Dear Artists and Producer Friends,
This new Spotify pay scenario has been bothering me since the news of it first broke out.
Being independent in this industry has a special definition. It means you're free of the three major record labels. You do things your way. You partner with smaller labels, and other artist friends. You're the boss in your world.
If that independence matters to you... then more of you should be speaking out when the major labels start trying to dictate control of things.
I guarantee you that when UMG, Sony, or Warner speak on certain topics, they do so because they've made a decision about what is best for THEM and their profits. They don't give a shit about you, or yours. Or me, and mine.
When they go out and try to force folks like Spotify to enforce their definition of "real music" or "real artists" and start demanding that pay scales change for certain people and not others... they do that for their own benefit. They don't want us to experiment, bend rules, or create new lanes. They want to shut them down, block them, or at least control them. It's what they've always done.
Independence is about doing it your way... and part of that means being free of roadblocks and speed bumps from the majors. It also means that the majors cannot and should not be allowed to dictate what "real" is, what "good enough" or "high quality" is, or whatever terms they're tossing around to justify screwing people over.
Okay... rant over. Repost this if you agree. We need to unite, and speak with a louder voice. That's how we keep our independence.
Your Friend,
rspbrry