SOMETHING ALL RECORDING ARTIST SHOULD BE AWARE OF

We know on the surface music seems to be at its worst state. Its meaningless and uninspiring and so are the artists that are creating it.

Having said that this is a great time for REAL artist. Due to the www, downloading, youtube, Fudge FM and Myspace, the power has now shifted to the Artist. The 88% share of profit that the major record companies brutally controlled is dwindling and all that will be left is what was always given to the artist....which is profit from shows/tours, merchandising and publishing. Independent music is about to take the lead again (Motown, Stax, Philadelphia international, Profile, Sleeping bag etc.) Independent music has always been responsible for introducing the world to the best music and artists. The majors only exploit and jump on the bandwagon. The ONLY DANGER is new gullible artists that are in a rush to get a career could let the majors (and some greedy independents) gain control of the pie again by way of the 360 DEGREE DEAL. To understand what the 360 degree deal is just google it and a bunch of stuff will pop up. The link at the bottom is a great place to start.

The majors are scrambiling to find a way to take back control and the "360 degree deal" is a sorry attempt at that. Only a naive artist who doesn't have true belief in his or her music and talent would consider giving up so much of themselves. Don't get me wrong there is a time when signing to a major could be a true blessing...as in the case of Ray Charles (Rest In Peace). But Mr. Charles did it when he had a lot of bargaining power and didn't have to give up a lot in the process. As a matter of fact he gained control of his masters by jumping to the majors, which makes him an all around genius. The best approach has always been to build your career and fanbase over time, with consistency and blood sweat and tears, thats how all the greats did it. That way you put yourself in the best position.

Dolly Parton has said "the best thing any artist can ever do for their career is own as much of themselves as possible". To that I say AMEN.



Peace & Blessings

Buc and the Preecher



http://www.podcomplex.com/blog/index.php/2007/12/18/why-360-degree-...