11:52 AM
HAPPY FRIDAY!! Okay. Here we go.. I hate discussing financials in any public
forum, but my mind has pretty much been fixated on this constantly for the last
few months and since I'm very comfortable with the Asian Man fans in terms of
being a family type of feel, then why not share what’s been on my mind. Right?
Right.. OK..here is our very unfortunate situation. Our distributor currently
owes Asian Man Records over $50,000 in past sales. It's been a tough pill to
swallow. When you work hard to release records for bands that you love and try
to do things the right way without the bullshit that goes along with this
corrupt music business and the myriads of evil people involved. Well, only one
thing can be said and that’s “UGGHH.”

In 1997, Asian Man Records joined a distribution collective called MORDAM
RECORDS. Owned by a woman named Ruth Schwartz, this was the real deal. Engulfed
in the philosophy of punk, I was lucky enough to be included in this music
group. But about 6 years ago, Ruth lost the passion to run the company and sold
it to another distribution company called LUMBERJACK and from that point on,
LUMBERJACK MORDAM was born. While other labels jumped ship, I stayed put and
trusted that the new company would follow up on what they had promised in terms
of paying back what was owed to us. But unfortunately the amount kept growing
and broken promise after broken promise left us crippled and angry for being so
trusting in this relationship.

So two weeks ago, we joined a new distribution company called the INDEPENDENT
LABEL COLLECTIVE. Hoping to recapture the ideas of the original MORDAM RECORDS,
we hope this new relationship will keep the boat steady and more importantly to
show punk ethics and work towards a change in how things are done in the music
business. We will see what happens.

But still, $50,000 is a lot of friggin food. And though I’m positive we’ll
survive this kind of hit, I can’t hide the fact that it’s going to be a little
rough for a few months. I’m not asking for any kind of donation, as I know the
world around is struggling with their own finances, but just seeing that if
there was a record that you were planning on mail ordering in the near future
you could do it sooner rather than later. Once we get past this initial tidal
wave of bills, we’ll be fine. My appreciation is always there and I hope you
understand that Asian Man is always trying to be more than just a business. We
want to be part of this punk community and to stand for more than just
capitalism.

And I ask that you please don't post this on newsgroups like punknews, etc.. I
just wanted to share this with the ones who support asian man.
if you have any comments, concerns, etc.. please feel free to email me at
mikeasianman@aol.com
be well.
Peace, mike park