Record Label 2.0

The music landscape has changed drastically over the past two decade. It's so intertwined with technology that it deserves a new label (pun intended). We refer to it as Record Label 2.0. Virtual mixing and mastering services like CrazyEye Music Services, music distribution through Amazon, iTunes or on flash drives, online recording collaboration and much more can be found in here.

“All music is used to make money”

Singer/Songwriter Ralph Murphy shares his insight and experiences from his 30+ years of being in the music “business”. This is a fantastic lecture that took place at Layola University. He stresses over and over about how this is a business.

He also stresses that all artists need to know how to craft a song so that it appeals to your audience/fans. If you can keep you fans entertained and wanting more then you will remain in the business and potentially make a pretty good living. If you neglect the basics of songwriting you will more than likely not be in the business for very long.

Below are a couple of gems I picker out as points to remember for up and coming artists like yourselves.

“What brings you to a song 100% of the time is melody. What keeps you there is lyric.”

“For you artist or singer songwriter a song is not a song, a song is a linear lyrical conversation between you and every single person in that room.”

“Music is the underpinning of society.”

“The three things you ask yourself when you’re finished with your work are, what’s in it for the listener? What’s in it for the listener? What’s in it for the listener? If there’s nothing in it for the listener you’re wasting your time.”

 

Becoming an overnight success in music isn’t for everyone.

Here’s a post from Brian Thompson over at MTT. He raises some very good points about the downside of becoming an overnight success. I posted a comment on his original article, but I’ll reiterate some of my points here.

I’ve been in this business a long time. I’ve seen artist come and go. Sometimes they burn out, maybe they want something more or they simply want a laid back lifestyle. Starting a family and creating a “normal” life is probably the biggest reason for voluntarily leaving the music business.

More often than not, however, the biggest reason an artist or band is no longer in the business is because they received too much too soon. They weren’t prepared for the potential consequences of being an overnight success. If you’re in the music business, no matter what level, you want to make a living creating art. We all do. There are, however, some pitfalls and I think Brian has outlined a few below that most new artist should be aware of.

When one of my clients says “My dream is to get signed and become famous!” I always reply with “Be careful of what you wish for. It just might come true.”

10 Reasons You Shouldn’t Wish For Overnight Success

Be careful of what you wish for.

1. You won’t be mentally prepared to deal with all of the fame, fortune, and international attention.

2. You won’t be well-rehearsed or experienced enough and your performance won’t be ready for overnight global attention.

3. Critics and fans will eat you alive for every little misstep you do, crushing your soul and spirit in the process.

4. You will have a very short career. Overnight successes do not create life-long fans.

Continue Reading »

Down and Dirty with G. Love: Writing Songs

Whenever I work with a young artist I stress the facts that it’s not about the gear, the studio, the producer or anything external to your original intention of what you’re creating. You are making art so make it the most it can be without worrying about what others will tell you they think it [...] Continue Reading »

Surround Sound Mixing – Part 5 of 5

This is a guest post by mix engineer, Unne Lilijeblad over at www.mix-engineer.com. This is the fifth and final article in a five part series about his experience with mixing in this still under utilized medium for listening to music. Last week it was Mixing in Surround. This week he talks about Multi Stereo Surround. Unne Lilijeblad – Mix [...] Continue Reading »

The science of music: What makes a song ‘catchy’?

If you’ve worked with me or know me personally (or both) you know that I have a pop music sensibility. I really love a song with a great hook. The catchier the better for me. And I’ve been very lucky lately because I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of working with some amazing songwriters. One in particular [...] Continue Reading »