IS THERE ANY LOYALTY IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS?
Did you ever notice how many acts change producers from record to record? How many choose a different attorney or photographer every few minutes? And, how many artists play in more than one band?
The first question is a real mystery. Acts that have achieved phenomenal success with a specific producer often choose a different person for their next record; with the result generally being a disappointment. Why do they do that?
One example is No Doubt’s 1995 release Tragic Kingdom, which sold over 16 million records and garnered multiple Grammy nominations. It’s not an overstatement to say that album made their career. But, did they tap producer Matthew Wilder for their next record? No way. And, their follow up, Return of Saturn didn’t even come close to their previous record.
No Doubt is certainly not the only act to do such a thing. And, conversely, there are acts that have kept the same producer on board for almost all their recordings, like the Beatles and George Martin. In fact, those that have maintained the same personnel generally sustain consistency and career longevity.
Nevertheless, artists claim there are many reasons for switching producers, such as a new direction, different sound, etc. But, are those reasons really valid? In any other business, when someone achieves positive results for a project they become part of the team. But, that doesn’t seem to be the case in the music business.
When it comes to attorneys and photographers, it’s even worse. So much so, it can get confusing. One theory is that artists may think the grass is greener elsewhere – that a new shooter will make them look even prettier; or, that new counsel will cut a sweeter deal. Perhaps… But, if that’s so, why are they never satisfied? Why do they keep changing players? They would never do that with band members… or, would they?
In Los Angeles it’s common for musicians to play in more than one band. We all know why, and it’s not because they’re simply looking for variety. They’re hedging their bets. They’re not sure which project will take off, so they play the odds. But does that really help any of the bands? No one project gets their full commitment, attention or energy. And, often, the result is that all of them suffer.
Artists are even known to switch managers – the one that has worked with them for years and gotten them a deal. Once they’re signed, a larger company – that had absolutely no interest in them before – swoops in, courts them, and steals them away.
What’s up with that? Is there any loyalty in the music business? I don’t have the answer. I’d like to think there is. But, I’m not sure. So, I’d like to know what you think…
—Bernard Baur
Tags: loyalty, music business
November 12th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Bernard, the title of your column made me laugh.
November 16th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
I STAY LOYAL TO MY MUSIC… THATS MY BEST BET… THE INDUSTRY IS SO TWO-FACED!!! THEY SMILE IN YA FACE… BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY LOYALTY IS LESS THAN A FEW PERCENT. IS JUST STAY FOCUSED ON MY MUSIC AND DON’T LET THE INDUSTRY MAKE ME OR BREAK ME. CHECK ME OUT http://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/COOKOOSPC
November 19th, 2009 at 2:09 am
The music -business- is just that, business. Is there truly an industry where personal preference, or an obligatory conscience is considered first? Doubtful. You’d probably be bad businessman to a certain extent haha. The barrier to entry is high, just as if you decided that you wanted to a be a billion stock trader.. good luck getting in the door there too, or say a pro athelete? How many pro quarterbacks get a starter job? 32 for the entire planet? Considering the amount of competition, noone should be suprised that decisions are heavily influenced by $$$$.
Some of the best advice given to me by a ceo, “you don’t get what you deserver, you get what you negotiate.”
December 8th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Great article Bernard! I would like to think that I maintain loyalty to those who do the same for me. The example you gave with No Doubt shows you what can happen when you don’t stay with something/someone that works. You are right, Return To Saturn was not as good as Tragic Kingdom (of course that is subjective). I have however I find it funny that a producer is not expected to keep loyalty, they can work with who ever they want but an artist is looked upon as unloyal when they want to venture out the box. Its a double standard for sure. It is something I have experienced myself. Im sure there are a handful of people out there who would deem me as unloyal. I am also sure you can find A LOT more people who consider me super loyal. I am not someone who constantly looks for “something better”, if it works, I stick to it. So what’s my point? I have no idea lol. I think there are a lot of artist out there who feel the way I do. Loyalty can be in the eye of the beholder. The truth is that this business has no loyalty to the artist unless you have some major record label paying people to stay loyal.
December 16th, 2009 at 9:27 am
credit restoration…
I did not realize that this page got so much traffic….
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January 30th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Loyalty broke my band apart. I was too loyal to everyone who believed ij me from the very beginning. They wanted to go with me all the way and I owed it to them to take them. But….”They” - industry execs tried to guide me in new directions involving other people assuring me that all those with me before had to be left behind in order to move ever so delicatly up the crappy corporate ladder. I passed. I wanted my gang of ruffnecks, nerds, riggers, dopers, all genius in their own right to come on my SINBOY ride!!! Even YOU Bud!!
Think about you often these days. Nice to see your still fightin the fight!!
~E