I found a very interesting site on the internet. Music Industry Quotes To Live By is an unique list of quotes about the business of music. I thought some of the quotes were interesting enough to share with you.
For ease of reading, the quote is in black and then underneath, in red, is something about the author.
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“Consumers have musical choice? What musical choice? In our society we choose only from what we are given to choose from, and that choice is determined by 5 major media corporations who control the exposure outlets that consumers depend on for their entertainment.” ~ Christopher Knab, FourFront Media and Music
Current faculty member of the Audio and Music Business Program at the Art Institute of Seattle, where he teaches courses related to the promotion and marketing of recorded music.
Owns FourFront Media and Music, a consultation service based in Seattle that helps musicians develop marketing and career plans.
“Record companies like to make money, and that is their only goal. They do not care about the content that they sell – they care about maximizing their profits. It is because of this that I hate record companies with the same passion that I hate venture capitalists. The record companies do not try to foster a creative environment which rewards musicians who serve their respective niche, but create an environment which attempts to market a small amount of music to the largest audience possible. ” ~ Numair Faraz
No information about Numair Faraz could be found.
“In Los Angeles, they don’t want you to fail, they want you to die.” ~ David Geffen
David Geffen is an American record executive, film and theatrical producer and philanthropist. He is one of the three founders of Dreamworks.
“I think the second you feel you’ve gotten somewhere, you’re nowhere.” ~ Michael Goldstone, VP A&R, Epic Records
Michael Goldstone is a music industry executive in the United States. He has worked with many record labels, including DreamWorks Records.
In May 2008, Goldstone launched the indie label, Mom & Pop Music Company together with Q Prime management.
“American music is something the rest of the world wants to listen to. Our job is to make sure they pay for it.” ~ Jason Berman, RIAA
Jason Berman is a member of the Recording Industry Association of America.
“I’ve probably put together more deals backstage at concerts than by telephone.” ~ Michael Lippman, Lippman Entertainment
Early in his career Michael observed that record producers and songwriters, are artists in their own right, and lacked proper guidance. Michael started a management firm representing select recording artists and for the first time ever, created a business managing record producers and songwriters ensuring that all players in the creative process were protected and properly rewarded. Hailed as an innovator in negotiating entertainment contracts, his advice is often sought after by his colleagues. Michael’s intuitiveness for brokering diverse talents and commitment to the success of a project is renowned and maintains his broad power base within the industry.
“I’m a survivor in a business that constantly rejects you.” ~ Dick Clark
You all know Dick Clark!!
“It’s almost impossible to stay in the music business. It’s a long term play for almost no one. To triumph you must have sharp elbows and brilliant insight. If you think the guys running it now are stupid, you’re wrong, you are. They might be acting out of self-interest, they might be all about the money, but what they know could put you back in kindergarten.” ~ Bob Lefsetz
Bob Lefsetz is the author of “The Lefsetz Letter.” Famous for being beholden to no one and speaking the truth, Lefsetz addresses the issues that are at the core of the music business: downloading, copy protection, pricing and the music itself.
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What do you think? Most of these quotes are pretty negative about the professional music business.
Do you think the quotes convey the correct picture of the music business.
Maybe you have a favorite music quote. Would you share it with us??
Disappointed that there is no Clay Aiken news here today? Me too!! Don’t worry…….why not visit our video tab at the top of the page. We have lots of great Clay Aiken videos for you to watch. You all know I will post news as soon as it is available!
You always find the neatest articles to post. True I wish there was more "Clay" news, but I enjoyed reading all the quotes. Thanks
Capital Records at first promoted Clay with his first album but Clay created the music that we all know and love! But we couldn't find him on the radio! Clay made them money, but it was Clay who did the promotion of his album, not the record industry! His next album should have been more new songs, but wasn't! Clay did so many so-out tours and Broadway in his career to promote himself to the world. Thank God, we had the opportunity to see him live! Clay is amazing in his own right, he is what a true artist is suppose to be: performing for his fans and giving of himself to the fans! We love Clay!
Thank you musicfan for everything you bring us! We somehow hear SOMEthing about Clay at one time or another, lol! Keep up the fabulous work you do!! Interesting quotes!!
Yeah those quotes are a little disheartening since I really want to hear Clay sing but we’ll just have to see what the future will be.
My favorite quote? Don’t give up cause there’s a place where we belong. – Peter Gabriel
Interesting!!!! It always amazes me that Clay sold over 6 million units, without virtually any radio play!! Could you imagine if he had had the backing??? Yeah!!!! Thanks Musicfan.
This is totally my own opinion. I am old enough to have traveled through the music of six decades. I LOVE MUSIC!! However, today's pop music and the managers who draw up the contracts are far removed from the criteria that used to exist. Music once was meaningful, fun, uplifting, and beneficial for both parties.
Today, parents have to monitor their children's music intake if they do not want them listening to off-color lyrics and watching lewd performances. Most managers insist on complete control over a singer – selected songs that he or she sings, the innuendoes and movements that should be included on stage, and wardrobe that is generally suggestive if not missing the mark altogether. Managers strive for the SHOCK factor.
If a manger is dealing with a client who is ethical, who prefers to have some say in his or her contractual obligations, and who will not budge, the deal is off! Clay was subjected to this kind of control, and I am thankful he resisted. In so doing, he has provided us with an array of magnificent music that is a blessing!
Thank you, shirley t for your right-on perspective! Clay has certainly served as his own promoter, an undertaking filled with many closed doors. Yet he has entertained us, warmed our hearts, wiped away our tears, and set an extraordinary example. Kudos to Clay for his integrity, stamina, and knowledge!
I loved today's article. How many times have we turned on the radio in our cars hoping to hear something new and good? It is just crap and oldies. There is such a hole in all our lives that music used to fill. Great writing. Thanks so much.
Interesting quotes…I think the music business is terrible. It's all about the mighty dollar.