Selling Out
We've all heard the term; and what an ignorant, useless term it is. This blog, is my thoughts and feelings on the afore-mentioned topic.
Selling Out, to me, occurs when an artist re-defines who they are and the music they make, in order to sell records and make a profit. In other words, they let go of all creative control and let the record labels produce what they feel is "marketable" in today's media. THAT is truly what selling out is.
People often accuse bands of "selling out", because they sign to a major record label or an extremely well known indie label and it's ridiculous. Most of the bands that choose to do so, put tons of time and effort into making huge decisions like that, mainly A) because they want to make sure they retain creative control and B) because they want to make sure it is the best route in getting their music out to other audiences; and honestly, what's so wrong with wanting their music to be known and heard? Sure, the artists will make more money when there's a constantly growing fanbase, but, the more money they make, they better music they'll be able to make. Artists have to spend tons of money in order to pay for recording and studio time and to pay people, such as producers, for their assistance in creating a record. In the end, the artists don't even get to keep half of the profit they make from an album, and when they have to split it amongst each other, the number dwindles still.
Long-time fans of artists who make it to the "big-time" usually are the people who rant the most about their so-called favorite bands selling out. Instead of focusing on the well-being of the artists and their wants and needs to get their music heard, they, more or less, focus on other petty subjects. MOVING UP IS HOW ARTISTS MAKE THEIR LIVING!!! If they don't move on to bigger and better things, they won't have money to live or make music, if music is the true career path they choose to take. They make money just like everyone else in the world with a job. For example, if your mom or dad got recognized for their hard work in their place of employment and were offered a promotion or raise, would they be considered a "sell outs"? No. They're simply good at what they do and, because of that, were rewarded and praised for it. The same goes for musicians. If they're truly in it for the right reasons, then good on them for being recognized. If they're in it for the fame and fortune, then, eventually, it will wear and tear on them and they obviously wouldn't have the heart and determination to continue what they do.
Selling Out, to me, occurs when an artist re-defines who they are and the music they make, in order to sell records and make a profit. In other words, they let go of all creative control and let the record labels produce what they feel is "marketable" in today's media. THAT is truly what selling out is.
People often accuse bands of "selling out", because they sign to a major record label or an extremely well known indie label and it's ridiculous. Most of the bands that choose to do so, put tons of time and effort into making huge decisions like that, mainly A) because they want to make sure they retain creative control and B) because they want to make sure it is the best route in getting their music out to other audiences; and honestly, what's so wrong with wanting their music to be known and heard? Sure, the artists will make more money when there's a constantly growing fanbase, but, the more money they make, they better music they'll be able to make. Artists have to spend tons of money in order to pay for recording and studio time and to pay people, such as producers, for their assistance in creating a record. In the end, the artists don't even get to keep half of the profit they make from an album, and when they have to split it amongst each other, the number dwindles still.
Long-time fans of artists who make it to the "big-time" usually are the people who rant the most about their so-called favorite bands selling out. Instead of focusing on the well-being of the artists and their wants and needs to get their music heard, they, more or less, focus on other petty subjects. MOVING UP IS HOW ARTISTS MAKE THEIR LIVING!!! If they don't move on to bigger and better things, they won't have money to live or make music, if music is the true career path they choose to take. They make money just like everyone else in the world with a job. For example, if your mom or dad got recognized for their hard work in their place of employment and were offered a promotion or raise, would they be considered a "sell outs"? No. They're simply good at what they do and, because of that, were rewarded and praised for it. The same goes for musicians. If they're truly in it for the right reasons, then good on them for being recognized. If they're in it for the fame and fortune, then, eventually, it will wear and tear on them and they obviously wouldn't have the heart and determination to continue what they do.
A band only 'sells out' if all their fans turn their backs on them.
That hasnt happened. And I dont think it WILL ever happen.
Tholomew Plague, July 23rd, 2007 at 09:56:35pm
This term annoys me so much.
A band doesn't sell out.
A band makes progress.
Moving to a bigger label doesn't equal selling out
It means the band is progressing.
A lot of musicians want to change the world. And you can't change people's views unless they can hear them. Bands want to save people but a small record label may not be the route to do that on. Like Green Day and Lookout Records!. It just wasn't getting them further. It was getting them money and fans but they weren't going anywhere.
'Die-hard' fans who then turn around when the band finally make something of themselves are usually just jealous that they're not the only fan, not the only one to have all the records and things.
Selling out doesn't exist to me.
Mike Dirnt., July 23rd, 2007 at 09:54:25pm
exactly. i hate being told so and so sold out and its like... no they didnt. they turned around and everybody wanted them so they signed to a label that could deal with it!
Lyddy r teh Snaily, July 18th, 2007 at 07:36:04pm