Audioholic Media

I have that bittersweet feeling right now. I just read that Dave Smallen won’t be releasing the album that I’ve been anticipating. Usually, I would go into manic state of irrational decisions. This is coming from the kid who once threatened to burn down a bookstore when the clerk told him that the publisher might have forgotten to send copies out in time. I mean—who forgets to send books out. Right?

No need to stop reading in order to alert the authorities. I actually think that what Smallen is up to is a pretty cool decision. Instead of hitting us with all his new work at once, he has decided to just break up that release with multiple releases of digital singles.

It seems to be coming from a genuine spot. After his deal with Capitol records falling through, he could have easily left everyone in anticipation, moved to the Netherlands, and assumed a new identity to avoid the fans bombarding his e-mail accounts with death threats and disappointment. But he didn’t. He loves music like we love music and thinks that if he’s given the opportunity to share what he’s doing on his own accord, then it’s just as good as an album. After all, it’s all about the music. Right? Right.

I wrote about “America” a little while ago. Being an avid road tripping individual, I can’t deny that it was constantly playing in the background to everything I was doing. This time around, he’s back with another great track, “Every Time I Leave (I Leave For Good)”.

On the download page of his new single, Smallen writes:

In July 2007, after more than a year on the road, through clubs and theaters across the United States, I returned home to Oakland. The final tour was a bust. I found myself playing to one person at a bar beside a prison in Bakersfield, and my deal with Capitol Records had gone to shit as the company withered and merged and laid off. I was trying to get my record back and settle up the terms in which I’d be let go.

So, head to the download page and grab your copy. He’s doing this all on his own. He doesn’t have a marketing budget, a publicist, the help from a record label, or even an intern. The minimum download fee is .99 cents. Give a little more, though. I mean, I’ve given a bum more than .99 cents—and I was sober.