Thursday, May 26, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Death of the ”Major Label”
I'm a music watcher. Yes, I said watcher not listener. I don't think music is solely audible. Sometimes when I hear a song I can close my eyes and SEE the music, but that's a different topic. I watch music trends. I pay attention to music news. And I wasn't surprised when I read that Moby "We Are All Made of Stars" said "...signing to a major, for 99.9% of the musicians on the planet is the worst thing they could do..." Wait! What?
But isn't signing to a "major" what every indie artist dreams of. I thought about that statement. I thought about it A LOT.
I don't always support the views of artists, because sometimes I think that they're more about the mula than the mission (you'll get that later). But that aside, I figured maybe Moby had a point.
Now I'm not touching the politics of the industry with a flaming ten foot pole. I don't do politics. I'm looking at this from a distribution stand point. I was looking at a chart of the financial breakdown of album sales. And basically after distribution cost, promotional costs and "salaries" (wink and nod at that) most artists are lucky to walk off with enough cash per album to buy chocolate bars for their crew, let alone the leased homes and vehicles some of them stunt with.
The advent of the internet and especially social networking definitely changed the landscape of the music industry. Like it or not it has changed. Now artists have a better chance of getting what they want heard to their fans plus they have a wider ocean to charter in search of fans. Whereas their scope may have been local and possibly regional, they have a chance to hit an international market with just the click of a link. Before they release an album, they can test the waters of their fanbase by "leaking" a sample of what's to come.
And with iTunes basically putting distribution right in the hands of the artists, a very key component in the original artist distribution equation has been cut out.
I learned of so many artists long before they had a major record deal. Before the industry got in the way of the music. They pushed not to simply to get a record deal, but because the music itself was a passion. I think that's why we had better music.
So with that said, maybe more indie artists need to shift their focus to "going rogue".
MOBY says "They have treated musicians badly. They've treated fans badly. They've treated the music badly, most importantly. For that reason, they either need to reinvent themselves or die quietly."
Moby's Comments
But isn't signing to a "major" what every indie artist dreams of. I thought about that statement. I thought about it A LOT.
I don't always support the views of artists, because sometimes I think that they're more about the mula than the mission (you'll get that later). But that aside, I figured maybe Moby had a point.
Now I'm not touching the politics of the industry with a flaming ten foot pole. I don't do politics. I'm looking at this from a distribution stand point. I was looking at a chart of the financial breakdown of album sales. And basically after distribution cost, promotional costs and "salaries" (wink and nod at that) most artists are lucky to walk off with enough cash per album to buy chocolate bars for their crew, let alone the leased homes and vehicles some of them stunt with.
The advent of the internet and especially social networking definitely changed the landscape of the music industry. Like it or not it has changed. Now artists have a better chance of getting what they want heard to their fans plus they have a wider ocean to charter in search of fans. Whereas their scope may have been local and possibly regional, they have a chance to hit an international market with just the click of a link. Before they release an album, they can test the waters of their fanbase by "leaking" a sample of what's to come.
And with iTunes basically putting distribution right in the hands of the artists, a very key component in the original artist distribution equation has been cut out.
I learned of so many artists long before they had a major record deal. Before the industry got in the way of the music. They pushed not to simply to get a record deal, but because the music itself was a passion. I think that's why we had better music.
So with that said, maybe more indie artists need to shift their focus to "going rogue".
MOBY says "They have treated musicians badly. They've treated fans badly. They've treated the music badly, most importantly. For that reason, they either need to reinvent themselves or die quietly."
Moby's Comments
Monday, April 18, 2011
Music Monday Sample Sale
Some may argue that they wish people would come with "newer" music, but this weekend I got to thinking about some classics that have been sampled and covered and I for one like the "newness" of them.
One song in particular "Wishing on a Star" by Rose Royce just couldn't leave me. And personally don't mind hearing another cover or sample of this track.
Listen to it, there's something about this song that has some great movements. I got a few rappers that frequent the page. Why don't you try it out. Yeah I know Jay Z did it, but that's the thing about music and your personal interpretation of it, you can make it what you want it to be!!
One song in particular "Wishing on a Star" by Rose Royce just couldn't leave me. And personally don't mind hearing another cover or sample of this track.
Listen to it, there's something about this song that has some great movements. I got a few rappers that frequent the page. Why don't you try it out. Yeah I know Jay Z did it, but that's the thing about music and your personal interpretation of it, you can make it what you want it to be!!
Monday, April 4, 2011
D.O.C. Countdown - One More Day!!!
In a little more than 24 hours, tomorrow, YES TOMORROW! at www.indacriblive.com for the first time in years, Tracy Curry aka D.O.C (formerly of Death Row Records) is gonna speak about what's happened since the last time we heard from him.
I still think D.O.C. is one of the ill-est lyricist to pen a rhyme. He is on a level that some could only wish to achieve. As a fan of RAP, this is long awaited. D.O.C. is one of the reasons I fell in love with RAP. I'm excited!
So today in preparation I brought out some of my D.O.C. audio/video memories.
The first time I heard this I almost cried because I knew of his voice before the accident. But with or without the voice I remember, he is and will always be D.O.C.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Are The Major Labels On The Verge Of Obscurity
Recently I saw two things that made me think. The first was the announcement that Borders Bookstore was filing for Bankruptcy and the second was a youtube clip where the artist mentioned that a lot of times the major labels will clamor after the indie artist has created their own buzz.
That got me thinking. The necessity for a MAJOR record label deal has honestly changed.That is if you're willing to do some of the ground work yourself. Let's take a look at Drake. The excitement Drake generated happened before a major label even took notice. He actually had a Grammy nod before he'd signed to anyone. But this was due to him creating his own buzz. Finally with all that work, he signed with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment. Hmmm.
Dondria got on YouTube and continually "worked" for her fans, (she asked them what they wanted to hear her sing) until she got the ear and eye of Producer Jermaine Dupri. Currently she's signed to Dupri's independent SoSoDef Label.
The self proclaimed Barbie, that is Nicki Minaj, created a buzz with Playtime Is Over with Dirty Money Records. Next with Sucka Free, under the label of Be and Beam Me Up Scotty, another mixtape, in April 2009 under the label of Trapaholics Records. Finally when it came to sign on the dotted line she signed with Young Money Entertainment.
How did I bring the closing of Borders into this? Here's the point. For the most part, Borders is a distribution point for not only books but music. With the advent of digital access, consumers no longer felt the need to go book shopping. The middle man (distribution) was cut out.
One of the reasons for wanting a major label deal is for that backing to get the brand of the artist out there. But with artist direct access to distribution, and the current ease of building your own brand as far as the releasing music and getting in touch with the fans with the social media access; one might wonder what can a major label do for me?
After all, it's my brand, my vision, why not control it all MYSELF?
Something to think about!
I SUPPORT MUSIC
Until next time ... Hit me up!
That got me thinking. The necessity for a MAJOR record label deal has honestly changed.That is if you're willing to do some of the ground work yourself. Let's take a look at Drake. The excitement Drake generated happened before a major label even took notice. He actually had a Grammy nod before he'd signed to anyone. But this was due to him creating his own buzz. Finally with all that work, he signed with Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment. Hmmm.
Dondria got on YouTube and continually "worked" for her fans, (she asked them what they wanted to hear her sing) until she got the ear and eye of Producer Jermaine Dupri. Currently she's signed to Dupri's independent SoSoDef Label.
How did I bring the closing of Borders into this? Here's the point. For the most part, Borders is a distribution point for not only books but music. With the advent of digital access, consumers no longer felt the need to go book shopping. The middle man (distribution) was cut out.
One of the reasons for wanting a major label deal is for that backing to get the brand of the artist out there. But with artist direct access to distribution, and the current ease of building your own brand as far as the releasing music and getting in touch with the fans with the social media access; one might wonder what can a major label do for me?
After all, it's my brand, my vision, why not control it all MYSELF?
Something to think about!
Now Go Forth and Make to Good Music
I SUPPORT MUSIC
Until next time ... Hit me up!
Don't forget to follow me on Twitter
You know how we do...It's all about the music!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Where Are They Wednesday
I was talking to my brother this weekend and we started reminiscing about playing music on the down low at home. (Preacher's Kids) And about artist that for sure didn't get a long enough time in the spotlight. In today's "Where Are They Wednesday", I pay homage to some of the people that helped to give me a greater love of R&B.
Sam Salter - I absolutely loved this song (no I'm not old, I've just always had a dynamic appreciation for good music)
Until next time ... Hit me up!
Sam Salter - I absolutely loved this song (no I'm not old, I've just always had a dynamic appreciation for good music)
I still have this song on iTunes, that how much I loved it. The Boyz II Men was just icing on the cake for me! I think I could use some Uncle Sam in my life right now!
This song is just awesome for me. The second verse was a killer. I miss this kind of singing. We don't even have R&B groups like this anymore.
I think I'm gonna do a whole "Where Are They Now" edition for these guys. I absolutely loved them. I miss them greatly.
If I reminsce anymore I think I'll start to cry. So I leave you with those few. Maybe I sparked a "I remember when" in your mind.
Now Go Forth and Listen to Good Music
I SUPPORT MUSIC
Until next time ... Hit me up!
Don't forget to follow me on Twitter
You know how we do...It's all about the music!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Who's Got Next - Skrill Dilly
I don't know how early New Orleans export Skrill Dilly realized that he had the entertainer bug. But his all around persona is entertaining. When I first became exposed to this talent, I had started following a hashtagged "#DillyQuotes". And after some investigation, I found the inspiration and humor was coming from Skrill Dilly . 
Formally Yung Skrilla, this rapper from New Orleans, Louisiana has released a number mixtapes and recently hosted a three day weekend fan appreciation retreat for his fans. That in itself impressed me. Who does that?
The other thing about Skrill is he's not a "flash in the pan rap artist. Honestly here is what I look for in my rap!
Realism - When he raps I believe him. I don't like bipolar music, don't be party boy rap with me one day and the next you wanna be gangsta. And if you're gonna do that I have to believe it.
Artistry - You know how I feel about showmanship in my entertainers. I've seen him Ustream, (under my alias ;-) )and I know he can put on a show.
Perseverance - Despite what you think the rap game is hard to maneuver through than any other genre, you're constantly forced to prove something. Skrill has proven that he has the BALLS (pardon the expression) to stick it out in this game!
This guy's got all three!!! He's one to look out for, FOR SURE!
Why do I think Skrill Dilly's got next?
He's a refreshing change. He's a hustler. He's actually TALENTED!!!
I gave his single Get Like Me 5 stars
Check out single and learn more about Skrill on WWW.SKRILLDILLY.COM. Or follow him on twitter if you dare Skrill-Dilly
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