Who We Are: The Business End
This is to define what we provide, and why we are set to take the lead in this new era. Anyone whom is a fan of underground Hip Hop, most likely is familiar with The Justus League, a creative cooperative that incorporated such astounding talents as Little Brother, 9th Wonder, Rapper Big Pooh, Foreign Exchange, The Away Team, Median, and Khrysis. This cooperative functioned similarly to a label without the creative or contractual constraints often associated with majors and indies. Members were free to collaborate with one another, but then also allowed to pursue individual creative goals without being encumbered to necessarily stay and work for the cooperative solely. This type of cooperative is the same schematic premise ShoEnTel Music is based on, with one major difference…We are a Proper Label. An Internet Label
Unlike other labels, however, we allow artists to continue to pursue their outside projects and productions, at the same time, give them the platform to allow us to promote them through music projects/CDs/ multi-Media as a joint venture. When you sign with us, this is a partnership; a consensual agreement to work and produce groundbreaking songs and concepts solely for the label at the same time, still maintain your creative independence and continue on your journey with what you have already in place. This makes your experience an automatic positive, because ShoEnTeL is not in the business of trying to "cap" on what you have already done. IT WILL CONTINUE TO BELONG TO YOU. Why should we ask to catalogue you on work your already making ground on, and then have the audacity to ask a percentage? We will leave this retarded philosophy to other labels that aren't creative enough on their own terms to try to stay relevant in this new digital reality.
How are we able to do this? Simple. When you are contracted with ShoEnTel, we won't jam you with some self-indulgent 85-15 split (85 in favor of the label), and then try to 'do your head in' with some ridiculous advance of $100,000 to 1 Million for your efforts, and then pull the classic anti-artist rip-off practice putting you through a recoup phase in which we pay you when the 'investment' (loan) is leveled off. Advances are horseshit, because it creates a strain to the artist/band to have to wait to start receiving their just royalties. And this could take months, sometimes up to two years (in most cases). It is counterproductive, because who the hell has two years to wait around to get paid? As soon as your music gains any profit, we pay you immediately, like a standard paycheck every two weeks. As we have virtually zero for overhead, strong ties within the industries in terrestrial/internet radio airplay, distribution (digital, primarily), and private backing, we can afford to give you a fair, balanced and just percentage…on average, 65-35 (65 being given to you). Percentages in splits are case by case, of course, depending on the nature of production, release, and expenditures on various market advertising (internet/ i. radio, etc.). This could be even higher still, in some cases. And keeping contracts over short periods of time ( 2 Year, maximum), I have personally discovered to be more advantageous , as it is keeping in step with the current immediacy which is now inherent of the digital domain. Things turn around with such speed, this necessitates and aides in keeping the creative process "fresh" and in real time. Relevancy is a key component
Another large reason for such a generous split, is that this CEO is also an Artist himself. I have talent enough of my own, I am not compelled to sponge off yours. Whatever revenue gains I garner, I will use to invest back in this label. It creates another avenue to keep things fair, honest, and profitable for you as well as myself. If I were some scum-sucking suit: linear, greedy and unyielding to change, there is no feasible way I could make such a pledge. So, your not only associated with a label that cares about your growth and success, but you have ears of an industry veteran who will listen to you, and will tirelessly work for your vested interest. Most majors and indies only care if you have a bonafied hit. We'll leave the over bloated, over budgeted, self-serving myopia to these insipid, hapless rubes in suits…..
As an artist, I love the idea of collaborations. Much like Prince did back in the day with The Time, Sheila E., Madhouse and a plethora of others, but lending it to more creative freedom, and financial gain for all similar to Justus League. ShoEnTeL Music Enterprises is strictly that…an .. Enterprise. My goal is make music writing and production collaborations a priority. This is really the best way to keep in step with the rate of speed and change we are currently seeing in the industry. Being Multi-and-Cross Genre also is a key component I wish to stress. Since the practice of "mash-ups" has blended genres with such fluidity, it has also resonated globally. ShoEnTeL caters to all genres...from ambient to classical..Hip-Hop to Rock and everything else in between, I believe that this the best approach to gather the masses and keep them listening. To me, music genres are limiting, and "localized music" is rubbish. Think big, be big, and do big is my feeling…and that's being international as well.
As things change (and they will), we will commit ourselves to move with the tide. We will keep you updated on processes and concepts business-wise that will enhance our ability create great music, stay relevant, and lead. Welcome to the New Frontier.
BE The Revolution !