Forget the recording contract.

I was reading this article about being your own artist manager, when it occurred to me that there was a time when an artist’s ultimate goal was to get a contract. An artist would spend all of their money trying to make a good demo and sell himself or herself to an executive. As a young artist, I would see hundreds of guys running backstage with their demo tapes in hand. They were just trying to give it to whoever might be important. Then the evolution of sound happened and the game was changed to compact disk.

My question now is, WHY? With the invention and easy access of the Internet, you tube, iTunes and more, why would and artist try to enslave themselves and literally owe thousands and sometimes millions to a company. We have all heard the stories of artist who gets signed are asked to change their hair, weight, name and what is worst their music to appeal to a broader audience. An artist has to ask themselves if they really what to be told to change their names. It is a form of modern day slavery.

When an artist does get a contract, there are so many documents that they have to sign to appear loyal to the company. They have to agree to a certain amount of records in a certain time and are forced to give it even when their creativity may not be speaking a tune.  We all understand that it is called the music “business.” These companies are only in it to make money. They don’t really care about an artist’s inspiration or desire to even put out an album every two years. It’s all about the money.

I also recognize that there are some artists who only want to record for the same reason as the companies. The artist sees becoming a recording artist as a way to become famous, rich and powerful. I know that I am going to get in trouble for this but I going to say it anyway. This is how I feel R&B music is today. I can’t even listen to the radio without wanting to take a bath. I am so disgusted by the themes. The artists only want to make music about sex, crime, game and themselves. It is a sad state. These kinds of artist have no heart to me. They have sold themselves to the companies and have become ponds to the system. They have no creativity and hopefully they will eventually die out in the business.

My message to a true creative spirit and artist is to, “forget the recording companies.” Find and keep your own voice. Record your own music and never, never sell out! Vivia la artist!!!