Thoughts on Music Label Alternative: Polyphonic
The NY Times posted an article the other day on the new structure of the Music Industry and one particular venture, Polyphonic. Polyphonic is headed up by big names in the music scene: Radiohead’s manager as well as some top tiers from Nettwerk Music Group. No doubt that these guys know what they’re doing.
However, there has been much talk recently on the future of the music industry, where its going, how people are going to make money, etc, etc. Some companies, like Polyphonic feel like they’ve got answers. This is my opinion on the matter:
This has been boggling my mind for a couple days now. Basically what they’re doing here is getting the bands to do all the work (which isn’t a big deal because any serious band would already be doing this), and throwing $300K at them to help with the expenses. This may sound very enticing to a lot of people, however I’m curious to know whether or not that money is recoup able. If so, the likely-hood of a band actually doing so is pretty far fetched.
The problem any of these labels, music companies, whatever are facing is the same across the board.
ALBUMS ARE NOT SELLING… and it seems like people at Apple are the only ones trying to solve this problem (read more about this here).
Everyone’s solution to this is “screw the label”.
As a musician, the only way to make money now a days is through licensing, touring, and merch. Sure, if you’re signed to a label, they probably rape you on your take.
The $300K that Polyphonic is throwing around is nice for helping with promotion and recording costs, but that’s a lot of money to have to pay back – if and when you do, life will be pretty sweet as long as you keep yourself on soundtracks and stay confined to your mobile home.
Obviously Polyphonic is going to be picky with the bands they choose to ‘invest’ in (it will probably be the ones who’ve already got a massive online following). This is actually quite offensive in a sense that many musicians are now going to feel like the only thing attributing to their popularity is the amount of cash they’re able to throw at vendors to help them out, and not their actual musical talent. But this is a good example of how Social Media is turning out to be a huge factor in decision making in the business world.
I’m not being a complete critic, there are a lot of perks to this new venture. What I get from it is that it’s operating as a giant management firm, giving artists a fair cut of the profits (assuming they pay the borrowed money back).
Sounds like there are still a lot of issues to be worked out. I guarantee hundreds of bands out there are inspired to get back to writing in hopes they’ll get involved with this venture.
I can go on and on but I think I’ll end here. Good luck to all the indie musicians out there and I truly wish the best for all of you! If you want to talk more music, email me.
I think what it boils down to, is how artistic success is defined…
I listen to everything I have time to “see” or find, and I find myself coming to this place called contradiction.
Convenience and Tangibility is a MF. We are digging a strange grave, music is personal yet an extremely social experience and we are choking, with no safe word.
There is no indie left, with the advent of the internet you’d be a fool to believe otherwise. The endless accessibility ruined that idea a long time ago. Its really laughable how the obscure scramble to start a new subgenre, almost daily. And the underground is so far into the atmosphere it couldn’t be more visible if it was sold on itunes, oh wait ? There is this elitist attitude that loses site of the true “independence” and frankly is a total turn off, how ever skillful or talented you may be.
The question is, why would anyone that labels themselves a non conformist, indie, not a sell-out, give a shit about online sales or the clash of major labels verses the slightly major labels out there.
Ironic the use of “Independent” , if you think about it… You really want to be autonomous? don’t involve yourself with the “mainstream”. Don’t give a shit about, wheelin and dealin because that has nothing to do with musical integrity, have a supporting job if you need means and the rest will follow… but we want our cake and ice cream too… its simple, make a choice and hope your well received. I don’t know who thought up “having it all” but its BS. I know many musicians that truthfully, I think suck, big time, but I respect that they don’t care and still get out there, not online, but little hole in the wall bars, clubs, fairs, whatever…they do what they want, when they want, how they want it done… and don’t do it for anything more than self-gratification. Few and vastly far between…
On the other side of the coin I see nothing wrong with fame and money, more power to you. The bottom line is having a clear definition on how much is too much, and understanding you have a, one or the other choice, and not trying to kid yourself that you can have both! Greed has ruined most every industry there is, too much cheap n easy, will cost us a lot, just as successes are earned not fronted.
“It’s all about re-creating the heyday of the album when you would sit around with your friends looking at the artwork, while you listened to the music,” said one executive familiar with the plans.
Apple…dare I question a “believer” …the cult… evangelicals, never see the big picture, nor do they want to. Accessibility absolutely! Monopolizing a “market” maybe… but pu-leaze! That statement makes me cringe. Of f*cking course they want to “make it better and collaborate” they played a big hand in providing the hammer, nailing that industries coffin in the first place! The comparison is sad, and ramifications even more depressing. And I’ll tell you the day the Amoebas of the world shut down and are replaced by Apple stores…I hope I’m dead. Going to a record store, surrounded by people and the thrill of the hunt, compared to keystrokes filled with and endless “supply” is hardly a re-creation. So call it help if you want, but its far from it to me….
I suppose its odd that I’m sending this via email…