(image take from – http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2011/08/london_riots.html)
In response to the death of Mark Duggan, who was shot and killed by police officers in his north London neighborhood of Tottenham, the people took to the streets and began rioting and looting. This soon spread to other parts of London and continued for several nights.
“At approximately 11:30 pm, August 8th, London rioters looted and burned the Sony DADC distribution warehouse in Enfield, also used by PIAS, Beggars Group, Ninja Tune, Warp, Domino and around 150 other labels. The facility in North London is essentially leveled, with merchandise largely stolen or melted. The following statement was sent to Digital Music News early this morning by the Association of Independent Music (AIM).”
-Digital Music News
http://digitalmusicnews.com
“To all music fans:
You may have heard that the London riots have caused the destruction of a warehouse in North London housing many of the UK’s independent labels and artists. All the stock has been destroyed by fire.
This will lead to much hardship for the artists and labels affected. What music fans can do to show their support for the indie label community, and help them survive this disaster is to buy a digital download of an album from any one of the digital retailers in the UK, as well as going to their local record store while stocks last.
This way, the labels will be able to re-manufacture their CD’s and vinyl more quickly, to resupply the record shops who are also affected by the riots.
Alison Wenham, Chairman and CEO of AIM, the UK’s Trade Association for the Independent Music Industry: “This is a disaster for the music community, but with the fans’ help, labels and artists will survive. Please show your support for the music community by buying a digital album from an independent label today”.”
The Association of Independent Music (AIM)
musicindie.com, info@musicindie.com, facebook.com/aim
We can’t help but think of the similarity between the tragic death of Mark Duggan and that of the young Oscar Grant here in the SF Bay Area’s city of Oakland a few years back.
Our thoughts are with Mark’s family and the people of London.
