The business sure has changed since I started listening in the late 60s. Back then, the problems were different ... godawful contracts and unscrupulous promoters, label execs and agents. Just ask John Fogerty. Now the artist has to face the daunting matrix of streaming services. A great reminder, Michael.
Everything you said is absolutely true! The only caveat I would add is it IS possible to wade through the paperwork and get a song/songs out independently - it took me almost a week, working it every day, waiting for an approval or completed research and whatnot. But, it’s doable, and really by anyone, though it can try one’s patience. What I’m unimpressed by is the idea that I see too often - that if a writer’s songs can only get in front of that one magical person, they’re automatically on the boulevard of dreams. They just can’t see the path is doing the work themselves, reaping their own rewards, and not letting a label, famous artist or producer use them only to toss them aside. Was ever this, unfortunately
I don’t have that kind of insight - I imagine the template is “Will it sell?”. I kinda think there’s more than a little “Let’s try this”. At least when I see some country songs with a lame attempt at rap/hip-hop lyric/beats inclusion.
Excellent post once again, Mr. Michael! Yeah, the rock ‘n’ roll deaths seem to come in threes. Could possibly be more than that depending on how wide a net one casts.
Your advice to would be musicians or musicians who would be stars if only they could, is excellent. The whole idea of having well thought out goals is one I have to constantly re-teach myself. And your favorite album covers collection — I thought you were going to say, they are your favorite album covers with the artists face on them. Which then made me think including your album cover was your way of saying “my face is the moon!“ There’s a good pun in there about saving face, but I’ll let Brad take that one!
Thank you for your kind words!! Lots of albums by all of those folks with more “concept” covers, but it occurred to me there may be folks who’ve heard the names, but have never actually seen a face to put with the name.
Probably a good pun about mooning Brad in there as well….
The business sure has changed since I started listening in the late 60s. Back then, the problems were different ... godawful contracts and unscrupulous promoters, label execs and agents. Just ask John Fogerty. Now the artist has to face the daunting matrix of streaming services. A great reminder, Michael.
Everything you said is absolutely true! The only caveat I would add is it IS possible to wade through the paperwork and get a song/songs out independently - it took me almost a week, working it every day, waiting for an approval or completed research and whatnot. But, it’s doable, and really by anyone, though it can try one’s patience. What I’m unimpressed by is the idea that I see too often - that if a writer’s songs can only get in front of that one magical person, they’re automatically on the boulevard of dreams. They just can’t see the path is doing the work themselves, reaping their own rewards, and not letting a label, famous artist or producer use them only to toss them aside. Was ever this, unfortunately
Beyond that, don't the labels and execs use predetermined formulas to tell them what will sell? I think that's why country music sounds so templated.
I don’t have that kind of insight - I imagine the template is “Will it sell?”. I kinda think there’s more than a little “Let’s try this”. At least when I see some country songs with a lame attempt at rap/hip-hop lyric/beats inclusion.
Excellent post once again, Mr. Michael! Yeah, the rock ‘n’ roll deaths seem to come in threes. Could possibly be more than that depending on how wide a net one casts.
Your advice to would be musicians or musicians who would be stars if only they could, is excellent. The whole idea of having well thought out goals is one I have to constantly re-teach myself. And your favorite album covers collection — I thought you were going to say, they are your favorite album covers with the artists face on them. Which then made me think including your album cover was your way of saying “my face is the moon!“ There’s a good pun in there about saving face, but I’ll let Brad take that one!
Thank you for your kind words!! Lots of albums by all of those folks with more “concept” covers, but it occurred to me there may be folks who’ve heard the names, but have never actually seen a face to put with the name.
Probably a good pun about mooning Brad in there as well….