Do you really want to be signed?

robbie1876

It seems that most people have this illusion that being 'signed' is the ultimate indicator of a band's success. When I meet somebody new and explain to them about our band, they ask 'ooo, do you have a record deal', to which I reply 'no, and we don't want one!'.

The reality is that probably the worse thing a new band can do is sign a record contract. For ages, I've been searching for a way to explain the problems correctly, then I was sent this document which pretty much describes the situation perfectly.

The problem with the music industry

Please take the time to read through this short document and respond with your thoughts.

Giblet

F'd in the A!

musician.ie

It's been a while since I've read that. Steve's a gent, though he loves a good rant. He does paint a pretty bleak picture, but the music industry is a gamble. Nobody should enter into it without knowing that. Most people won't get a deal. Even if they are incredible. Most bands that get a deal will fizzle after an album or two. But a tiny proportion of bands do make it, and get to live the dream that encouraged us all to pick up a guitar for the first time.

Furthermore apart from a few odd bands like Fugazi, acts need to conform to the major label method of doing things. I had hoped that the digital music revolution might change things, but it just means that now everybody is downloading mp3s of the (for the most part) unimaginative music the majors are pushing on us. Until both the bands and the public embrace the possibilities of an alternate music distribution model, we're probably stuck with this one. Now where's that Will Young CD?.....

robbie1876

It's true, most people won't get a chance at a deal, we all know that it is a 'lucky break' industry. The really scary thing is the percentage of bands with deals that are left 'on the shelf'. When a record company decides to sign a hit band, sometimes they can also sign a load of other bands that are in the same genre, thus eliminating some of the competition. The other bands get their big royalty cheques up front, but don't receive any support from the record company for their album and therefore have little chance of ever paying back the advances, effectively tying them to the record company for the term of the contract.

I know of at least two bands personally that this has happened to - they have had their careers snubbed by being signed to a record company who shelved them for two years.

Independent music is the way to go, via independent distribution as mentioned by musician.ie.

bombidol

I think it depends on who you sign to. Generally the big labels have a history of messing bands around for their own gain, simply seeing them as either an money hole or a bread winner. As someone already said, signing one band to promote and signing 10 other similar bands to shelve so they wont get in the way. Myself, being in a punk/hardcore band gives us more options. we could keep it underground and release our own stuff on our own label to independant distributors and see how far that gets us. or we could try and get signed to an independant label. there are some big ones out there, Epitaph, Fat Wreck Chords etc . These labels have a history of looking after bands and they have worldwise distrobution to every major store. Bands like, NOFX, Pennywise,Bad Religion, Rancid, Offspring, Agnostic Front, Sick Of It All, Anti-Flag have been on indy labels, run their own or are signed to em now and are doing very well in the world.

fitz

I agree that independent can be more beneficial, but not for everyone.
To be closed to the idea of signing to a major is foolish.
You do what's right for your band at the time.
If that's signing, then go for it.
If not, great too.

But don't limit yourself just to spite the majors.
It's not gonna bother them.

robbie1876

Good point, fitz. I can't say truthfully that we blankly don't want to be signed, of course if the right deal comes along we'll look at it. But I think it's better to have your guard up early when thinking about record companies. The original point in the thread is that most people (including bands) have it in their heads that a record deal means success, and it's that hunger for the contract (as so pleasantly described in the first paragraph of the article!!) that can make a band sign a bogey deal, or just jump at the first deal that comes along.

It's nice to see bands who are successful and remain independent. If they can prove success as an independent, they are more likely to be able to negotiate better terms for themselves when it comes to signing. The Frames are a good example of such a band. This route though is not for everyone, and it may not be for us either!

fitz

Spot on man.

Everyone in a band should read that essay by Albini.
An absolute must...

Always reject the first offer.
If they reckon they can make money off you, then someone else will too.

WetDaddy

I haven't read the document yet, but you guys are supporting Ozomati?!?

You B*stards!

Ah no seriously, I shall be attending the gig so I'll be sure to get there nice and early to catch New Colour Soul.

By the way Robbie, you might want to fix your sig: It's "Ozomatli", not "Ozomotli" (note the 'a')

ShriekingSheet

I've recently joined a band, ambitious and all talk of 'getting a deal' etc

My mates band got royally screwed in the last couple of years so Im skeptical

We've had contact from one of these 'guys' with 'connections'

I WAS worried


But this just scared the crap outta me!!

Not only do I now feel like never signing a record deal but I wanna curl up in a ball at the end of my bed and never play music again! [/exaguration]

robbie1876

Cheers deathfunk! As far as I know the Tuesday night is sold out now, so if you haven't got your ticket for the Wednesday night, get it quickly! It should be a cracking show (from Ozomatli) and we'll be all on top form for it.

Sig fixed, thanks for spotting me typo!

Töpher

Finally got around to reading that there now. Disgusting is the only word I can think of. :mad: