we want a record deal.. so does everyone

[Andres Vinuela]

I couldn't agree with you more Sirbobdog. Thanx for the reality check. It is true about why a person creates music in the first place. Sharing these thoughts and feelings, and connecting with others, is the most divine part of being able to write music. Take-care.
P.s I just wanted to be prepared should the oportunity present itself. Wouldn't want to get caught-up in the hype and not see the reality.

 

[mixmkr]

the other idea is just to play incredibly awesome music that is not a ripoff of someone else. Be the NEXT E. VanHalen, or write better music than the Beatles. To many people plug their guitar into a POD, double track it, add a decent drum sound (that sounds like def Lepard), sing like Sammy Hagar, and try to play like Steve Vai..but yet, there are a zillion others already trying to go that route. Why shave your head..that has already been done. Just cut it off and STILL sing..that'll make ya famous.

 

[John Sayers]

I have to agree with Shailat and machine - I have always thought that record companies sign managers. Making a record and promoting it etc is a big deal and the record company need an assurance that the band will fullfill it's part in the whole process.

It's the management that make the deals and say we'll do this if you do that etc. I'm sure there are record company people out there who could tell you so many stories of bands that fucked up in the delivery of their side of the deal. So the record companies have become cautious adn now the business is run by lawyers and managers.

Getting a rcord deal is only a part (sure a major one) of the process of promoting a band. You must first prove you are delivering from your side - you know - working hard creating an audience and a following in your local area and starting to expand your marketplace, having a set of good commerical songs ready to be recorded, good management and publicity etc and generally showing you are ready for promotion.

I don't think there really is such a thing as the music industry - there is only the Entertainment Industry - your band has to entertain either through great music or great performance or preferably both.

Cheers
John

 

[Shailat]

To all of you contempt with making music for yourself that is a great attitude
for all hobbyist musicians.

It's great to be a computer programer or electrician or plumber and write music at your free time and then if you sell great. If not then also great.
However some of us are trying to devote there whole life to music and music only

It's not an easy life. More so if you have a spouse and family. I can't afford to say "if I don't sell then great. It was the experience and fun that counted". I have to put bread on the table.

 

[Capt. Snazzy]

i guess there is a reason they say......

don't do what you love for a living...
i think that when you put certian constraints on your music or music you produce, such as having to make money with it, you detract from its beauty, or uh, musical innocense so to speak. not to say that it's wrong to make music your whole life. but you do lose alot of perspective, on everything. maybe you've forgotten the enjoyment of being able to do whatever you want to musically, without worrying about whether or not it'll sell. for all of you who have, it's great.
just my thoughts, to each his own.........-Capt.

 

[Diragor]

I don't think you have to compromise your "artistic vision" (or whatever you want to call it) to make a living playing music. I believe that if you keep your music pure to your vision and make the right moves on the business side (completely separate from the music side) you can find your audience and make a living no matter what kind of music you write. Whatever style of music you play, there will be a certain percentage of the population that will love what you do and buy your albums and see your shows. That percentage will be larger for certain types of music and depending on how good you are at what you're doing. It's just a matter of making sure the widest possible audience is somehow exposed to your music so those fans can find you.

This is all just theory, since I'm still an unknown artist (two bands and my own project). It's the theory that keeps me going and gives me hope for doing what I love for a living.

 

[Capt. Snazzy]

you're correct

i guess i was shooting more towards those who would suggest that business contracts are a part of music or the musician's lifestyle. i just think that there should be more support and encouragement for those who just want to make music. i don't know much, there just seems to be too much concentration on one aspect of music. just my thoughts, as i said before. well, later -capt.