Astral Sounds - Awarded a Gold Album by the Recording Industry of America (RIAA).
Here's how it happened:
When sales of Astral Sounds reached 500,000 units, Mark called the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) asking for the rules governing the awarding of a Gold Album. They replied that a recording must have sold at least 500,000 copies and have at least $1 Million in sales. Mark replied that Astral Sounds accomplished that. Here's part of the conversation that followed:
RIAA: Are you a record company?
Mark: No.
RIAA: Is it a vocal?
Mark: No.
RIAA: Is it an instrumental?
Mark: No.
RIAA: Is it spoken word?
Mark: No.
RIAA: Is it sounds of nature, like wind and rain?
Mark: No.
RIAA: Well, what is it?
Mark: Its electronic sounds created by a computer.
RIAA: And you sold more than half a million of them?
Mark: Yes.
RIAA: And you have at least a million dollars in sales?
Mark: Yes
RIAA: And you can prove it?
Mark: Yes. So when do I get my Gold Album?
The RIAA was highly skeptical and insisted on an audit. I readily agreed so the RIAA arranged for their accountants to visit my Los Angeles accountant and audit the Astral Sounds books. They soon verified that what I told them was true and the official Gold Album now hangs proudly in a prominent place in my home
The RIAA sent out an official list of 1982 Gold Album Winners and Im listed along with The Beach Boys and The Beatles. Im still totally amazed when I look at it!
A little further down on this page you'll see my on the list of winners, the actual Gold Album. I've also include a copy of the actual Astral Sounds CD I'll send you when you order it.
