Artist Empowerment

I met with an A & R consultant at one of the major labels a week ago and was very inspired by his passion, energy and spirit.

One thing that is important for us to remember as artists is that there are still great people who work for the major labels even though the major label system is failing.

One insight he shared was that it is time for the major labels to go back to developing career artists - which is what made them successful in the first place.

I have heard several other reasons for the collapse of the major label system including:

• Their failure to keep pace with technological improvements
• Their failure to stay in touch with the changing preferences of customers
• Their over-reliance on the “hit”
• Too much overhead

All of these have truth to them and I’m sure there are several more reasons that we could add to the list as well.

No matter what, any kind of success in the music industry will always start with:

• A great song
• Performed by a great artist with a great story to tell
• Produced by a great producer

Then comes:

• Developing the “brand” (live show, look/feel, story, logo, etc.)
• Figuring out how to connect target fans to the “brand”
• Growing your base by cultivating a direct relationship with your fans
• Building an online presence (website, social networking sites, blogs)

If you have all of these elements in place, you have a real shot at success in the music industry because you will have the beginnings of a viable business that promotes your art - that will attract outside investors, labels, managers, etc.

There are so many passionate people who are in the music industry because of their love of music and the A & R consultant I met a week ago proves that point.

As artists, it is our job to do as much as we can on our own so that we can attract the right people, in the right places, at the right time.

One of my previous bands was offered a record deal from a major label a few years back.

As the representative of the band, I went to New York to discuss the terms of the deal with our lawyer and to meet with the head of A & R at the label.

The A & R Executive had signed some of the biggest rock bands at the time. He had come to our rehearsal studio several weeks prior and seemed genuinely excited about our band.

I met with our lawyer for about 2 hours and it became clear to me that the terms of the deal weren’t in our best interest. Knowing this, I set out to find the Manhattan high rise where I was to meet the executive.

After going through security and getting a badge, I took an elevator up to one of the top floors. I waited for about 30 minutes in the waiting room until he was ready to see me.

His assistant escorted me in and I walked into his office which was embellished with multiple platinum albums on the wall.

We said our hellos and exchanged some pleasantries. Not wanting to waste his or my time, I asked him “So how committed are you guys to making this deal happen with my band?”

His answer was very vague and what he said immediately after answered my question:

“Barrett, we really like your band and hope that all works out for the best. Let’s set that aside for a second. You are an incredible drummer. Are you interested in playing the drums for one of our signed bands?”

Shocked by the turn of events, I thanked him for his kind words and his time. I told him that I was committed to my band but appreciated his offer and enthusiasm.

As expected, the record deal fell through and even though I ended up walking away from my band a year after that event, I will never regret my decision not to dignify his offer.

Loyalty to your friends, family, clients, business partners and band members is one of the most important character traits that will set you apart from the pack.