INDEPENDENT ARTIST?
QUESTION: Would you sign a record deal?
ANSWER: Yes, if the Math's right and creative freedom's not hampered.
QUESTION: Y?
ANSWER: Most signed artist are not better off than unsigned
artist financially but they gain more recognition obviously.
It is easy to spend the lables money till its time to pay it back.
This problem has been here since the 50's when record companies actualized the significance
radio play was to record sales. At that time record labels bribed every disc jockey individually
to have specific tunes aired. Now a days this method has become the acepted rule. Controlling
over 70% of the radio market, over 70% of all airwaves. Agents simply manipulate at the
executive level setting whats required to convert the Hip Hop Disc Jockeys playlist.
A multi-billion dollar scheme. This is not an isolated problem and runs wildly from artist
to artist, group to group. Do your research to see the percentage of happy signed artist
out there in comparison to unhappy ones. Consider Ice T's song effectively
being banned with little hassle. (Reason? It was a negative influnce.?!
--Something regularly produceed and promoted everyday.
In addition. It is not because of good taste. Everyone should consider this as they
go to support these companies. Hip Hop originated as a channel for the people
to express and expand influence. At one time The artist was the artist, now the
artist is the puppet. With the exception of the smart entreprenurial ones able
to manouver effectively. With or without a deal. As for the majority both
professional and upcoming artist, dream the big dream but trap themselves in
a situation that pays the label while giving a rich impression of themselves to fans.
Only to land themselves in a jammed situation.
This article was not written to deter people from getting signed cause sometimes
(almost never) the deal works out. This article is just written to expose the issue
to upcoming artist who may not be aware of this. Or just to read.
THE INTERNET THE WORLD AND YOU.
Before the Web, you had to be a record label, corporation or the government to
publish and distribute a book, run a radio station, or broadcast video. Now,
anyone can publish content for anyone else who has access to a computer
and the Internet. This is the power that the Web gives to individuals
and organizations anywhere on the planet. It includes:
* The power to publish and view visual representations of knowledge, image and art.
* The power to broadcast or receive music, radio and video from anywhere at any time.
It is very possible to make ends meet independently with commitment and drive.
If people like your music ,that is where you start. With or with out radio play!
Sell 100,000 cds $10 each at shows etc... equals up to 1,000,000 dollars, minus the
cost of production. This definetly prooves advantagous. All you need is the right
promotion / management team and a srewd ability to accumulate, save and reinvest.
A technique which started most Major record companies in the first place.
If unwilling to invest $$$ and time into yourselves then forget it. Get signed!
Otherwise Aim global and 100,000 sales is much more attainable.
Dont forget internet sales/ distribution (mp3s) and ringtones etc...
Remember This is a culture which frees your expression not restrict them.
There was a time Hip Hop didnt and couldnt get any airplay and still prevailed
With or without TV or radio play progress is till up to you. The Choice is Yours!
Basically, beware of various scams with easy success.
Research interested labels and who you work with both
in the artistic and business sides of your venture.
Remember It's Hard work that takes you where you are going.
This is no guarentee to your success, just a suggestion.
P.J.Vincent (Trx-V)
Download this Album! (2008) Click the pic Below for Download details.
(c)&(p) 2000+ Stylordz.com
http://www.myspace.com/stylordz
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