
Jacquelene Close Moore
Do you want to be a part of the music business or are you just trying to be a celebrity? Because if you want to be a celebrity there are quicker ways to fame. My biggest source of frustration in this business are artists chasing a record deal. I have no time for this. Why? Because as suggested above this is simply a quick fix to a deeper issue based around the need for personal significance. My other source of frustration are unsigned artists who claim to want to choose the independent route but when this is actually a cover for chasing a record deal.
This has been spelt out many times but if you're still not clear on what this is check out the wiki here.
So why else do I find this frustrating? Because of the basic lack of understanding that a record deal is a type of investment where you work in partnership with the record label. Any business investment is usually characterised by the investee AKA the unsigned artist in this case demonstrating that they can make money. These days a label will not invest in you if you cannot demonstrate sales. In a time when revenues are in decline and the contract is a 360 deal a label simply cannot take a risk on a demo. You must show that you have a fanbase that buys stuff from you.
So stop trying to promote the hell out of your music for the sake of attracting a label and focus on contributing to the music business and creating revenue. You'll be better off for it and when a label does come courting you - you'll be in a stronger negotiating position because you will understand money and what it takes to make it.


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