Roots Archives Forum

I'm well aware that the label is basically defunct (what happened, by the way? I heard bits and pieces but would love to hear the whole story), now it looks like the message board may now be defunct, too (at least it doesn't work when I try the link). I know they're the "competition" but a lot of good info on there. What's the deal.

http://www.bloodandfire.co.uk/

so i've noticed, i was surprised when i went to view it.

It was working yesterday, it does go on and offline quite a bit so it might be back, i wouldnt worry unless its gone for a few days..

Im still unsure on the full story of what was going on and without some kind of press release all we're going to find out is hearsay.. I heard someone was buying it up but then i cant confirm.

As a person who has deliberately avoided the vinyl bug, Blood & Fire exposed me to a tremendous amount of great music. I'm probably preaching to the choir but they really set the standard for high quality reissues with generally good sound quality, fine artwork, great liner notes and even the odd royalty to the artist (who ever heard of such a thing?!) Props to Barrow.

The proverbial well of great reissues is not bottomless, and the likes of Pressure Sounds also do a great job in the space, but I would be really sad to see that label go. Just from browsing this board, I know there's still a lot of buried musical treasure out there. It's just not good for the music for a high quality label like that to fold.

But good news - the website is working again.

the problem is that the youth of today prefers mp3 low fi shit and the days of vinyl and cd come to an end i fear. so it becomes more and more difficult for a small label to survive in a ever shrinking market. still it is possible that b&f continues but it should happen soon ....

Blood & Fire was(and some may say still is)the original reggae Wikipedia. There is tons of archived knowledge over there. Sad to see the labels demise and I still wonder who is keeping the board running these days.

you also have tons of archived knowledge at chattymouth.

informer wrote:the problem is that the youth of today prefers mp3 low fi shit and the days of vinyl and cd come to an end i fear. so it becomes more and more difficult for a small label to survive in a ever shrinking market. still it is possible that b&f continues but it should happen soon ....

no that's not completely true, it's very easy to blame others..
I think these people have a bad/uncoordinated business model, combined with a not very smart financial strategy...

If the market is shrinking, or changing you need to adapt. It's the same in the animal world, Animal species who can't adapt themselfs to new environments won't survive....

Blood & Fire was my favourite label and I learnt much through their releases. So I was hit hard when they started to release CD only because I only like to buy vinyl. (I guess I am infected by that bug somebody mentioned.)
I don't even know when they stopped their releases altogether (maybe not long after they chuck the vinyl?). I have heard though that they are more or less defunct and I think it is a pity.
The B&F Board is functioning just fine (just click on Discussion board and don't get irritated by message on homepage). It's maybe the best place for all Shaka-Ites and Roots Sound followers. Respects to the people who keep it up still.
Imho vinyl will never die. There are enough enthusiasts out there who appreciate it as a cultural format and keep it alive. Shouldn't expect to get rich in a niche market like reggae though.

bonga wrote:I think these people have a bad/uncoordinated business model, combined with a not very smart financial strategy...

The problem is that such labels are usually led by reggae lovers, not businessmen. It's a passion, not a business. At least, not only...

I really miss B&F, they did a great job, numerous fantastic albums brought back to daylight!!!

RIP B&F:(