How to get poor and not-famous in the music biz!

David Mason · Post by **David Mason** » 7 May 2008 2:18 am

http://www.negativland.com/albini.html

Producer Steve Albini does a nuts-and-bolts breakdown of the dollars at the end, for a mid-level band that signs with a big label - I've heard of much worse than this.

P Gleespen · Post by **P Gleespen** » 7 May 2008 3:44 am

That is all 100% true. ...except the part about Wharton Tiers. When he finds out a band is on a major, his prices go up exponentially. ...but the quality of recording does not.

Also, Steve left out the part about the A&R guy (inevitably) leaving the label after the first record, effectively leaving the band without any "champion" at the label, leaving them without even the "like us" guy to relate to. From there on, it's dealing with inhuman "bigwigs" like David (I don't hear a single) Kahne or worse someone like Donny Einer, who is so out of touch it's unreal.

...and then there's the marketing department making promises that they "won't market you as a metal band", and then seeing your video on "Headbangers Ball" instead of "120 Minutes". Not only that, but they keep trying to get you on tour with bands like Metallica or Slayer.

I agree that this seems more like a "best case" scenario than a "can you believe how screwed you MIGHT get by a major label"...

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 7 May 2008 5:44 pm

All that means to me is that the band needs a better business manager. That is what they are for.

P Gleespen · Post by **P Gleespen** » 8 May 2008 4:01 am

Kevin Hatton wrote:All that means to me is that the band needs a better business manager. That is what they are for.

Ha! A really good business manager would tell them not to sign with a major label at all.

There IS something to be said though for the massive distribution and (ahem) influence (starts with a "p", ends in an "a" and it's got and "ayol" in the middle) that a major label can bring to the table.

Back in my rock and roll days, we opted to sign with a major (Columbia) because of the massive "machinery" of their organization. We were a flop by major label standards, only shifted about 20,000 units. Never came anywhere even remotely close to recouping.

John Rosett · Post by **John Rosett** » 8 May 2008 4:02 am

I figured out how to be poor and not-famous in the music business years ago, and I've stuck with the plan all along.
Maybe I should write a book...

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 8 May 2008 5:13 am

Maybe I submit my idea to the "Invention Submission Corporation"...

same difference...

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 8 May 2008 8:22 am

I agree about the payola system. Our major country top 40 radio station was forced to be sold two years ago by federal court order. It seems that they were using "consultants". Its all controled. Thats why I listen to XM Satellite.

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 10 May 2008 7:36 pm

Same as it ever was.
Better than being a black blues guitarist,
or worse bassplayer, or an RnB backing player.

Not only did the band owe $14,000 from royalties,
but they try to attach your pay stub from 7-11
after you've left the band for 5 years,
cause you wrote 1 chorus of one song on the album
and somebody thought it would be nice you
"got an album credit"...

Jason Odd · Post by **Jason Odd** » 16 May 2008 11:12 am

What other industry has a scenario where you end up paying for your own creation (masters in this case).. and not own them!

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 16 May 2008 4:53 pm

AND they want 50% or more of your publishing rights income forever...
You write the song, but they want half at best, just to release it,
you can't even PLAY the song live without PAYING THEM.

If you have a big hit and dispute the contract you can not
PERFORM your own song till the lawyers are done.
And of course someone's cash has to pay the lawyers during the whole dispute.

Ain't gonna be the record company if they can help it.

My favorite movie about the record industry is Tom Hanks.,
'That Thing You Do.'