Signing a recording contract is, for most artist, the pinnacle of their career up to that point. A contract can be a form of validation for artists. A break into the industry that they desperately want to be recognized by. They are finally a step above independent Myspace and Amie street promotion. The hard work and dedication to their craft has finally paid off, but for some artists this perceived boost to their career could be shackles that do more to hinder them than help them.

The recording contract is an agreement between the artist and supporting label to work toward completing a project. If either party chooses not to fulfill their side of the agreement, their could be deadlock. The artist releases no material, and the label has money invested into an uncooperative project.

A major record label is the equivalent of the death star. The size of a small planet with the same population at work, moving slowly through the universe that is the record industry. One band with promising talent could get lost amidst such a large stable of artists. The independent label on the other hand is similar to the millennium falcon. A small crew that is able to quickly get from one goal to the next. All the while keeping in contact with one another to keep the feeling personal.

One of the biggest jobs of the record label is to connect the diamond in the rough talent to the big name producers, and the means to record an album. With the combination of a computer and recording programs such as Pro Tools and Logic, the need for a million dollar recording studio is gone. If the producers could connect with the artists on a grass roots level the need for a record label would be nil. Next job for the label is to get the talent the exposure. Myspace, Amie Street, and college radio are great ways for unsigned talent to see how their sound weathers the criticism of the public. After the initial step, if taken to another level, Myspace and the internet could be the main source for getting the word out to the public.

With sales of music in a downward spiral it’s time for new, more streamlined ways of producing and releasing content. Artists depend on the consumer to support them while they go through their creative process. It’s the artist jobs to make the right business decisions so the they can reciprocate the support.

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