad to see it still exists. I still enjoy the music, but at arms length away from the toxicity of the scene itself.
Absolute legend. Completely missed the ASlice era producing only around the early 2000s. What a shame such great tech had to be shut down. Maybe web3/NFTs will solve this in the future.
I am not a producer nor an artist I’m just a girl who loves the music. Rich is a true artist, and this is why he appreciates and recognize the art, the effort, and time it takes to be creative. It should be recognize, specially by those that are earning money because of it. I believe it should be an union of some sort, just like writers for big plays, that not long ago united to be pay a fair amount as well as being recognized.
Even that your famous & one of leading names you still keep that true meaning that was in the music from the start, a counter culture for something for people to smile about no one knew where it going (the happiness ) people got from it maybe why makes you sad not just About others careers, they where enjoying it then things changed for people like yourself you didn't break in to it etc, guess cause you where there, your early music some of my fav acid stuff but u always make good stuff, great dude and also how you manage your career and the people around you, we all have challenges, the music lucky your still around it moved you in to the corporate world (a legend )!!!, happy for you having a career in it that many dont, your not pretentious but someone whos into electronic music & the culture & new people and movements will understand that connect with it, people who are in it now should respect it, , this type of music but has it not always been about something creative with good energy that people could connect with, some producers made rave music more musical and serious around late 90s but it not why people have liked it , I have always liked the mind blowing creativity of it and energy DJing suited the style of music, I think people believe in digital technology too much , and convenience , does help does take away,
I’m not DJ or producer of music which I love so much. Just a dancer and massive fan. I saw post on Dave Clarke FB page I didn’t know what is that about. Thank you Ritchie for explaining it to me. This is very sad and make me feel guilty that I have such a good fun on music that is not payed fairly to guys who produce it!! It’s shocking how bad they are treating. I hope you guys will find some way to fix it 🖤
Respekt and kudos to you sir. I don't perform as a DJ except at home, and never heard of Asplice. Always felt like there was a glaring gap in the scene between what dl's got paid, and how much the played artists got back. It doesn't happen the same way outside of our beloved electronica. After a, um, minimal search about Asplice, it made it as simple as providing a text / m3u file of a playlist and choose how much to divide among the artists. Maybe they needed more prominent artists to promote them while in business, though maybe they were widely known about and just simply ignored.
Richie you're doing the best you can man! The world is a terrible place for good people. The Aslice concept was really good, it didn't work, but it set an example. Maybe the next time something else will manage to break through the selfish mindset.
Of course this would never work. Why would you make artists pay for the failure of the PRO‘s. Technology is there to trace all the music and connect it with the PROs. These companies are run by old board members and of course they don’t want to change the money pool system. But this is where we have to put the pressure. There is a huge amount of djs making a living from touring but are not able to really save money… why would take money from them? And than as you said the big players are not sharing their 50k fees, besides playing the music of DJs mentioned above…. You being an exceptional human being for doing this! And it deserves huge respect. We gotta put pressure on the PROs Richie!! 🙏🏼 this is not over!
This the first time I am hearing of Aslice. It should have collaborated with beatport to put banners and major djs collectively should have done regular posts on their socials.
At least in Germany, a similar system would help with the royalties collected and distributed by GEMA... That wouldn't even require voluntary payments by DJs since royalties are collected anyway. But these royalties don't get to the niche Artists, because there is virtually no data collection of club playlists and so the money ends up being distributed based on airplay and other sales... As sad as it is, that I only hear about Aslice as it is already to late, there might actually be a silver lining or an idea coming out of this.
![Chris Langan - The Interview THEY Didn't Want You To See - CTMU [Full Version; Timestamps]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9miVG2xT5jY/mqdefault.jpg)
It's amazing how many people are making excuses for the industry not supporting it's own ecosystem, really telling why music is so undervalued in society. Screw your head on. Artists need to make money, currently it's not through music releases, or live gigs. Soon even Film/TV placements will pay less and less. 'It's for the love of it' yeah well why not both?! Children.
Richie great words, appreciate your insight a lot thanks for speaking on this.
Except from great DJ you prove that most of all you are human and believe me that is much respected than music or DJing. Don't dissapoint yourself there is always hope and maybe someone, somewhere with the help of proper people may bring the equality. Hope never dies.
PS I heard you last Friday(9/20) at Reworks(Thessaloniki) and i enjoyed your set once more time. Dancing till we die....
That's the call, thank you so much Richie you're one of the guys of the real scene. Thank you so much for your words.
You can hear the dissapointment in Richie's voice. Richie is very self aware, the fame and success didn't get to his head and he always promotes up and coming artists. True legend
You’re kidding, right?
You can see him, right?
This guy is a totally drug addled loser at this point. Sure he gets a ton of bookings and can slay but he’s offering nothing new. He’s jacking himself off with this post. It’s gross and he is OBVIOUSLY TIRED.
Thank you Richie for saying this so honestly and publicly. Thank you to Zack & Everyone at Aslice!!! You made a difference!!! 🙏
Hi Claude,
Searched for more recent sets of yours now and then. Seems you are not spinnin and/or sharing a lot.
Although the quality of your sets back in the days, was not always that 'stable', other sets are still in my mind even 25 (?) yrs later and some of the best sets I ever heard.
Think I found 1 set on your Soundcloud, but unfortunately the audio quality was pretty terrible. Can't listen to that on a decent system.
If you can share more, or playing in NL, DE or BE again, I hope to find out.
Much respect!
Pepijn
Great soul, love you Richie. ❤
Had the privilege of meeting Richie during his set at the groundbreaking of the Apple SoHo store 20+ years ago when I worked there. He was considerate then of everyone assisting with the set up of the gig and he's still that same level, caring person now. Thanks for giving musicians a voice and for fighting the good fight, despite the odds stacked against everyone.
Thank you for this genuine response about Aslice. I feel very grateful to at least know there are people like you in the industry that truly supported this project and as a musician I feel the industry do not deserve this. Thanks ❤
Thank you Richie for this message! Big egos don’t wanna share. You see it everywhere in the world. It’s fear based. I think it’s important to focus on the potential instead of judging the ones who didn’t share. They will always exist.
A kind of Aslice 2.0 will hopefully come up. It is worth and important putting energy into it. Everybody of us can focus on supporting no matter how big the network is.
I totally agree with this.
Many producers don’t get the credit and money that they should.
Sadly I never hit the dj residency’s.
But if I had I would love to give back to the amazing artists who delivery such great music 🎶
Your even more my hero after watching this video, most in your position wouldn't even care.
I myself only bedroom dj, but I buy all the music I like directly from the artist on mp3, flac or vinyl. If everybody at least did this; it would support the artists.
It truly means a lot that you care so much about this topic. I can feel your heart speaking and as a producer snd live performer it’s nice to know that we are appreciated. Perhaps the times we live in have made people too egocentric but the idea of Dj’s supporting the artists whose music they play is a unifying gesture that hopefully will see the light of day…one day soon 🙏🙏
Thank you so much for being such an awesome artist and supporting us unknown or lesser known Producers. You’ll always have my support in any of your endeavors
Feeling that for real, as a techno producer since 1992 from Frankfurt originally Harthouse Rec.. So sad but true!! THX to Richie speaking out the facts!! One of the main issues is also the vanity of many huge name DJ's which are using our culture for their purposes which is like a parasite. Richie is absolutely right it's a fact, cause otherwise they would share & support the sources of their success THE MUSIC they play which are produced by other people. Time to speak out the truth. Respect @richiehawtin
Shoutout Eternal Basement! OMEN era was the best.
@@Charles_Bro-son THX Bro!! :-) Greetz & Beatz back!!
@@MichaelKohlbecker :-D
IS Hardhouse STILL alive.
Hardfloor......
Schwede wat liegt an
I bought your stuff! Several CD i still favour, and dig out now and then. Yes, Omen in my heart after all these years.
This is why we love you Richie
Stopped playing out in the scene in LA back when the record stores dried up. Made sense then. I'd pay 12-20$ a pop for records. Coming out with literal crates after a full day hoping from one to the next buying new stuff. Whatever money made from promoters that week went to next weeks records and gear and meanwhile I was eating ramen for the most part. Back then you guarded your music sources. Kept them as close to the chest as you could until the word got out. Richie's dead right. Without the producers, musicians, and singers it all dies. If you're out there taking without giving back I don't know you think you're doing. The best part of the music scene was giving as much as taking.
I feel like musicians (especially independent musicians) let themselves down by putting their music on Spotify. If all independent musicians just had their music on Bandcamp (or an equitable platform of your choice/own platform if you like) and swerved the parasitic middle-men they could build something so much better, or force Spotify into becoming an equitable business. Streaming services live and die on the depth of their library. It's time to fuck them instead of letting them fuck you.
As a small bedroom producer i can only say thank you for showing reponsibility and speaking up for the good. Thank you! I would like to say that in my opinion it also could "small", talented producers who have a passion and a dream help a lot if people like you, that have a "powerful" position in the scene create or maintain plattforms like Labels and events, like you did for a long time and for example Luciano is doing now with Cadenza. Those smaller bedroom producers will automaticly get a lot more attention only by releasing on Labels ran by bigger name Artists and that would already help a lot. I would love to see Minus etc. brought back to life and maybe some nice Events that feature people releasing on your Label(s). I think that would help the scene a lot. But again thank you so much for your support!!
Thank you Richie for being our voice!
This is why I’ve always respected you and regarded you in a different light than 90% of these artists. Thank you for always supporting my music throughout the years, you have no idea how much you inspired me.
It feels like the end of the underground, a pivotal moment in your life where there was once something , then the next time you looked it wasn't, like when records shops or clubs started to close.
Thank you Zak and the team.
Thanks for sharing Richie, it's so sad. If DJ's aren't interested or say it's not their problem and the fee for their set goes to them and only them, then it's not about the music is it, or support, it's greed. And nothing seems like its for the music these days, other than a select type of person, Richie being one. I have been fond of Richie for 30 years with his music, and especially that it is about the music with him. Keep being you! Can only fall for so long, so something is on the horizon, it has to be. People basically make music for free, and it's a popularity contest these days. IMO so much top 10 in genres don't even remotely belong their on authenticity I'll tell you that.
What ? So you mean to tell me I need to rent music ? Every time I wanna play it ? Fuck outta here with that garbage ass logic please. Your the issue
I am no one...but I'm playng my own productions ! That's the key.. being original and authentic with own signature ! Dj is producer and producer is also a dj !
We have to fix the publishing societies like GEMA. If a club like Berghain is paying out a huge amount of money but it ends up in the pockets of major labels and pop artists we have a big problem. I think it’s been proven that an opt in model doesn’t work ❤
Well said, R.❤
I can feel the pain you feel. It is people like you that care about the industry so much. It is in your heart. Unfortunately greed rises to the surface and when the producers stop producing and they no longer have anything to play is when they will realise. But they will be rich by then. Bring back vinyl…. Go back to when it was simple
exactly! As a dj/producer I'll be releasing vinyl only
Thank you so much for these open and really heartwarming words. I am in this scene since the early 90s now and after all the changes the scene went through it is so good to see that there are still people who care about the artists. Big respect und thank you again.
Unfortunately egotism and narcissism run rampant in 'the dance scene'. There are good people, but there is a substantial part that is rotten. Massive kudos to you for calling this out and please keep pushing for fairness and true union and support, instead of just empty words and mindless hedonism. All the best to you from a fellow veteran of 'the scene'.
The whole world is obsessed with narcissists and hedonistic behaviour because the media (among other) glorifies it. There has to be a shift in mindset and it has to happen soon. The world gets more rotten each day.
I’ve never seen Richie so upset before, it’s super sad to see. DJs need to go back to buying their own music, they get music for free and then refuse to pay for it in their sets.
Thnx for your wake up call.. Think its very important that people at least buy the music they play.. Maybe someone like you will continue where Aslice stopt..:)
One of the most real in the scene.
Thanks for speaking 🙏❤️
You're a good dude Richie. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings on this.
The industry is utterly broken and I really don't know what the fix is. Rich, your words are gold.
Well the solution is to put a Shazam box in every venue and connect it to the PRO‘s. Obviously they are run by old board members enjoying the money pool system but this is where we have to put the pressure!
Overthrowing capitalism.
thanks for great ideas that inspires tons of people around the World! Thanks a lot! Hello from Ukraine!)
It was a great idea and such a shame it's closed, I'm guessing there just wasn't enough take-up to support the platform? I did sign up btw
Richie You are a great musician and a great man, don't give up because this is the only right direction for our music scene to develop in a sustainable direction that gives opportunities for development.
I am quite shaken about his - Haven`t seen Richie around for a while and now seeing him being the messenger of this hits hard.
You can also see he was struggling to bring this over which is comprehensible. I am in gratitude for your words Rich, bringing this to light.
What a profound and relevant message. Thank you for your leadership. Mentorship. Vision. And courage. A new solution starts with awareness, and you have articulated succinctly the case for change. Let’s do it.
Grande Richie ❤🎵🎶
Well said boss man. Let’s raise some cash and bring it back
DJ's promoting/linking the Bandcamp pages of the musicians they play is a decent step to take.
Yea but not everyone is a dj to buy the track. Some are just listeners that dont buy music. Thats what makes aslice such a great idea.
and how do the listeners find out about these producers? Often, via DJ sets.
Aslice is unworkable because it's an overy-idealistic idea, with overly-bureaucratic processes to make it work. Imagine all that extra paperwork! That's also a reason why most DJ's weren't interested.
Beautiful. Thank you for the words.
did not know about this platform, the idea is great and "balancing". Bravo Richie.
Wow this is heavy it's sad to see someone like yourself that I have admired and respected for so long over the years have to make a post like this. I can see that there is anger there and I commend you for holding back on that. Not an easy post but certainly a necessary one. We need to take a look at ourselves now. This is a tough blow for sure. I hope like you say that we grow and learn from this as opposed to the other... These times can feel like everyone out for themselves at times and it can feel very brutal. Thank you for being so outspoken Rich for always being true to yourself. You have been such a beacon of positivity and creativity over the years I support you in making this port.
One of the Fathers of Techno as we know it giving the scene a tough talking to.
Richie, I am one of these artists you are talking about...sadly, it is also the mirror of our society we are living in...superficially, people acting like whatever and nothing behind and DJs taking all the credit for something they never created, and the creators are sitting at home, not knowing how to pay the rent... well-done scene of peace and love. The Love for music is more substantial than everything else, and therefore, art will never die, but it would be nice to find fair and balanced solutions because this is an unfair and idiotic joke.
Words ! 🙏
Top Dj's should be putting the example and paying for the music they're playing! Even if that means no more exclusive promos/unreleased music, also mandatory to post full tracklist of their sets! So other djs and electronic music enthusiasts be able to buy the records. If I remember well Dj's were all about promoting the records they've been playing - not gatekeeping records.
Great words from a true pioneer of the scene ♥
Everything is right, we need to support the musicians, thank you Richie Hawtin
Richie, I've always admired you. You put your soul into what you do, and this project is proof of that. It’s also proof of how many other DJs are just profit-seekers without talent, doing little dances behind the console. You can really notice true passion and talent when a DJ not only mixes but also produces music; that’s the boundary.
I'm a producer, a home studio one, and I do it with passion because it fulfills me. I'm not aiming to sell, publish, or play around. But if there are people who truly care, it's only right to reward them for their effort, which is certainly greater than those who do little dances behind the console. Sending you a big hug, keep it up!
Wow ❤great words of a great man🙏 thank you for spreading this message, Richie!
Strong words in crazy times.
Sad news, i hope something similar emerges and you keep us informed so we can all contribute, even if we can only do a little bit.
Thanks for your opinion, a cordial greeting from Granada-Spain, it has rained a lot since the first time I saw you in 2007, It is always a pleasure to see your commitment to music .
Respect Richie, you continue to be a legend.
Richie mad respect to you! You always 2 steps ahead!
You always had my love and respect,after this video,even more!The scene has a pair of huge elephants in the dance floor that most people try to ignore!I love this too much to see and let it pass!!!!You have all of my support Much love from another dj and techno producer from Portugal!!
Cheers!!!
My favorite artist!
I remember the days when I used to play and barely could get £200 a gig, i used to spend more on buying records than earning.
I wish I stayed on as djs are making fortunes now. I stopped Djing 20 years ago. I didn't know about this Aslice so I'm so glad to find that Ritche is supporting such an incredible cause. It's shocking that other Djs are not showing some conscience and support the artists. I'm surprised PRS have not got involved yet.
Ritche, you're a legend man.
I'll think of someway this can be fixed in the future for artists now that you've raised awareness.
Very nice meet a bit more for you Richie outside your famous role as a dj. A lot of sense in your words and humanity. I follow the right guy, thanks
well its about honesty. i guess the issue is some djs who arent paid much at all cant afford to give away a slice. big big artists earning big fees should. its a tough middle ground, but i guess it has to come down to the individual and if they beleive in the artists they support. if they play the music, they should. thank you for sharing richie i could tell it was difficult.
Thank you for speaking up for the scene Richie. Lets pray it all changes
Most genuine compassionate guys in the industry.
Wow, I didn’t even know about Aslice. What a great concept and very unfortunate the dj community didn’t get on board with it. Thanks for sharing. I rarely play out anymore but if/when I do I’m going to try and track down the producers and send them money. Thanks for the inspiration. 🎉
Great musician great artist and great character above all great personality
RICHIE ... ❤
Your legacy stays intact as you know. Big Ups!
The same can be said about the psytrance scene (more underground psytrance) - i started making minimal psytrance when the movement started in 99 - and had somewhat success up until 09 ( i burned out totality )- back then we got paid from releasing music - not to live off but it was a income to support the time we used on it and we had some money for new equipment - i then returned in 2024 only to see a scene with labels that give little to no money for artists that use a lot of time and effort to make this music.. its incredible how the music scene has developed after the digital age. its really a shame. anyway just my thought - i never knew about aslice or anything but i totally agree with your points richie...
support or the artists has never been more obscure.
🖤 such an important topic
I don't think a "voluntary" platform such as Aslice ever had a chance of working out.
But it did show what's possible, it gained important feedback from all interested parties.
So it played its role as a step in the right direction.
In the future, I envision record labels, alongside beatport/bandcamp competitors that don't treat artist's music as royalty-free, and artists will be able to choose where to release their tracks - as a loyalty-free version, which has a higher chance of being noticed, or as a traditional record, that when played live would require certain payments to be made.
Maybe even take a note from software licensing, where it's common to give out software for free to students, for a massive discounts to small startups, and full price to large corporations.
Thank you for your expose, your support. Everything. 💜💜💜
Well said!
I like to think that all the good done by Zak, the Aslice team, Richie and all the True Artists who participated will not be lost, and that the death of this Aslice is only the antechamber of a new birth of something even more effective and bright.
All of you Real ones, you have sown well.. I don't know where, how, when, and by whose hand, (we will probably have to think long term in this case) but sooner or later all this will bear fruit.
Thank you ✨💚🙌
we need more artisits like you in the scene
as if hawtins grow on trees (:
@@JohnSmith-pn2vl just chill already, it was a meant as appreciation,
@@JohnSmith-pn2vl mb I was just impressed and touched by his love and care for the scene, nothing else.
failure is just a different form of progress, maybe even it's main form.
lets learn what did and what didn't work.
the sad part is that DJ'ing is super easy, literally everybody can do it, while producing is insanely hard.
now there's levels to both but i don't need to say that here i think.
Good call out from you
We need to make a change for this community to come together & bring prosperity for everybody… you have the ability to do it rich.
big man, respect 🔱
Maybe, something must end so something better can evolve out of this disappointment.... Maybe this is the time for all to go together consciously to make it better.... Because what will we other people do who are dancing it we do not have you all who makes us feel good with your music❤❤also because we who love the music we pay always, we give it all just to experience the moment of the music!!! ❤ Thanks for telling us and sharing.
Gr8 message Richie. Soooooo much money is made well beyond what’s necessary for anyone and yet $0 goes to the artists including probably not having bought the download in the first place;).
I always thought the promoters and venues might one day enforce the payout but it never happened.
Would be wild to see the list of Performers, Agents, Managers, Venues, Promoters, etc that have ever given back a dime to the artists that made the music played on any given night.
Thanks Richie 🖤🤙🏽🕺
What you're saying is amazing... and I totally agree. Let's also not forget how many djs who are working regionally are just not getting paid at all. I was one of them. I even toured a bit. Crew boss just didn't want to pay us. His thing is dead now, but for so many who work their asses off and sacrifice everything.. leave their jobs to become starving musicians even when they are playing rooms with 600 people in it. Even carrying super heavy sound equipment... set up/ tear down.. zero pay... how does that effect the mentality of a person?
This is duty bound. Respect.
This is good stuff here. I have to say that I am noticing a lot of psytrance DJs with sets that are 90% their music. That’s pretty cool.
Nice words!! 👌
Legend ❤
So sad to close aslice, one of the best proyects to preserve the carrer of "small" producers... Theres too much greed between the superstars Djs, it´s hopefully here this words from a true Legend like you . RESPEPECT!
The majority of Dj’s might not create or produce the music they are playing, very true, fact! Dj’s are and have always being pollinators regardless if they create or produce their own music This on a global scale, in any genre, regardless of one’s personal taste of music. The reason why (potentially) great artists don’t get to experience the limelight is because of copyright… copyrights are a destroying the flow of talent to surface, hence collective love for music we all share. Music is like air, you can’t touch it, it’s a way of communication from one soul to another. Music is not a seed, rather a tasteful fruit for the listener, take or at least limit the power of greedy harvesters (EMI, Sony Music Entertainment, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group) that have nested themselves in between it all, and the world will grow back to become a better place for all....❤
And that's also why you're the best.
Aye Richie, you're on point on this. It's going to take someone like you to take this forward. I've no idea the answer, gofundme donations if you like the track? I've notice you have artist/track on screen when you play, something like that, with donate now? Just spitballing. We need something, or its going to collapse in on itself.
Thats true! Thx Richie Hawtin
I met you, very briefly after a gig, way back in 2010, I think, and I told you, "You're my hero, man." You were incredibly nice in response to something you probably hear hundreds of times a week.
I've been out of the scene for years now, but this video shows you're still worthy of that load of respect for trying to support something that you could easily do without supporting.
Unfortunately, I know all too well from having worked in the industry for years, exactly why this failed, and it's because there are too many at the top who don't have the selfless nature you do and who only view things from the perspective of, "It's working for me, so why would I go out of my way to change it?"
In England we call it the "I'm alright, Jack" mentality.
That sort of thing is what drove me away from the scene in the first place and it's sad to see it still exists. I still enjoy the music, but at arms length away from the toxicity of the scene itself.
Full Respect Richie, all the best for you!
Absolute legend. Completely missed the ASlice era producing only around the early 2000s. What a shame such great tech had to be shut down. Maybe web3/NFTs will solve this in the future.
i lovegg money.....
I am not a producer nor an artist I’m just a girl who loves the music. Rich is a true artist, and this is why he appreciates and recognize the art, the effort, and time it takes to be creative. It should be recognize, specially by those that are earning money because of it. I believe it should be an union of some sort, just like writers for big plays, that not long ago united to be pay a fair amount as well as being recognized.
Richie*
Even that your famous & one of leading names you still keep that true meaning that was in the music from the start, a counter culture for something for people to smile about no one knew where it going (the happiness ) people got from it maybe why makes you sad not just About others careers, they where enjoying it then things changed for people like yourself you didn't break in to it etc, guess cause you where there, your early music some of my fav acid stuff but u always make good stuff, great dude and also how you manage your career and the people around you, we all have challenges, the music lucky your still around it moved you in to the corporate world (a legend )!!!, happy for you having a career in it that many dont, your not pretentious but someone whos into electronic music & the culture & new people and movements will understand that connect with it, people who are in it now should respect it, , this type of music but has it not always been about something creative with good energy that people could connect with, some producers made rave music more musical and serious around late 90s but it not why people have liked it , I have always liked the mind blowing creativity of it and energy DJing suited the style of music, I think people believe in digital technology too much , and convenience , does help does take away,
I’m not DJ or producer of music which I love so much. Just a dancer and massive fan. I saw post on Dave Clarke FB page I didn’t know what is that about. Thank you Ritchie for explaining it to me. This is very sad and make me feel guilty that I have such a good fun on music that is not payed fairly to guys who produce it!! It’s shocking how bad they are treating. I hope you guys will find some way to fix it 🖤
you are totally right, man.
Full respect. 🖤
Thanx a lot fir your words
festivals should only book djs with support aslice
Respekt and kudos to you sir. I don't perform as a DJ except at home, and never heard of Asplice.
Always felt like there was a glaring gap in the scene between what dl's got paid, and how much the played artists got back. It doesn't happen the same way outside of our beloved electronica.
After a, um, minimal search about Asplice, it made it as simple as providing a text / m3u file of a playlist and choose how much to divide among the artists.
Maybe they needed more prominent artists to promote them while in business, though maybe they were widely known about and just simply ignored.
i've never heard of Aslice either.
Richie you're doing the best you can man! The world is a terrible place for good people. The Aslice concept was really good, it didn't work, but it set an example. Maybe the next time something else will manage to break through the selfish mindset.
Support the producers who make the Techno tracks!
Of course this would never work. Why would you make artists pay for the failure of the PRO‘s. Technology is there to trace all the music and connect it with the PROs. These companies are run by old board members and of course they don’t want to change the money pool system. But this is where we have to put the pressure. There is a huge amount of djs making a living from touring but are not able to really save money… why would take money from them? And than as you said the big players are not sharing their 50k fees, besides playing the music of DJs mentioned above…. You being an exceptional human being for doing this! And it deserves huge respect.
We gotta put pressure on the PROs Richie!! 🙏🏼 this is not over!
This the first time I am hearing of Aslice. It should have collaborated with beatport to put banners and major djs collectively should have done regular posts on their socials.
At least in Germany, a similar system would help with the royalties collected and distributed by GEMA... That wouldn't even require voluntary payments by DJs since royalties are collected anyway. But these royalties don't get to the niche Artists, because there is virtually no data collection of club playlists and so the money ends up being distributed based on airplay and other sales... As sad as it is, that I only hear about Aslice as it is already to late, there might actually be a silver lining or an idea coming out of this.