Music

Sufjan Stevens' label lashes out at Amazon over cut-price rate

by Ciaran Thompson

Sufjan Stevens’ Asthmatic Kitty Records has lashed out at Amazon in a email claiming the online retailer is selling the singer/songwriters’ forthcoming album The Age of Adz at a cut-price rate and is subsequently devaluing the work of artists.

“We have mixed feelings about discounted pricing,” the email said. “We love getting good music into the hands of good people, and when a price is low, more people buy. A low price will introduce a lot of people to Sufjan’s music and to this wonderful album. For that, we’re grateful.

“But we also feel like the work that our artists produce is worth more than a cost of a latte. We value the skill, love, and time they’ve put into making their records. And we feel that our work too, in promotion and distribution, is also valuable and worthwhile.”

In direct response to Amazon’s pricing, Stevens’ label has advised fans to purchase the new record at alternative retailers such as SC Distribution, the label’s official distributor. The LP will now also be available to purchase through Bandcamp which lets artist sell their albums directly to fans. The Age of Adz comes out October 12. [NME]