Meaning: This quote seems to refer to a situation where the speaker, Mark Edwards, attempted to repurchase the rights to three Homestead records but was unable to do so due to the owner's demand for a significantly high sum of money. Homestead Records was an independent record label based in New York City, founded in 1983 by Barry Tenenbaum and Ed Caraeff. The label was known for releasing music by influential underground and alternative rock bands in the 1980s and 1990s, including bands such as Sonic Youth, Big Black, and The Minutemen.

In the context of the quote, it appears that Mark Edwards may have been involved with the production or distribution of music associated with Homestead Records. His attempt to repurchase the rights to three specific records suggests that these records may have held personal or professional significance to him. However, the owner of the rights demanded a sum of money that was far beyond what Edwards could afford at the time, making it impossible for him to regain control of the records.

The mention of $10,000 being "about 10 times more money than I could get my hands on at the time" indicates the significant financial barrier that prevented Edwards from reacquiring the rights to the records. This highlights the potential challenges and obstacles faced by individuals in the music industry when it comes to ownership, licensing, and rights to intellectual property.

The quote may also reflect the broader issue of ownership and control within the music industry. Independent record labels like Homestead Records often played a crucial role in nurturing and promoting emerging artists and groundbreaking music. However, as the industry evolved, ownership of music rights became increasingly valuable, leading to complex negotiations and financial barriers for those seeking to regain control of their creative works.

Furthermore, the quote may also shed light on the power dynamics and challenges faced by artists and industry professionals when dealing with rights and ownership. The fact that the owner of the records demanded an "outrageous sum" suggests a disparity in bargaining power, where the owner held a dominant position in the negotiation, making it difficult for Edwards to reach a favorable agreement.

In conclusion, the quote by Mark Edwards provides insight into the challenges and complexities surrounding music rights, ownership, and financial barriers within the music industry. It underscores the significant obstacles that individuals may face when attempting to regain control of their creative works and the impact of power dynamics in such negotiations. Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between art, commerce, and ownership in the music business.