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Just recently, two well-known bands have announced that they
might switch from the traditional model to the DIY model of the music industry
once their contracts are up.
Alternative Press Magazine reports that Streetlight Manifesto, a famous ska band, has announced that they are quite unpleased with the actions of their label and are “boycotting” them. The band released a rather lengthy statement on their website about the incident claiming, “Victory Records is an artist-hostile, morally corrupt, and generally dishonest company” (Streetlight Manifesto). Several record labels have developed this same reputation over the years whether it is due to the behavior of employees, hidden agendas, or contract wording. It is for this reason alone that artists are a bit leery when it comes to signing a contract. Instead, they would rather be their own bosses and project managers to produce their music.
Alternative Press Magazine reports that Streetlight Manifesto, a famous ska band, has announced that they are quite unpleased with the actions of their label and are “boycotting” them. The band released a rather lengthy statement on their website about the incident claiming, “Victory Records is an artist-hostile, morally corrupt, and generally dishonest company” (Streetlight Manifesto). Several record labels have developed this same reputation over the years whether it is due to the behavior of employees, hidden agendas, or contract wording. It is for this reason alone that artists are a bit leery when it comes to signing a contract. Instead, they would rather be their own bosses and project managers to produce their music.
DIY artists act as project managers when they decide to play
a show or to distribute an album. Think of all of the tasks that are included
when a band releases an album. First songs need to be written and recorded, and
then the music needs to be mixed, mastered, and edited. Packaging and artwork
need to be designed and manufactured, and marketing has to get underway all
before the album reaches the consumer. Often times, they employ producers,
artwork designers, and other professionals to act on their team throughout the
duration of the project. Becoming a project manager means ensuring everything necessary gets done on time, resolving conflicts, and acting as a liaison for all of the departments included (Heerkens).
The second band looking to do things on their own is Attack Attack! An interview on PropertyofZack.com
with one of the band members tells fans that their newest album, This Means
War, is their last album with their current label, Rise Records. Drummer, Andrew
Wetzel made comments about his opinion on “the general business model of the
record label” and implied that the band was being told what to write or create (PropertyofZack.com).
It appears obvious that when opting DIY, artist have more creative control and
freedom to do whatever they please. With advancements in technology regarding
software and social networking, it is certainly possible to reach target
markets and become a success. It will just take a bit longer to make your
presence known. Let hard work, determination, and passion be your driving force to achieve your dream.
Heerkens, G. (2002). Project management. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Heerkens, G. (2002). Project management. New York: McGraw-Hill.
I found this post to be very interesting. Atists deciding to DIY when it comes to producing their music. It is certainly a brave act, but very possible in this day and age. With the technology, social media, and hard work and determination, I think it can be done. Many artist have started their own labels. They want to have control over their craft. As I mentioned in my blog post for this week, an artist income is now becoming more based on what they do than what the label is doing.They have to go out their and give live performances to raise there income. As more and more artist take their own careers into their own hands, the more money they stand to make.
ReplyDeleteThe week before on my blog, Melodies from Heaven at mbarksdale@blogspot.com, I had an artist state that the labels sometimes participate in unethical behavior. I will continue to follow this topic for it is very interesting to find out whether the artist can stay successful running their businesses without the labels.
Melody,
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right in that artists need to take control of their future to benefit financially. However, even when artists go out and do shows (assuming they do not have a 360 deal)a portion of ticket sales still goes to the venue. This percentage is agreed upon by venue and artist prior to the event and it varies. I believe that it is more of the merchandise sales that keep the artist afloat (some venues might even take a portion of these sales too). It all depends. I plan on doing a more detailed blog post on this topic in the future. Until then, Martin Atkins' "Tour Smart and Break the Band" is a great resource.