Hi guys,
Thanks BuckeyefaninOhio , Tpirfan28, lfmusiclover and everyone. I think some of you really do understand my plight. It's not about the money. It is about reaching a higher level in the game.
THe market has radically shifted - Jazz stations changing formats, smaller labels be consumed by larger ones or simply going under due in no small part to their lack of anticipation regarding the internet and it's impact. We live in an age of voyeurism....simply put, people not only want immediate gratification they also want to see themselves (hence the off-the-chain popularity of sites like facebook, MySpace & YouTube). While it does wonders for creating new channels for provocative insightful and creative sharing of ideas, music and video - it is now in fact glutted. Quantity vs Substance.
There is even a debilitating limitation on the branding of musical styles. ‘Smooth Jazz’ is unfortunately the umbrella that the industry has put EVERYTHING which is not Hip-Hop into. Why? Because there is a void. There is no other categorization. Black music has suffered in the worst way from this limitation.
Historically, each recording label had a 'Black Music Department' responsible for developing & nurturing Black talent which therefore had a much broader spectrum of styles including Jazz, Adult Contemporary, R&B, Funk. But because of the success of rap groups like RunDMC and Public Enemy in 'crossing-over' to predominantly White audiences - the record labels quickly saw an opportunity to make more money. After all, it is well documented that Whites, not Blacks are the biggest consumers of Hip-Hop. The Major Recording Companies dismantled Black Music Departments thereby leaving Black Music in the hands of people who care only about the bottom line. Record Companies knew the quickest access to the largest amount of money was to be made through the pockets of rebellious White teens whose parents support them through their disposable income; and chose to reach them by exploiting Blacks demeaning themselves and portraying fictitious acts and lifestyles of violent anti-social behavior. This ‘style’ of music has been fostered exclusively leaving no room for the growth and support of other varieties including (my personal interest) Adult Contemporary. They did this not because there was no market – but, because it was not a quick sell. In their short sightedness they didn't notice they were killing the creative engine which was Black Music. Music has become so boring and one dimensional now across ALL styles. They forgot to even notice the internet's growing popularity. Once the mp3 was born the record industry's demise was at hand. Too long had fans been paying over-inflated prices for CD's which once opened only had two or three cuts which were worth playing. Napster was an instant success!
That's probably WAY more than any of you wanted to hear. but it is frustrating. With all of that said - The goal is a P/D or artist deal because, a recording label does still lend a new artist credibility and more widespread promotion and marketing than can be obtained independently. It's truly about reaching the next level and gaining the same status that someone like Dave Koz has.
All the best,
-JR
