Quote:
Originally Posted by
greggybud
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Labels can't take risks and send a band out on a 2 month tour that used to cost 100k in the 80s hoping they generate a vibe and gather a following.
I think labels are dictated by fear and today they can't afford those risks. The result is safe music. Taylor and her Swifties are safe right? Labels can't afford to take risks. Can you really blame them since the days of Napster?
And our culture, even going past the agreed concept that the production playing field is more level than ever before, has accelerated being safe taking less risks, and reaping higher rewards. It used to be taking the risks reaped the high rewards.
Everyone plays it safe. Liability fears. Shock jocks have been replaced by the incredibly boring Ryan Seacrest. It's nothing like dropping turkeys from an airplane on WKRP or the crazy stunts of 80s radio morning zoos all over the country. Deregulation killed that, and eventually, even without deregulation...technology, political correctness...and more fear.
Maybe a no-name with a pretty face and smokin tight body could hire Luke, Max or Stargate and daddy could write the check for a 150K production single, but those producers look for label push behind their production costs. So again yes, it's pretty much closed.
The way I look at it is..be happy and be creative. It's a closed system, but who cares? A 12-year old can do wonders on a DAW. Contrary to here, don't get too bogged down in tools polishing a turd. A good song is still a good song...even a solo with a guitar or piano. All the stuff past the solo guitar or piano is embellishment, and eventually hopefully synergy happens.
i think it's more of a machine than you mention, and that "they" can make or break any half decent artist or band very easily... as well as dictate the music the general public will like and listen to... it's that dialed... and there are no more risks, it's all tightly controlled and very predictable at the top of the game.
but i agree with everything else... if you're not in the club, then it's best to just create and have fun with it.
but if one is young and willing to do whatever it takes to "make it", then off you go to see if you can break through the many levels and endure all the trials and tribulations it takes to get there... and if one does make it through, then their life and music will not be their own anymore, as the machine will take over and dictate precisely what is needed to keep itself fed and moving forward... thus the artist becomes another cog in said machine, in trade for maybe some fame and fortune, that can be taken away at any time, depending on ones obedience to it.
good stuff.
lol