” Are YOU Killing The Music Business?”

Ok - here's my opinion. It's the music BUSINESS!!!! Not the music FELLOWSHIP! The music business has ALWAYS been all about the money and the quick influx of cash. We think today's artists aren't as high a quality because we compare every artist on the radio with the ones we remember from years ago. I am old enough to attest to the fact that back when Merle and Johnny were ruling the air waves there was PLENTY of ultimately forgettable music being put out by labels looking for a quick buck. 

I hate it when people say that there are a lot of terrible, talent-less artists out there, "but I won't name names." There is no objective measure of what GOOD is. I think it's quite arrogant to assume that your taste is anything more than just that - YOUR taste. And I think it's cowardly to say, "you know who they are" without stepping up and naming them, because then you escape the risk that someone might disagree with you. I'll bet money that for every artist you haters disdain, there are fans who find that person's music speaks to them like no other.

Here's reality. Radio stations are in the business of selling advertising. Their job is to attract as many listeners as possible and hold their interest so that their advertisers get maximum exposure. They need music that helps them do their job. Record labels are in the business of selling music and the major labels can't sell in the numbers they need unless their artists are on the radio. Artists can't fill huge venues unless they are on the radio. 

Many artists can create wonderful music that appeals to a small fan base, but if you want a major-label deal, you have to create within the boundaries of what radio will play. But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. Within those boundaries we get songs like "The House That Built Me" and "Letter To Me." I'm sure that a lot of today's artists will fade quickly, but I am equally sure there are artists on the airwaves right now - who came through the same machinery so villified by the complainers - that will be thought of decades late the same way Johnny and Merle are now. (And I bet there were hater back then dissing their music.)

I live in Nashville and work in the music industry at the level where people are starting out. I know how hard it is to get a deal. The fact is, it's incredibly hard to be brilliant. I know tons and tons of struggling writers and artists, and it sure looks to me like all of them are trying as hard as they can to create the best music they possible can. And I know a lot of people who work on the business side, and it sure looks to me like they're in it becasue they love music and they are doing their best to help promote music they believe in.

And I know lots of people hungry to make the big bucks the music industry machine can generate who aren't getting the interest they want. So rather than taking responsibility for the fact that they haven't created a product that will work in the major-label market, rather than honestly facing their own shortcomings and striving to overcome them, rather than accepting how hard it is and putting in the needed effort and developing the extreme humility necessary, they attack the industry and sneer at people who got the shot they would give their souls to get.

I screened the packages from all the indie artists who wanted to play the Bluebird for ten years. So much of what I heard was sloppy and self-indulgent. I've seen too many artists use "artistic integrity" as a justification for being too lazy to craft their songs to a point where they are accessible and entertaining.

The truth is, in the music industry there are not enough openings for all the qualified applicants. It's really, really hard to be great at it. It's even harder to be great at it in a way that fits the needs of the mass market. I know how few hopefuls ever get their shot. I have tremendous respect for anyone who found a way to get theirs.

 Let the music business die, so we can get on with the business of music.

Who is killing the music business... evolution and extinction, natural selection. If it's being killed let it die. If the music business is killed it will leave more room for the business of music.! @joycolins 

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

Posted by Julian Edgar

Piracy has wounded record sales and the model of the music business, but can you blame consumers for not buying today’s music? For the last decade, record labels have been caught up signing the cheeky girls and other gimmicky acts which we know nothing about, whom have little talent and are overdosed with auto-tune. Record labels are no longer finding the next Dianna Ross or Whitney Houston of today, but is in search of the next act which can make them a quick buck. Piracy has affected everyone, but many artists with longevity still flourish. Record labels need to find more Adele’s and build artist fan base with good music and the correct branding , We can’t blame the kids of today for downloading Cheryl Coles new single, when its full of auto-tune So In my eyes I blame record labels.  

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

Posted by Guy Ward

A team with millions of dollars but only if you got the money I'm close with the band Eve To Adam and there only on the top 30 charts because there is this guy who has already pumped over a million dollars into the band and they just now braking even 200,000$ it cost to get there song played on the radio and there a band with outrageous talent  

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

 Posted by Harvey Cooper

You still can be successful if you have outrageous talent..however it will take resources and a cadre of people who know current market conditions and have the skills to get you where you want to go. You have to know the ATeam Reps that can accomplish this.. 

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

Posted by Christine Infanger

Payola has existed has long as radio has. It doesn't help that Clear Channel owns every radio station that "matters" and Live Nation owns....well....everything. With talent and the right team assembled, it's very possible for artists to succeed, but to do so, they must work with technology and and use current social tools and trends to their advantage. Stamping your feet and saying "MP3s killed the industry, it was better 30 years ago!" isn't going to do anything, apart from leave you behind. The truth is, we are each part of the problem, when we're sitting here whining about this after 10 years of the same thing. Thankfully, we're all also part of the solution. When we each go to work each day, be we managers, writers, producers, fans, or whatever the case may be, we each contribute actively to the industry that we love. That is what has always kept the industry alive, and the precise reason that, regardless of its ebbs and flows, it's not going anywhere. 

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

 Posted by Guy Ward

PAYOLA!!!!!!! That's what is killing the music industry The very thing they destroyed Allen Freed is a live and well in the music industry The only reason why a band makes to the to 10 or top 30 songs is because someone has payed to have there song played enough to be at the top It's not how good you are or if everyone likes your song It how much money did you pay Viacom That's what's killing the music industry 

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

 Posted by Harvey Cooper

Billboard has 50 genre charts...there's room for everyone if you can identify your base market and crossover potential markets.. 

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

Posted by Rhonda Powell

In my opinion it's the radio stations that are catering to young listeners, These listeners are into the explicit lyrics that talk about big houses, fast cars, money and women they will never have...the stations change the venue to play this garbage therefor causing really great country, pop and RnB artist to change the style of music they record just to stay in the business....I'm a Jazz listener and in my opinion there is no other music worth listening to and these artist are the lowest paid in the industry...people would rather pay $200 to go see some untalented gold tooth fool with no shirt on and his pants around his knees walk back and forth laughing and speaking ebonics....In short it's the radio stations that don't know how to stay true to the artist that a worth hearing, relationships have to be made and listeners need to learn to support the artist by purchasing the music... remember the good ole days when it was cool to have a record collection because of the art work on the album and the poster inside...  

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

Posted by Mike Loughran

As long as the masses buy popular music, the INDUSTRY will do just fine. The easier the massses are to please, the more money the industry makes. If "swag" translates to the mandantory ownership of a SmartPhone and Mp3 player, the industry has plenty of music, video, and other content to keep the masses happy, distracted, and ready to spend lots of $$$ on what's next. The dumber the massses, the better. Same as it ever was  

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

 Posted by Marchelli Hill

I don't think anyone has "killed" the industry. I think that there is a new wave of artistry, we've experienced throughout history with the formation of new genres and marketing and branding techniques. I think that technology such has changed the approach and they way artist and label are getting the music out to listeners. I will say that substance of songs (lyrics etc) has definitely changed but that is more of a generational thing. Popular music is made to appeal to the masses. 

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

Posted by Harvey Cooper

The only Company that handled the post Napster era was Disney..they protected their copyrights with vigor, they also bypassed Big Radio by exposing their Artists on their own TV shows and developed Disney radio to practically owning the youth market.Of course they had the resources. As I said things can be done..  

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

Posted by Ted Blakeway

I agree with Eric.  Back in the 80's a levy was introduced onto cassette tapes as the record industry thought "Home taping is killing Music" it was only 10pence it so, no one complained and the money went into the music industry. Why then can't we introduce a 50pence levy on every household that has an Internet connection (currently over 20million in the UK) per month, giving the music industry a much needed boost of £10m per month. Anyone unwilling to pay would be back on board after a week with no Internet.  This may not be the best idea, but I don't see a lot happening elsewhere.  

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

Posted by Cee Major

We all are in our own little ways....hope and work for a better tomorrow....For the song remains the same!  

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

 Posted by Harvey Cooper

Gentleman..things can be done to restore an even playing field for Indies..however it will take resources and a few good men..The most important elements of the business remains the same outrageous talent and consumer validation.The delivery system has changed the current one will do..there are ATeam marketing people available that are competent and honest and can provide a test market that can document potential commercial viability..just have to know who they are. 

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

 Posted by Eric Greedy

Yeah Jon, Billy pretty much supports my original argument, that downloading brought us here. In '98 when I was working with him on an Album we were discussing the future as looking like it was heading towards a paradigm in which ad revenue - selling songs for commercials - was going to be a big factor (he had turned down some lucrative offer at the time). His point bout music losing it;s monetary value goes right to the heart of it. Napster started the snowball... now we''ve moved past illegal downloading to a culture - becuase of the internets unique intersection with digital media - where my kids just go to YouTube to hear new music. You listen to a song a few scores of time until your satisfied and then you move on... now reason or need to purchase. If people could drive off in cars from the car dealerships lot.. a heck of a lot would. They can with music, and now it;s the culture. Since this has happened and in parallel... a new and more engaging form of entertainment has come along and taken the pie share of funds and time for most young people. Game... it;s still hard if not impossible to bootleg your own Mbox and the game it runs on... so these are where no one has any trouble spending 30+ dollars to play endlessly. That's what my generation did with music. 

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

Posted by Charles Batchelor

I know this all goes on and it is sad... All I can say is that there are a lot of things people are missing out on due to their greed and arrogance. There needs to be more variety in music and by those who slam the doors on Artists they are closing the doors on creativity. If I had the money I would develop a new Production where Artist did not have to be concerned about if they had enough money, looks, etc. to be heard. I know a lot of quality Artist that most likely will never get heard. That is why we am learning how to record at this very time, so that I may assist them down the way once I know more about what we are doing. (lol) We plan to charge on a income scale; those who can afford a lot, pay more and those who cannot, pay less. WE hope to see no one left out. We already help those for their Photography needs and most of the time do not Charge anything at all for those who are low in income. Charles of "Higher Call"  

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

Posted by Harvey Cooper

The lockout of Independent Artists by Big Radio and Major Record Companies..add the obvious, Surrender of intellectual property rights, anti-trust laws changed, Bad and greedy Mgt. that turned a blind eye, corruption, the silence of the legal and media community, other than that it's fine...  

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

Posted by Jon Johnson

Billy Corgan from The Smashing Pumpkins has some awesome things to say on this topic. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJGMb1AcUCM  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

  Posted by Brian Knight

Interesting take, and part of the problem NOW not part of the “old problem” that supposedly justified these fake new solutions. Bottom line, accounting dept became more important that artists for profit, not sustainability. = consumer rape.

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Carrie Hodge

Good for You Brian Knight...........!!  

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Posted by Brian Knight

What’s killing the business? I could tell you in a long detailed essay, as I have on other threads, so that you know exactly what is doing it, BUT, I won’t. I’ll tell you in a few sentences. IGNORANCE, about how the business ran, runs, about musical art in general, standards of excellence on the part of new A&R people at labels, of basic business principles, what the customer wants or will accept as a music product, BIGOTRY, Against how major labels used to run. RUMOR, about how things work now not based in facts, and about the freedom of DIY and not the costs. SUPERSTITION, about the music business as a whole, and what customers want not based in facts, LIES, about the major labels not based in facts, DENIAL, of the facts that if you’re selling schwag and merch and giving away CD’s that you’re NOT in the music business, you’re in the schwag and merch biz, of the law of supply and demand, the concept of quality, and effective communication with customers based in respect. 

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Group: Nashville Music IndustryDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Bob Olhsson

Historically "country music" has always been 20 year old pop music with more adult lyrics.  What has killed music in my opinion has been the declining amount of live popular music that kids get exposed to and inspired by. This decline has been going on for over 40 years. The entertainment section of any large city newspaper from the early 1960s will put most contemporary musicians into shock. The garden where we used to grow artists has been paved over. There's plenty of blame to go around but it's a problem that needs to get fixed at the grass roots.  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Christopher Bell

Not you or I darlin that is for sure. Its crazy to think that Napster did us a favor by allowing the musician to compete independantly with the industry. It allows us to gain the trust back from the consumer; to be real again. Too often we as musicians seem pre-packaged and plastic. Todays music scene, in my humble opinion, allows us to connect and build our own following based upon how dedicated and driven we are. Just a few thoughts. Thanks for sharing.  

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Group: Music Industry ForumDiscussion: Who's killing the music business anyway?

 Posted by Harvey Cooper

Julian..your right..part of the decline is the fault of corporate type Mgt....Knowing talent is a talent..the majors have not produced acts that last over time...However no matter what your name or status is you should only be concerned in a 1st phase marketing effort to get enough exposure for consumer validation, once you do you have options..and commercial radio is still the most powerful tool and is available to Indies through the right marketing pros we have desribed.. 

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

 Posted by Robert Brentley

Well, you have to spend money to make money. So how can you blame those without money? They don't factor in as consumers nor producers. So, as it is with any industry, it's those in control of the capital (money) that control the fate of the industry. If they invest in a poor product (i.e. an image/fluff rather than a musician) then they will get a poor return. Sure there are exceptions that will see a quick return but it will be an aim to break even as opposed to making substantial if not long-lasting profit (e.g. Katy Perry: Part of Me vs The Avengers). Unfortunately those quick and acceptable returns are enough to keep the industry flowing towards those products. Seems that those major labels that invest in musicians and singer/songwriters (e.g. Lady Gaga, Adele) get those record-breaking returns because at the end of the day they can write/perform a song that will connect with various demographics. But the mentality now is to promote a song to be played enough that whether people like it or not they will know it. You hope they will buy it; which they won't because it's not that good but you've at least established the artist in popular consciousness. E.g. "Hey, I just met you..."  In summation, it's like raising little kids on fast food; they will live, but don't expect Olympians. As well, there will be plenty of discussions like this asking whose responsibility it is to cook? Then again, I can't talk I write pop songs. You want fries with that? P.S.> Yes, there are better examples of musicians to use than Lady Gaga and Adele but business-wise they've done the best in recent memory. 

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Joseph Nicoletti consulting-promotion

lets first start with Poor Talent that has no funds to get anything done themself,.. and Would not know a real business opp if it bit them., Too afraid and have no clue how to attain connections,but are talented for sure !, but boy they know how to point fingers and Complain,, sound right?..still all my best to all the dreamers and talent out there ! best regards J.N.  

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Group: Music and Entertainment ProfessionalsDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Gary Hoopengardner aka HooP

Hello, Well to tell you my observation about "So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?" It's me and people like you.  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by David Patterson

The music business isn't dying, just most acts and artists that fail to generate any fan interest. Don't blame the fans either, they don't know a thing about music, they just know what they like! So what's the answer? Who knows, just hope you'll recognize if you suddenly have it and can find a way to CASH IN  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Paul Saul

MMMM...This is true short term thinking is a major problem today along with instant gratification. Music today (not all) is 'MANUFACTURED' to provide instant gratification financially and emotionally; by that I mean there is little true spiritual value, songs are formulaic around a narrow set of human experiences. Like fashion and religion they prey on that basic core designed human need of oneness and community.  We are being human and music expression with integrity and individuality is synonomous with this need. So my observation of the MUSIC BUSINESS is that it is self serving like so many narrow business models which are doomed to fail in the long term. We see evidence of this globally, old systems and models falling precisely because they cannot possibly be sustained and provide essential balance to our great planet and people.  The sad dysfunction of pop culture and music is that people are trained to believe that what is vogue is important to their self worth and their identity and relationship to it. This makes it very difficult for music creators, channels and bringers to be evenly heard and virtually impossible to be sustained neve rmind nurtured by this great gift and practice; this in turn makes it very difficult to apply the time it deserves as a musician/ writer etc.  So what kills the music business? spiritual dysfunction and spiritual manipulation! How ever on the upside there is strong evidence of a resurgence and new mindsets blooming. This will take time to become manifest in mainstream consciousness and business models but it is happening so hang in there budding music people. I am trying to create space in myself for it my career to happen and flow rather than driving and chasing and maybe trying to 'fit in' as this hasn't worked for me and began to destroy the very core experience and reason that I love and create music.  I am out of the way when play music and that experience is a total commitment to the moment. This is the point, anybody who listens to someone performing from this place feels connected and touched in their own individual way regardless of the genre etc. the music business has sought to 'BOTTLE & SELL' this! it wont last as truth is free and music that is formed with integrity carries this resonance of truth and connectedness that we all crave. This is why the rave culture was so successful it delivered this experience in a pharm! sort of way. Chin up Brian I feel your frustration I dream of getting well paid to co-create music.. So all' while waiting for the Music Biz to find integrity, truth and balance follow your intuition and be open to direction as some one once said to me 'sometimes the longer way is the quicker way!' Keep expressing music don't give up PS: I am totally preaching to myself here I ain't got it all figured out but I will let you know when I do! Love and respect to all music lovers, real good music is always worth paying for... x  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Raymond Fry

@David - Problem with formula is that so often it is a case of people selling their souls in the process. I can speak from experience because I went down that route in the 1990s. I found myself working with assholes that didn't give a shit about the music. The preference for me today is that I write what I write and I leave it up to my management to seek an artist that likes the song enough to record it. I think that you have a good way of looking at it.  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Robert Brentley

With all due respect, I disagree that talent doesn't need money. It is an insult to all of the talented people that are passed over daily, and the signed artists that get dropped because the label doesn't know what to do with them.  Beyond that it ignores all the hits that almost didn't get released until their artists fought for it. Then the powers that be (those with the money) acquiesced to appease the artist and invested then lo and behold the artist was right. Michael Jackson - Billie Jean Prince - Kiss John Legend - Ordinary People ... list goes on As well as artists who don't get promoted until they reach a certain level of acclaim almost on their own. Adele Amy Winehouse ... actually I don't feel like writing out the entire list alphabetically.  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

 Posted by Raymond Fry

It is not who is killing the music business but rather "What" is killing the music business. The answer to that question is greed. Record companies choose artists that already have a following and it doesen't matter to them how tallented a person is. If they don't have a following they are not interested. I was contacted recently by a singer/songwriter who asked me for help with contacts. In her email, she mentioned money more than she mentioned songwriting. That is what is wrong with the music industry. It's not about art and creativity, it's about money. If an artist has talent, they don't need money. Their talent will attract good people who will get behind them and help them achieve recognition. Those good people will not charge anything up front to do this. If someone asks for money up front, they are in it for the money and not for the artist. My management do not charge a dime up front, and only get paid a percentage out of the earnings generated through their work. My advice is for the songwriter or artist to seek out a manager/agent that believes in their creativness enough to get behind them with their resources with no upfront charge. 

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

 Posted by Betty Curtis

GREED from front office execs who don't care about music nor music makers !  They only want blockbusters regardless of quality. They don't know what a melody is, and don't want to bother with it, They tell each upcoming generation  THEY have the IN thing, and appeal to herd instinct as a buyer source. FOLK artists, still trying to summon heart and soul to weave music that speaks for  their generation, are like a red-headed step child, banished to sideways and byways where seasoned souls search for some meaning to their music. Don't let it go the way of the crooners, the Dylans, Peter, Paul, and Mary, artists who carried the flag of something to say in their music. Keep soul flowing in the music that really has a root, and a purpose. God bless and guide you all ! 

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by David Patterson

Perhaps the music business isn't a populist, all come, open opportunity business, maybe it's more of a channeled, controlled, censored corporate propaganda arm of modern corporate media? Well, rules are rules and if you want to succeed in the modern music business, if you want that cash money, then you better understand the formulas, play the games and make it work for you. Protest themes still find their way to media exposure, think of the Pooch Protest commercial for that alternate flea and tick protection. I personally think that if you knock on enough doors, meet enough people, and your music is developed enough, that you can still find a professional outlet or label. Most, including myself, just don't have the time, much less the drive to do that, so we just make youtube videos and are satisfied with a modest viewer count and the occasional close to home gig.  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Tim Riley's

The music Biz Dying? Rest assured - the music business has been dead for years. Now it's starting to really smell like a rat-corpse.  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

 Posted by David Patterson

@ Raymond, you are correct, you do have to sell your soul, have that high of a commitment and total dedication, all your eggs in one basket devotion to achieve this kind of success, in fact music demands and accepts no less. However, formulas are just rules, they are just indicators of what music insiders are looking for, if you can separate your soul from your craft you can navigate these shoals and give the money man what he wants for his money, or some can. The Eagle wants your soul, true, but will settle for your experience, give that and keep your soul. So to end in a complete contradiction to where I started, the music business isn't interested in souls, it wants acts and product that sells. If producing that is going to cost you your soul, then i guess you have a choice to make. 

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Group: Music Industry Professional's ForumDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Adrian Brigham

Normally we do not allow any postings in the discussions area of our group that have promotional ties to artists or their music, but I allowed this one the greater topic is of relevance to so many artists and the new world we live in. I haven't had time to write a post that I have wanted to do for months, but this touches on some of the problems I have been meaning to address. Most artists and almost all music listeners believe our new digital world is a revolution of good things for all. Truth is, it's the opposite. One of these days I'll write that story.  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Raymond Fry

@David - The point that I am trying to make is that an artist doesn't have to sell their soul to make it in this industry. They just need the right people who believe in what they are about. Record companies today do not have the power that they have enjoyed in the past. Often, it is better for an artist to seek a smaller record lable because they will put more effort into promoting the artist. My tip = Management that believes in you.  

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Group: Nashville Music IndustryDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by J4S (Just 4 Singers)

J4S (Just 4 Singers) • You, mean who KILLED the music industry? (Veteran) executives and artists know who killed the music industry. And, it wasn't technology. The history of the music industry and its demise is well documented in such publications as Hit Man and my favorite (less known) is a booked titled Stiffed. YEARS of mismanagement, poor business and bad creative decisions...continue to destroy what's left of it.  If anything, technology is helping the industry by giving truly talented independent artists a forum by which to produce and distribute their music. Ah, did I say, "Distribute." That's a big key word. Distribution! I ALWAYS felt and knew that once major label executives lost control over distribution that that would mark the end of the broken music industry model that kept everyone OUT. Technology has helped. Now, those individuals whom are in it first for the love of artistry first, and the desire to be compensated for their work(s) can take matters into their own hands.  You see, the one thing TRUE artists want unlike the overnight success stories the industry insist on manufacturing and forcing on consumers is NOT TO CARRY THEIR ART/CREATIVE WORK TO THEIR GRAVE - A CHANCE TO EXPRESS THEIR ART (MUSIC). TRUE ARTISTS - THOSE WHOM HAVE PAID DUES AND HAVE A REAL JOURNEY HAVE A HUNGER TO GET THAT OUT. There is a lot of good independent music/artists out there. We just have to change the way we look at independents. Remove the prejudice in our minds that if they're not with a major label the product is inferior. In closing I will say the ONLY downside of technology is that it has also made it possible for a lot of untrained/unskilled wanna be's to surface and lower the standard even further.  Personally, I think that if it were not for the country music market and the veteran artists, i.e., the Stones, here in America there would be no major label industry at all. Consider how rap and hip-hop have ruined R&B (that's my personal opinion). At least the songs have melodies that expand over more than a major 2nd, tell stories, have real instruments with musicians that actually can play the instruments in the studio and in concert - ooh, that's a concept! Not to mention, singers who CAN sing, singers who take pride in a well-developed voice/instrument, and can at least nail a melody. Go country music. Go Nashville!!!  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Jacqueleen Becer

I agree you with most of you guys on this point. You need real talent, money, connections, great marketing, and more... I believe that most of all you need to continue to believe in yourself and your dreams no matter how many dues you've paid. You also need a team of trustworthy people in your corner who have your back. When you have someone who really believes in you and backs it with action, then you're on your way. :-)  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by James Russell

Cash in??? What?? There's the problem, right there,.pop music has been dumbed down to the point that mediocrity is somehow considered great,.and the fans are now starting to realize that,.gone are the days of acts/artists actually being able to perform/sing their songs,.the suits @ the labels only know how to make a quick buck (cash in) and have forgotten how to nurture and develop,.Cryin shame if u ask me!! There is hope,.and the machine will eat itself and come back around,.that I'm sure of;;)) PLAY ON!!  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Tim Riley's

A famous Rock musician once said the "When you get your 1st record deal - that's when the problems start." Old school record Co's are not signing anything but pop and country acts...They are only interested in money - so the Pre-Teen (tweenage) and country markets are their cash cows and it's been that way for over a decade. If you're in a band?.. it better be a country band because only small indie-labes are signing alternative/collage radio acts. Sad but true and it's going to stay that way.  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Raymond Fry

@David, Well now that you have mentioned Madonna, I was in a record company executives office here in the UK many years ago when she was trying to make it. He turned to me after listening to her demo's and said "That girl will never make it". We all know what happened after that. The thing about Madonna was that she was cleaver and resiliant. That is what paid off for her. She stuck at it and worked hard at it.  

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

 Posted by David Patterson

Sure, you can find a manager who will tell you what the "label" is looking for, and he may even know the "formula" to use that gives the AR man the smile on his face and you the deal. Or you can ferret out the formula yourself. Or, you can back door it so to speak, and just create what's on your mind and see if that alligns with some formula a label somewhere might be looking for. That means you or your manager will have to then spend time, travel and money hopin to find that "lucky break". A label is a business, but so is a successful act, it takes a team, for example, I wonder how many full time employees the say, Lady Gaga corp has or the Madonna concern? They don't run all that out of their bedroom at their parents house. 

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

 Posted by Joseph Nicoletti 

we hear this every day, month, year on and on,, no one ever said being Good and talented was EASY,..what is Easy that has Lasting value ?..never give up, keep your eyes on the Goal and let ALL the Negitive  People (and ther will be those Jealous ones there too!)..fall by the way  side,...this is a tough skin business, if you do get out You'll hear all things said  about you, the Good,BAD & Ugly,,mainly from COWARDS with no life or Talent that just get off on Puttng Anyone Down. Know the types ?...Do not give up your DREAMS !,...

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Group: Singer/SongwritersDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

 Posted by Raymond Fry

@All - Just make sure that you don't put your dreams in the hands of a sheister. Some consultants and promoters will take you for a ride. 

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Group: BMIDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

 Posted by Clemson (Clem) Barry, Ph.D; EA; CMC

There are differences of opinions on this topic/matter. The music industry is not dead. It has changed with the times. There are people in the industry who are excited about the changes and they are embracing the new opportunities. With the advent of social media, some independent artists/labels are saying the paradigm shift has make it easier for them to promote their music, increase their fan base and increase the turnaround time for their recording releases. They can do more for themselves on their own terms and get more exposure worldwide. There are more promoters, producers, managers, booking agents and partying/clubbing now than ever before. The digital age has affected everybody in every industry. Those who would not adapt will perish. We need to evolve with the times and bring back the entrepreneurial spirit. 

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Group: Nashville Music IndustryDiscussion: “So, Who Is Killing The Music Business Anyway?”

Posted by Carl Smith

What IS country anyway? Nashville has been producing rock music since the ' 80s, all the time insisting it was "new country". I think that inflexible thinking has hurt the business. The business certainly has changed. For example, I can spend $300 - $400 for a studio program (such as the one I have, Presonus Studio One Artist) and record and master very good quality Cd's and digital downloads. One thing to keep in mind, part of my philosophy, is that our audience is by and large not composed of audio engineers. This is not an excuse for creating an inferior product, just stating a fact as I see it. Also, many people, especially those born into the "digital generation" are downloading songs for portable listening devices. They are NOT listening to music through elaborate and expensive stereo systems in pristine mastering studios.