This drive to sell to the masses leads to a decline in quality. And even with quality bands, interaction with fans is lessened or even lost, because time spent with fans is time losing money. When this kind of distance between fans and musicians becomes the standard, fans lose part of the joy of music. In this sense, the music business is losing everything that it relies on - music.
Recently, a band that I discovered back before they were signed to a label was released from their contract after a few years with the company. Before they had signed with the label, they were heavily fan-oriented, giving away music for free, having barbecues after concerts, and hanging out with fans wherever they went. On the label, they were not allowed to give away music, and their heavy touring schedule forbade them from spending any time with fans, except for in harshly scheduled meet and greets. After some fighting, presumably about monetary issues, as well as their lack of control over their own future, they left the label.
In a few months, everything changed. A house tour with inexpensive tickets was scheduled, singles were released on vinyl, and pre-order packages came with hand-written letters and homemade presents. When a band decides to send me handmade presents for pre-ordering their album, it practically guarantees that I will be a fan, no matter how bad the album is.
Music labels need to realize that they need to adapt to audience's needs in order to survive. With music available freely online, the personal touch can be exactly the draw needed to bring customers back to buying from the artist. Beyond that, the majority of money made by bands is through touring and merchandise sales. When a fan is guaranteed to meet the band because of a small venue, he or she will be more willing to fork over more money for the show.
In the end, the music business will always be about money. But, CEOs must realize that with changing times comes a need for a change in the way bands are operated.
In a few months, everything changed. A house tour with inexpensive tickets was scheduled, singles were released on vinyl, and pre-order packages came with hand-written letters and homemade presents. When a band decides to send me handmade presents for pre-ordering their album, it practically guarantees that I will be a fan, no matter how bad the album is.
Music labels need to realize that they need to adapt to audience's needs in order to survive. With music available freely online, the personal touch can be exactly the draw needed to bring customers back to buying from the artist. Beyond that, the majority of money made by bands is through touring and merchandise sales. When a fan is guaranteed to meet the band because of a small venue, he or she will be more willing to fork over more money for the show.
In the end, the music business will always be about money. But, CEOs must realize that with changing times comes a need for a change in the way bands are operated.
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