With the way that the music business is
changing, Independent
Artists are going to be able to get there music heard by a mass
audience. I was told at a recent showcase by a Major Label that Major
Labels going forward will be more involved in the Distribution aspect
of an Artists careers.



So, a lot of the work is going to have to be done by the Artist, their
Producers and strong Indie Labels. It's really the same model that Sub
Pop did in the early 90's and What Wind Up continues to do to this very
day. Some other Labels to mention that have been doing this the right
way for years are, Tooth & Nail out of Seattle, Rounder Records out
of Massachusetts, ATO Records located in North Carolina and some great
new labels out there that understand the current state of affairs in
modern music and are working this new model. Labels like ANTI Records
(with the great Neko Case), Fueled by Ramen, Cherry Tree, DualTone
Records and many many more. You should visit some of their web sites
and read their mission statements. THIS IS THE FUTURE OF MUSIC. It
simply costs Major Labels too much money to bring an Artist to market
who isn't at least and I hate this term, "blowing up" on their own or
with the help of a strong Indie label or competent representation.



I am currently working on a plan to open an Indie label with Major
Label Distribution in 2009. This label would not be genre based. It
would be song and Artist based. In other words, I would look at a 60
year-old African American blues Artist as well as great acts from
bluegrass to metal. EMO need not apply. On the business side, anybody
interested in getting involved, please contact me confidentially and I
will set up a meeting. This is not meant for you Artists unless you
have a MBA from Harvard business school, this is for business people.



I have been very blessed to work in this Industry my whole adult
life and don't mind answering questions or helping young Artist's just
starting out (I don't charge for advice and just be patient, I will
personally get back to you) as well as consulting with new labels with
new ideas (you guys...I do charge).



Finally, 2 things: Whatever book was written 2 years ago, the
"definitive" book on the industry and all contained therein is now
completely, utterly and factually wrong. It's obsolete. Last summer a
guy named Al Gore invented this thing called the internet. It's really
catching on and it's changed everything and continues to change every
day. From the way music is recorded, marketed and delivered to the
public. And the last thing, let's leave all the hate for,
web sites, craigslist, etc... (I just read a great one the other day
talking about my "Rap sheet". And really in the neighborhood that I
grew up in, my little "Rap Sheet" would be absolutely nothing to brag
about. I
want your pictures, your blogs, your comments, your ideas, your rants,
your feelings and I'll post it all.





Will Smith