...a dark underworld of the music business.
I figured that would catch a few eyes.
Here's the deal. I was just listening to some streaming music and "Wannabe" came on. I must say that I was boppin around my office as I did some paperwork.
It caught my attention enough for me to look them up online and find out the #'s on their earnings. Some factoids: they earned $47M in 1997, $30M in 1998. Simon Fuller (the genius :D )
Anyway, here is the can of worms I was looking to open. YES- they were pure cheese. YES- it wasn't musicianship. YES- it was marketing. YES- crap music like theirs makes my ears hurt (except that Wannabe song!) YES- it was just taking hold of a dumbed down public and making $...all those things.
But. forever and ever- they don't haves jobs to worry about, paperwork to do, studios to run just to put food on the table...etc... I know that you loath them and their type. But, honestly, given the choice, wouldn't you make an ass of yourself or 'sell out' artistically for a year or two for $20M plus? College tuition, church/charity giving, take care of loved ones, family security for generations on end, and...the most coolest...buy new GEAR!
Any takers?
Comments
I second that!
You hit the nail on the head. We should do a poll on this one Jeff.
I did it for twenty years (very small scale compared to this example). Played pop music while my buddies sat in the basement jamming blues etc. They worked once in a while, I was busy 46 weeks a year for the better part of 20 years. I figured it was better making a living at what I love (music) rather than holding out for the pure sence of the word and being a marauder. I actually loved it and found it challanging like all styles. Everything has two ways of looking at it.
Cheers!
sorry to be the contary (sp ) one here . Music is what some people do because it is a part of who they are . not because it was that or work a job in middle management. I believe you lose somthing by " selling out " something intangeable. but never less somthing . even crap music requires a great deal of time comitment . We all want just a little more . so we sell out a little more . Elton John was one fantastic songwriter . But today he has a $17 mil a year shopping habit . I would love to be rich ( who wouldnt ) but even more I want to believe in those I work with and what I do . Passion ...............
kierankelly.com
Yes. I agree. Passion for what you do is important. But passion doesn't put food on the table, pay the bills, or cloth children. (or buy gear :) ) ; and fullfilling my needs/wants/desires so that I can say "I didn't sell out" while my family is not living the life they could seems selfish.
I agree that you most likely lose something intangeable when you go from poor nightclub jazz player to the well paid lead keyboard player on the "ThompsonTwins reunion tour with special guest Cameo" tour. I mean, sure, its a cheese ball deal- especially if you have to wear a glittery coat and an afro wig, but I would think that what you gain outweighs your loss. Heck, they aren't called 'starving artists' for nothin'! :D
I'd think the majority of people calling that guy (in the above scenario) "sell out" are the ones who got looked over for the job, are broke, or are sitting in traffic, sucking exhaust fumes, punching their steering wheels wondering "...should I have stuck with those piano lessons?"
Then again. I could be wrong. I guess I sold out years ago when I went to college and got a 'real job' as mom n pop put it! :D
Sure, I'd sell out for big money. Then try to keep a sane lifestyle (more or less). I just wouldn't have to worry anymore.
I'd love to be my own boss instead of working for someone else & have the bonus of not worrying about paying the bills every month. I don't think you have to starve to do something you find fullfilling. It might give you the freedom to be completely creative if you don't fall into the $17 million shopping routine. You might be able to keep the passion alive & still be comfortable.
At least let me try!!!!
I am not making any judgment on the decisions people make in order to make a living ,taking care of their wife and children . I don't think that is what this thread is about . What I was saying choosing a career path in order to make great deals of money as apposed to to a career path to make something excellent as well as a living
sorry to be the contary (sp ) one here . Music is what some people do because it is a part of who they are . not because it was that or work a job in middle management. I believe you lose somthing by " selling out " something intangeable. but never less somthing . even crap music requires a great deal of time comitment . We all want just a little more . so we sell out a little more . Elton John was one fantastic songwriter . But today he has a $17 mil a year shopping habit . I would love to be rich ( who wouldnt ) but even more I want to believe in those I work with and what I do . Passion ...............
kierankelly.com
I'll have to second that.
There is soooooo much asskissing involved.
Pretending to like people you hate and so on.
And substance abuse. I dont use any, so I'm an outsider.
Hold on guys,
It's not that easy. You can't just 'sell out' and expect to suddenly be successful.
The people involved in producing the Spice Girls and the other top 40 detritus didn't sell out - they were into this crap to begin with.
Their music sensibilities and approach to the business is completely alien to those of us that don't 'get it'. In those circles, irony is a foreign word, and pop ballads are as deep as it gets...
It's a skill, yes, but it's also talent or direction that you have to have foster your whole life...
I've worked with some of the Spice Girls. They are great fun. When someone buys a Spice Girls or any other pop group record (Nsync, Blackstreet Boys, etc...) you know what you are getting.
It's sad, but I consider these groups much more honest to THEIR art than groups like Good Charlette, which I consider to be real posers for not acting like they aren't as contrived.
Greetings All,
One of the pioneers of Jungle (precursor to D'n'B) started out in a Pop outfit. He used the money he made as [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.discogs…"]Rebel MC[/]="http://www.discogs…"]Rebel MC[/] (with Double Trouble) to fund his passion.
If I could guarantee a Pop hit to fund my Hip Hop studio I'd do it without losing too much sleep. But as someone has already pointed out, in reality I wouldn't know where to start as far as Pop is concerned.
In a second.