Excerpt from Wayne State University’s 2019 Commencement Guide, Jack White

(20200701 update*) by Andeé Sea Cae Jak, SAQOTU Inc.)

Obviously, I admire Jack White: musical brilliance notwithstanding, how could I not given all that he has accomplished?

On May 3, 2019, Wayne State University presented to him a Doctor of Humane Letters degree for all that he has done for Detroit. In the Commencement publication (excerpt inserted), one of his businesses, Third Man Records, was mentioned; however, his other businesses, Third Man Books, Third Man Mastering, Third Man Pressing and Third Man Store were not. Neither was his involvement with Nashville’s Council on Gender Equity.

I realize that there is a very fine line between sharing an opinion and “pushing product” (I try to avoid the latter at all costs.); however, the Third Man businesses are devoted to helping artists—something that the music industry is severely lacking, in my view. Plus, I rely heavily upon music to help me manage strong emotions that are evoked as I see (and hear) things including environmental sabotage and far too many examples of both civic and civil immorality.

Sadly, acquiring music is becoming more and more difficult. Earlier this year, I re-posted my opinion regarding my frustration with Apple where I detailed my inability to use my $100 gift cards to purchase an album last year which, in my view, is a far superior experience to collecting “singles”. Also, I have ZERO interest in being dependent on Wi-Fi, a data plan or any “almost-free-so-that-artists-receive-no-meaningful-royalties-for-their-work” streaming service. I want to OWN the music with which I connect. Period. It is for this reason that I want to share with you the existence of Third Man Store. Here at https://thirdmanstore.com/ you can connect with the artists whom you value.

*An account from which I was blocked without explanation during November 2019, the original article was posted on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6538865546157408256

This issue is dedicated to Kurt Cobain, one of our artists lost.

Other frustrations with the music industry can be gleaned from … 

Regarding my rough notes, mental scribbles, article ideas, outlines and research-in-progress: feel free to take the ball and run with it!

Meet Andeé Sea Cae Jak