arutha14 asks: Todd: Do you believe that Patronet will allow you to reach a broader audience, or is it primarily designed for hard-core fans?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Well, PatroNet right now, probably appeals more to hard-core fans. As the record industry evolves into more of an online business, I think that PatroNet can be a forum for all kinds of fans. Even casual listeners.
swancarol asks: Where do you envision Patronet in the future, especially for artists who do not already have a fan base?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Well, the music can sell itself if it is good enough, but most artists will have to continue to tour to build-up fan loyalty. But they can use PatroNet to stay connected to those fans.
romo_romo asks: what's the next generation of the TRTV Tuner?
Todd_Rundgren_99: We hope that within the next month, we will have the technology completed to the point that we can start releasing it to the public at large.
dadadali_98 asks: Hi Todd - have any changes been made in the line-up for this tour?
Todd_Rundgren_99: The only change is that I am sort of replacing Peter Frampton in the most recent line-ups which has only toured Europe.
Chiner98 asks: Todd, Which one of your albums was your favorite one to record?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Probably the most fun I had in the studio was Nearly Human. It is unusual to be able to have all of the muscians perform at once.
jerryc_1955 asks: todd, love the bossa nova "love of the common man". any more songs like in the style coming out?
Todd_Rundgren_99: That was the only remaining tune from the With a Twist sessions, but there are some live recordings of other material in a Bosanova style.
arutha14 asks: Todd: Do you see Patronet as an alternative to record companies, or services such as yours eventually replace them?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I think that record companies can use PatroNet as well as independent artists. It is a good way to get connected to fans and it helps to reduce inventory which is a big problem for record labels.
arutha14 asks: Todd: How will the new medium affect your creative process? Will bypassing record companies greatly impact the finish product?
Todd_Rundgren_99: The traditional model is to record an album in 4-8 weeks and tour for two years which means you spend more time promoting music than making music. Since PatroNet allows me to deliver music anytime I want, I find myself creating all the time rather than once every two years.
romo_romo asks: when will other artists be able to use Patronet?
Todd_Rundgren_99: AS soon as the new technology becomes public, then we are going to also introduce new services.
TallGuy246 asks: What is your next goal for Patronet?
Todd_Rundgren_99: We are trying to get some technology out the door.
kelnor2 asks: Todd...Why not get Ringo to cover "You Make me crazy" his voice is perfect for it..
Todd_Rundgren_99: I think maybe that is because Willie sang the original so maybe it is a good song for drummers.
TallGuy246 asks: What unexpected problems have you encountered with Patronet?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I've experienced a lot of unexpected problems, but I expected to have problems, I just didn't know what they would be.
larryfrompc asks: Will there be a cd or video for this All Star Tour?
Todd_Rundgren_99: That I don't know. I know there was a video of the European tour. So far no one has mentioned anything but it is possible.
arutha14 asks: Todd: What do fellow musicians (of your generation and others) think of your plans for changing the music industry?
Todd_Rundgren_99: They used to think I was being typically anti-establishment, I guess. Now the idea looks a lot more appealing to most of the musicians that I have talked to.
TallGuy246 asks: Has it been difficult for you to juggle your various jobs in Patronet such as CEO, marketing, sales representative, producer and musician?
Todd_Rundgren_99: What gives you that idea? Lol. Yes it is difficult juggling those jobs. One of the things we are working on this month is getting me some help.
Todd_Rundgren_99: That should free me up to concentrate on music, hopefully.
stoshnet asks: todd, do you think there will be more web authoring in Director? and what the heck is a "sprite" anyways? !
Todd_Rundgren_99: That's too technical a question for this forum.
swancarol asks: Will patronet offer its patrons more music than if we had to wait for a cd every few years?
Todd_Rundgren_99: My fans get a CD every three months. Usually with 3-5 songs on it and other types of media as well.
vegas600 asks: aloha from Oklahoma ! Are there any more eggs in your golden goose ??
Todd_Rundgren_99: I try not to think about the eggs.
stoshnet asks: What is your favorite restaurant in cleveland?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Cleveland...I can't say I have a favorite restaurant in Cleveland.
stoshnet asks: is it true mystery sciene theater inspired your latest TRTV?
Todd_Rundgren_99: The movie Mystery Science Theater featured the 50's classic, This Island Earth, from which the name of the new tuner is derived.
Todd_Rundgren_99: That is the interocitor.
BashfulGirls asks: Todd, what will the Ringo Tour be like without Burton Cummings?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I'm still looking for a victim.
zamx asks: what are your plans for Waking Dreams?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Once we've established PatroNet, we have a number of other interesting projects, including possibly artist development.
mikewatt99 asks: In 1978 you told Rolling Stone that you were going to be like DaVinci in that you wouldn't be appreciated until after you died. DO you still that's the case?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I don't remember saying that (about DaVinci). In any case it is not something I worry about. I still have to pay the bills while I am alive.
clady32797 asks: I love when you play small venues. Are there any smalltours coming that we can look forward to?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I don't have any tours planned after this one which is not to say that I won't tour.
clady32797 asks: I love when you play small venues. Are there any smalltours coming that we can look forward to?
Todd_Rundgren_99: We don't have plans yet.
TallGuy246 asks: Do you consider yourself a “workaholic”? (24/7)
Todd_Rundgren_99: Am I a workaholic? I don't know anything except my work, actually. If by that do you mean is it hard to tear myself away from work, it can be.
Rundgrenized asks: Will consumers be able to get rarities through Patronet?
Todd_Rundgren_99: They arlready get rarities of mine...it is up to the artist.
TallGuy246 asks: Will there be an IPO for Patronet?
Todd_Rundgren_99: There may not be an IPO, there may be a private placement or two.
ronwebaz asks: has patronet lived up to your expectations?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I am satisfied so far but of course it is only the beginning. It has for me made a suitable replacement for a record label.
orfeus_2k asks: Hi Todd -- First of all, I was among those who enjoyed your summer concerts at Central Park! Question: What do you think of MP3?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I think that music wants to be free, just like information. Then again, musicians have to live. I think in the long run, recording is a good way to promote a live performance.
Major_Todd_Fan asks: Why are there certain songs that you never, ever sing?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Because my shows are never more than 2 1/2 hours long.
Todd_Rundgren_99: That is usually about 25 or so songs.
Todd_Rundgren_99: Which is only 2 albums worth.
FireDancer_24540 asks: Hello Todd...Will there be any reunion of the Utopia members in the future?
Cheru2 asks: Are you touring anywhere in Chicago area?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I believe it is going to Chicago...is that near enough?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I can pretty much say with certitude, there will not be a Utopia reunion.
TallGuy246 asks: If you could to do anything over again with Patronet, what would you do different?
Todd_Rundgren_99: If I could do ANYTHING different, there might be a thousand things that I would do differently but it is too late to worry about it.
sog451 asks: Will you be spending any time at the tables of the many casinos you'll be in with Ringo?
Todd_Rundgren_99: LOL..I am gambling just going out on the road.
orfeus_2k asks: I have a feeling prolific artists like Prince will love PatroNet.
Todd_Rundgren_99: Since you can deliver music anytime you are inspired to, prolific artists will probably make the best services. Other artists may need help producing enough content to keep the service interesting.
vinnieY2K asks: Ok, so I'm new to tr-i, I've only used CD's and records. Tell me about the interactive business.
Todd_Rundgren_99: The interactive business. Interaction is about the consumer having more choice about what they consume and when they consume it. The difference is like McDonalds and Burger King. Burger King claims you can have it your way.
BreezyHT asks: will patronet be used as device for only musicians?
Todd_Rundgren_99: PatroNet is designed for services of all kinds. For instance authors can serialize new books. Games designers could serialize new levels and experiences and any kind of media that can be delivered electronically.
okot57 asks: Todd, what song did you submit for the Olympic's in 88? cgallo_99 asks: Todd, how's your new company doing. Generating a lot of buzz about it?
Todd_Rundgren_99: The song was "Can't Stop Running."
Todd_Rundgren_
99
Todd_Rundgren_99: There is a great deal of interest in PatroNet. Even some fans have offered to invest in it. I'd suppose it is unique to be in the black from the first time you started doing business.
mgvh asks: A form and function type of question: how much of Patronet is designed simply as a means of distributing music and how much is the means part of the product you're promoting?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Interesting question...the product is an experience. I was unsatisfied with the experience of using a browser and that is why the tuner was developed. So, in a way, the tuner is part of the product in that it enables the experience.
mythomerica asks: how soon will you deliver a brand new tune to Patronet, or will you complete Buffalo Grass first
Todd_Rundgren_99: I have a new tune which I am about to complete any minute and it isn't Buffalo Grass.
ronwebaz asks: You performed a blues version of 'Born to Synthesize' in a Phoenix concert....any plans to put that on CD?
Todd_Rundgren_99: If by that you mean the jazz version from the With a Twist tour, it is a possibility.
vinnieY2K asks: Did you enjoy the Sausalito Art Festival?
Todd_Rundgren_99: That was a fun gig except I felt cooked at the end.
ZmanTRfan asks: Hello, Todd. I'm interested in subscribing to Patronet. What requirements should I consider for optimum participation?
Todd_Rundgren_99: The next version of the tuner will only run on power pcs and Windows 32 bit machines (Windows 95 or later). It will adapt itself to any connection speed.
knuckles_b asks: MAN YOU BRING BACK GOOD MEMORIES OF THE 70S .WHAT KIND OF GUITAR YOU FAVOR THESE DAYS?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I am playing my green strat-style guitar, whom I call Foamy. I am also playing a replica of Eric Clapton's guitar which I call Sunny. The original is too valuable to take on the road.
swancarol asks: Tell us about the Interocitor
Todd_Rundgren_99: You'll need to be more specific.
mikewatt99 asks: THe With a Twist tour was great! Any ideas as to the next musical direction?
Todd_Rundgren_99: There is no different musical direction right now. Which is not to say that I am going to play bosonova for the rest of my life.
mikewatt99 asks: Is Love of the Common Man about the second coming of Jesus Christ
Todd_Rundgren_99: No, and none of my songs are.
mgvh asks: Is Patronet simply a means of delivering music or is this means part of the creative package?
Todd_Rundgren_99: PatroNet will have its own set of authoring tools which we may make available to subscribers so that they can have a personal channel on PatroNet.
Todd_Rundgren_99: I emphasize MAY.
solara1999 asks: Are you still the lone guitarist on Ringo's tour?
Todd_Rundgren_99: That's me. The lone guitarist.
sog451 asks: Todd, Any chance you'll return to Boston in spring for Earth Day concert on the HatchShell?
Todd_Rundgren_99: When is Earth day?
okot57 asks: when will your book be published?
Todd_Rundgren_99: AFter I finish it which hopefully will be before the end of the year. As a matter of fact, I am going to say definitely before the end of the year. AS soon as I get a little help around here.
mikewatt99 asks: Is this the ultimate comeuppance for all the crap you had to put up with from the record companies and executives in the past
Todd_Rundgren_99: I've never put up with any crap! I'm trying to create a way for other artists not to put up with crap.
arutha14 asks: Todd: Your style of music has continually evolved over the years. Where do you see your music going in the future?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Its going everywhere. Because of the Net, everyone can satisfy their own musical taste. I think that the Web will make all kinds of music easier to find, so you'll find that one style won't dominate the way it does nowadays.
zamx asks: how do you manage to have any personal life with all the work you do?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Except for the kind of work that I do, I have a normal life. I eat dinner with my family every evening when I am home. I even get the kids ready for school if necessary.
bigron_rlm asks: Hey Todd my first concert was at Mississippi Nights in St.Louis are planning on going back sometime?
Todd_Rundgren_99: As far as I know, we aren't playing anywhere in Missouri. You can go to www.ringotour.com for the latest concert information.
larryfrompc asks: Is Waking Dreams in a coma?
Todd_Rundgren_99: The Waking Dreams site has been dormant because I have been spending all of my time working on PatroNet. You could say that right now, PatroNet and Waking Dreams are the same thing.
debnor98 asks: Are you doing anything to prepare for Y2K or are u a non-believer?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Yeah, I am hoping to have a really big party!
FLMLVR asks: When will you be doing an online concert for your subscribers?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Yes I will. The current tuner doesn't have the technology to broadcast but the next version will.
Hodjordan asks: Todd: If you were a dinosaur, which one would it be?
Todd_Rundgren_99: One that didn't go extinct!
designqueen_98 asks: LOCM on TRTV radio is wonderful! why did you decide to keep it off WAT?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Well we had enough songs to start with and also, I felt that it was not thematically consistent with the rest of the material that I chose.
Todd_Rundgren_99: It didn't feel the same as the rest when we did it.
BashfulGirls asks: You finally produced someone else last year. (SPlender). Any other like projects in the works?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I've been approached by a few bands but the record industry is so volatile that often even though I might be interested in a band, they may never get to make their record.
stoshnet asks: is it difficult to learn the songs for such an all-star tour?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Not only difficult to learn the new songs, diffiult to forget the parts I used to play on the last tour.
fablad asks: What have you not done musically that you'd like to do?
Todd_Rundgren_99: One reason why I accepted the Ringo tour was to see part of Africa but that leg was cancelled.
doors4u2open asks: What advice would you give to a Net Entrepeneur?
Todd_Rundgren_99: It is hard to come up with the proper combination of haste and patience. The Net evolves really quickly but a lot of what comes out of it doesn't last very long.
FLMLVR asks: What happened to the "TR-I" designation? Are you through with Interactive CDs?
Todd_Rundgren_99: The Tr-i designation is still a label for anything that I do that has an element of interaction. That is why I am TR-i everytime that I am in the chat room.
stranger555 asks: todd... why did you choose yahoo chat for a forum, when there are so many otherchat platforms that are easier to deal with?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I am a compulsive chatter and I was asked by ZDTV to come here tonight.
TVB_artboy asks: Are you involved with any visual arts projects?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Well, there is a visual component to everything that I work on. Even my electronically delivered songs have electronic sleeves to go with them.
Todd_Rundgren_99: I have to make a CD sleeve every three months.
Chiner98 asks: Todd, some of your lyrics are so powerful, where does your inspiration come from
Todd_Rundgren_99: I usually think about a song a long time before I start to write the lyrics but I don't write anything down until right before I sing the song. So, most of my lyrics are written in less than an hour.
ko1128 asks: Todd, what are your thoughts on DVD and do you have any plans to release any content on that media?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I think DVD is really good for video presentations but it is nearly impossible to fill up a whole DVD with music.
Chiner98 asks: can you give us the Patronet web address
Todd_Rundgren_99: www.tr-i.com
mythomerica asks: I would love to see you on a show like Tom Snyder's - were you ever invited?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I did a Tom Snyder radio show once but no, I haven't been invited to do his tv show or as far as I know anything similar on a national level.
arutha14 asks: Todd: What music are you listening to these days?
Todd_Rundgren_99: Creme songs, Porcolharun, Ringo Starr songs.
jopes_99 asks: When is this interactive stuff going to hit the TV version?
Todd_Rundgren_99: There have been a couple of attempts to bring interactivity to television, most notably Web-TV, AT Home, etc., but there are no standards and the language that the Web uses is not particularly suited to television.
daveorbit2 asks: Hey Todd, saw the TRI show a few years back. Are you planning any more midi enabled solo tours?
Todd_Rundgren_99: I used to use more midi in my solo shows, recently I have been trying to incorporate more interactivity in the solo shows and less dependence on machinery.
Todd_Rundgren_99: It doesn't always work!
Tannis_ asks: Todd: What's the first record you ever bought?
Todd_Rundgren_99: The first one I ever bought I believe was the second Beatles album.
ImMikeyToo asks: Todd, would you ever consider making studio masters available to fans interested in trying their hands at remixing your music (ala NWO CD-i)?
Todd_Rundgren_99: There is something you could do with a DVD.
Todd_Rundgren_99: Its always possible except that the record company always owns the multi-track masters. I'd have to convince them.
Beth_ZDNet: We're all out of time now! Thanks to TR for joining us tonight. Check out Todd's web site at www.tr-i.com
Beth_ZDNet: Thanks everyone!
Todd_Rundgren_99: Goodbye!
Todd_Rundgren_99: See you all out there on the road.
Beth_ZDNet: see you!
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