Musicians Will Work For Food

The hipster band duo Ex Cops are pissed at McDonald’s because the company asked them to play a show without pay at South By Southwest in exchange for free exposure and at 20-piece chicken nuggets. The band said they couldn’t go for that. McDonald’s responded by stating they are the arbiters of the music industry and were simply following protocol by soliciting bands to promote their Mad Cow ridden products without pay:

“We follow the same standard protocol as other brands and sponsors by inviting talented and emerging musicians to join us at the SXSW Festival. We look forward to serving McDonald’s food, drinks and fun in Austin. #slownewsday.”

Singer of the band and staunch purist for the right price Amalie Bruum shot back:

“They’re not following any guidelines because everyone else is offering money… Other, much smaller corporations are offering us money. It’s a perfect example of an archaic company trying to be hip by putting a hashtag at the end of an e-mail.”

Yes, that old cliche. Working for free exposure is one of the dumbest tricks predatory businesses have thought up. Here, pave my driveway and I’ll tell my neighbor you did a great job. You can even take a photo for your Twitter page. Why am I in this headlock? Maybe you shouldn’t be taking money from corporations in the first place. When they suggest you not piss on the crowd your art will suffer. You can’t be cool and indie and butt hurt that McDonald’s isn’t paying you at the same time. Try selling some tickets. I asked for no pickles.

Photo Credit: Facebook