The Climate Within The Music Industry Both Past And Present

Today's climate within the music industry is one of struggle and uncertainty with a small hint of optimism. The industry is redefining itself daily. Record companies have been cutting back and nullifying many positions like the "A&R" position. "Why do we need A&Rs?" questions the record company. "They drive up the budget with their travels, outlandish spending while rarely ever finding that (STAR) we are looking for. From now on, we will only look for and sign established artists with a following and a complete project to boot. We will still require all of the rights and profits pertaining to the project and artist will go for it because they have no other option. We will promise them houses, cars, jewelry and fame while we keep the money. We will be able to make millions with little effort or expenditure. "

This is what that very artist should be asking. Why?, Mr. Record Executive do you feel so entitled? I have already produced a professional project that you may want to polish a little, but it won't be hundreds of thousands of dollars to do so. I have sold "X" amount of CDs, established airplay, fostered demand and built an ever growing following. Let's be honest and see what's now missing on your part.

You didn't sign me to your record company years ago, develop me from the age of a teenager or young adult, provide me with vocal or instrumental lessons taught by a professional to the stars, provide me with daily hands-on training in the studio as I record for free on every one of the label's projects either singing background vocals, writing songs or playing instruments for your "Star" artists. You didn't give me the opportunity to tour around the country and overseas performing live concerts and performances behind the same star artists so I could get used to being on stage without the immediate pressure of being out front, pay for my housing, clothing or hand me pocket money so I could focus on honing my craft and becoming a great artist. Did you Mr. Executive?" The money that you will put into polishing, mastering, manufacturing and providing distribution for the project does not warrant such a deal. Let's talk about my retaining the rights to my songs and doing a partnership of at least 50/50. We both know I am already making more money from my sales on my own than the typical artist does from a standard record contract. Right, sir?

That conversation needs to happen more often than not these days. Wake up artists. If you have gotten your project, demand, following and airplay to the point of being noticed by the majors, do not bend over so quickly. Know what you have accomplished. Insist on a fair deal, be flexible and shop around. This is the precise moment to get paid for all of your hard times, persistence and achievements. You've earned it!

At one time, the record company actually did a great deal for an artist. Nevertheless you had to pay back every penny of every dollar ever spent on you from your measly 3% of the sales as agreed upon in the contract. I have always detested this because the profits even on a not so successful project will be enough to cover those costs and still be profitable for the record company. This is exactly why a famous artist could generate millions of dollars and end up busted. They never had any real cash of their own nor could they ever get from behind the eight ball of "advanced" money. Their lavish life of luxury was just a mirage! If they didn't perform live shows, they literally had not made any money! The record company provided them with fine cars, homes and jewelry just as promised, but all in the company's name. That meant when the sales faltered or stopped....you got out and it all went to the next "Star." No loyalty or friendships involved. "Don't take it personally", they would say. It's just business.

Fast forward to today. Where do I begin? Do I begin where no one these days are going to the record stores to physically get the new project they've been waiting for? The days of experiencing the physical product in your hands, reading the credits to each song as you listened closely for the first time while checking out all of the pictures for a sign of the next trend are all but a distant memory. Or do I start where the instrument and homes studios have gotten so accessible that anyone can attempt to record or feel they are a producer just because they make beats. Are the days of perfecting your craft, learning your field of study, being an understudy to a master or becoming an intern to gain hands-on experience forever gone?

These days everyone wants to be seen as something they're not long before they actually have accomplished what is required to become. It seems like integrity, modesty and humility have all but disappeared. Our American culture of "instant this" and "instant that" has created people either within the industry or trying to get into the industry that are short on work ethics, but long on unrealistic expectations.

With the present condition of the record industry, a lack of work ethics may be a hard thing to overcome. Nevertheless, I chose to believe that it may be just what we need to combat the syndrome of "Instant Gratification" or at least weed out the ones that aren't really serious about being in the industry. How could this happen you ask? Great question!!

With the decline in record sales, record company cut-backs, little-to-no artist development occurring anymore, fewer record deals and the record companies still feeling entitled, it has force artists to become independent and take their career into their own hands. What does this mean? It means one thing......... Work, Work & MORE WORK! Remember those people who wanted everything like YESTERDAY? Either they step up to being a "one man" or "one woman" record company, publicist, lawyer, advertising and marketing firm or find something else to do that entails less work. Believe me. I haven't listed everything involved. It will take artists with character, determination, business sense and "OH YEAH!" TALENT to make it through to the other side.

So, you see. The current state of the music industry has a very good chance of actually elevating it's game while weeding out all imposters. That's my "small hint of optimism." Let me know what you think.


LaGrand Aka "ProducingMind"

Go to YouTube.com and watch my new video entitled "Building A Family." Join the family today and reap the rewards!

Building A Family,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C1MX4MJ6Eg