http://www.iloveoldschoolmusic.com/gladys-knights-fed-up-with-todays-music-business-we-dont-blame-her/

Gladys Knight says she’s fed up with the way today’s current record labels do business. So she’s taking matters into her own hands and is releasing her new single, “Just A Little,” independently on her own record label on September 25th. Here’s what was reported via Chicago Defender:“I told my crew, please don’t sign me to another record label. You can give people chance, after chance, after chance but it hasn’t changed,” Knight said. “Why do you think there aren’t any record labels left? People got tired of not being paid while these mega companies are at the top with executives living in big houses, owning luxury cars and taking our money sending their kids to college. I have kids in college as well and I need my money.”

With her new company, comes new talent and she’s happy to bring on young and fresh ears to the camp. Rising singer and current vocal arranger, R&B singer Avehre has managed to capture Knight’s interest in becoming one of the premiere artists on her independent label. “Avehre is an amazing, talented and respectful young man. My husband has taken him under his wing. They are in the studio right now,” Knight said. “This man can write, produce and do his own thing.”

We don’t blame Gladys one bit for shunning these record labels because in today’s current music industry, not only are these major record labels like the music equivalent of a communist run nation- being that they are the sole dictators and controllers of the mainstream music, images and messages our nation gets.

These corporate labels are also extremely biased to talent that is approximately 25 years old and under. Yeah there are rappers and singers in the game who are older than 25 now, like Drake, Beyonce, and others, but the key word is “now,” they are now older but they had to age in the music game and they also are being pressured Anyways, I’m saying all of this to say that legends like Gladys Knight deserve more respect because they are still very viable artists and just because they’re not rockin’ a pair of skinny jeans or booty shorts, doesn’t mean that they don’t have a solid fan base who will support their music. Yet, these record labels don’t seem to get that concept, so we continue to get these cookie cutter singers who are all striving to be the next Beyonce.’ We really dig Beyonce’ because she is an amazing artist, but the problem is that we already have a Beyonce’ so we don’t need 20 more of them…geesh!

Thank you Gladys Knight for not being afraid to step out on your own and bring back variety in soul music. Can’t wait to purchase your new single on September 25th.

[Edited 9/23/15 6:21am]

I think all established artists should look at going independent.

When they already have a name for themselves, they can go ahead and release on iTunes and take the whole 70% royalty that iTunes pays. Being signed to a label, the label takes the 70% from iTunes and then gives the artist a percentage of that, whatever's in their contract, which could be anywhere from 10% to 50% for artists who have the clout. Many established artists would make a higher income from selling 50,000 albums released independently, than selling 200,000 via a label. That could really take the pressure off for some.

The other good thing about established artists going indie, is that it forces the major labels to nurture new talent, because the easier to sell established artists (they already have an interested fanbase with less marketing required) aren't their safety cashcows anymore.

nd33 said:

I think all established artists should look at going independent.

When they already have a name for themselves, they can go ahead and release on iTunes and take the whole 70% royalty that iTunes pays. Being signed to a label, the label takes the 70% from iTunes and then gives the artist a percentage of that, whatever's in their contract, which could be anywhere from 10% to 50% for artists who have the clout. Many established artists would make a higher income from selling 50,000 albums released independently, than selling 200,000 via a label. That could really take the pressure off for some.

The other good thing about established artists going indie, is that it forces the major labels to nurture new talent, because the easier to sell established artists (they already have an interested fanbase with less marketing required) aren't their safety cashcows anymore.

-

Great point. There would have to be a major shift among the veteran acts for that to happen. Unfortunately, most are probably too scared to make that kind of leap. But I agree with your premise. Over time, this may become the new norm though. Perhaps after enough established artists, show that you can still sell without the majors involvement, more will be encouraged to follow suit.

kitbradley said:

http://www.iloveoldschoolmusic.com/gladys-knights-fed-up-with-todays-music-business-we-dont-blame-her/

Gladys Knight says she’s fed up with the way today’s current record labels do business. So she’s taking matters into her own hands and is releasing her new single, “Just A Little,” independently on her own record label on September 25th. Here’s what was reported via Chicago Defender:“I told my crew, please don’t sign me to another record label. You can give people chance, after chance, after chance but it hasn’t changed,” Knight said. “Why do you think there aren’t any record labels left? People got tired of not being paid while these mega companies are at the top with executives living in big houses, owning luxury cars and taking our money sending their kids to college. I have kids in college as well and I need my money.”

With her new company, comes new talent and she’s happy to bring on young and fresh ears to the camp. Rising singer and current vocal arranger, R&B singer Avehre has managed to capture Knight’s interest in becoming one of the premiere artists on her independent label. “Avehre is an amazing, talented and respectful young man. My husband has taken him under his wing. They are in the studio right now,” Knight said. “This man can write, produce and do his own thing.”

We don’t blame Gladys one bit for shunning these record labels because in today’s current music industry, not only are these major record labels like the music equivalent of a communist run nation- being that they are the sole dictators and controllers of the mainstream music, images and messages our nation gets.

These corporate labels are also extremely biased to talent that is approximately 25 years old and under. Yeah there are rappers and singers in the game who are older than 25 now, like Drake, Beyonce, and others, but the key word is “now,” they are now older but they had to age in the music game and they also are being pressured Anyways, I’m saying all of this to say that legends like Gladys Knight deserve more respect because they are still very viable artists and just because they’re not rockin’ a pair of skinny jeans or booty shorts, doesn’t mean that they don’t have a solid fan base who will support their music. Yet, these record labels don’t seem to get that concept, so we continue to get these cookie cutter singers who are all striving to be the next Beyonce.’ We really dig Beyonce’ because she is an amazing artist, but the problem is that we already have a Beyonce’ so we don’t need 20 more of them…geesh!

Thank you Gladys Knight for not being afraid to step out on your own and bring back variety in soul music. Can’t wait to purchase your new single on September 25th.

[Edited 9/23/15 6:21am]

Didn't this artist say something similar a long time ago? And only now does a artist like Knight get this?

kitbradley said:

“Why do you think there aren’t any record labels left? People got tired of not being paid while these mega companies are at the top with executives living in big houses, owning luxury cars and taking our money sending their kids to college. I have kids in college as well and I need my money.”

Greedy CEO's are ruining pretty much every North American company by denying quality of life from its labourers.

I was expecting her to, again, be criticizing the filth the music industry normally promotes.

I remember in the early 90s,she complained about todays's music,specifically the song "Freak Me" by Silk "I think it's a shame that kids are listening to garbage like "let me lick you up and down",she said."I'm gonna start my own label so I can have artists that put out quality R&B music".

Now if we could only get Chaka Khan to do this

kitbradley said:

http://www.iloveoldschoolmusic.com/gladys-knights-fed-up-with-todays-music-business-we-dont-blame-her/

Has anyone heard the song? I'm nervous for her - I read somewhere its being referred to as a "dance song", her first in over 20 years.

.

Thankfully YouTube sends you to "Don't You Love Me Just A Little Honey" which is a lovely bside that lists legendary Harvey Fuqua as a writer

SoulAlive said:

Now if we could only get Chaka Khan to do this

kitbradley said:

http://www.iloveoldschoolmusic.com/gladys-knights-fed-up-with-todays-music-business-we-dont-blame-her/

Yeah. C.K. promised a new single that was supposed to have been released last week that still hasn't surfaced. I mean, Melba Moore has released like 4 singles from an album she's been promising for 4 years. Singles are better than nothing. Chaka should do the same. Sometimes I get the feeling C.K. is fucking with our heads when she keeps promising things she has no intention of delivering on.

[Edited 9/23/15 13:24pm]

^^yeah,at this point,I'll accept a single or two give us something! lol

nd33 said:

Starting one's own record company sounds like a good idea,in theory.But it's ALOT of work and it's not as simple as it sounds.Prince has his own record label (NPG Records) but notice that he still utilizes the services of major record companies for distribution and marketing.Let's be honest...many of these other Old School artists may not be able to strike those "pay me first" deals that Prince gets everytime he's ready to release a new album.

SoulAlive said:

Starting one's own record company sounds like a good idea,in theory.But it's ALOT of work and it's not as simple as it sounds.Prince has his own record label (NPG Records) but notice that he still utilizes the services of major record companies for distribution and marketing.Let's be honest...many of these other Old School artists may not be able to strike those "pay me first" deals that Prince gets everytime he's ready to release a new album.

Lots of labels that are seen as "independent" actually have product and distribution deals with major labels still to this day. The industry is still very powerful in reaching people. A lot of these so-called viral hits are actually sponsored and paid for by deep pockets, even when the artist appears to be an amateur.

I'm surprised to hear shes still even making music!

GOOD 4 HER!!!!! Cuz Berry & Smokey are STILL spending those Artist's $$!!! Meanwhile, said Artists have 2 work the Casino circuit to Their graves!!!!!

https://soundcloud.com/official-gladys-knight for a listen to "Just A Little". Gonna check this out after work.

Ooh I peeked it sounds really creative.

They would make her have 24 dancers these days. It's not about harmony but the cash register.

Cinny said:

SoulAlive said:

Starting one's own record company sounds like a good idea,in theory.But it's ALOT of work and it's not as simple as it sounds.Prince has his own record label (NPG Records) but notice that he still utilizes the services of major record companies for distribution and marketing.Let's be honest...many of these other Old School artists may not be able to strike those "pay me first" deals that Prince gets everytime he's ready to release a new album.

Lots of labels that are seen as "independent" actually have product and distribution deals with major labels still to this day.

That's true.Prince would never admit this,but the major record companies are a necessary evil.

the upbeat track teams the seven-time Grammy Award winner with fellow Grammy winner and producer Symbolyc One, aka S1 (Kanye West's “Power,” Beyoncé's “Best Thing I Never Had.”)

Written and vocal-produced by Knight protégé/R&B singer Avehre, “Just a Little” is the lead single from the singer’s 12th studio album. It’s due next year via the Empire-distributed label WCMC (When Creative Minds Collide).

“We just wanted to have fun,” says Knight, who is also the newest ambassador for VH1’s Save the Music Foundation. “Most of the singles I’ve released prior to this were ballads. I wanted something we could dance to.” A video for the song -- which you can listen to below -- will be released in the near future.

I think it's a good song.Too often,many of these old school artists play it safe and come out with a ballad or a slow jam (Shalamar's new single....the entire new album by Con Funk Shun,etc).Nothing wrong with that,but it's refreshing to hear an uptempo dance track once in awhile.Gladys wants to groove!

getxxxx said:

Beautiful Cover!

Another issue I have with these older singers commenting on today's industry. I sometimes see them gush over new acts BUT then they turn around in interviews and insist today's music is trash I have seen Gladys, Anita etc do this. Just BE REAL about it and stop making these conflicting comments about today's music. That is why I loved Rick James, Chuck D and a couple others because they were real about their feelings about current music and didn't just give opinions to seem "hip"

mjscarousal said:

mjscarousal said:

Another issue I have with these older singers commenting on today's industry. I sometimes see them gush over new acts BUT then they turn around in interviews and insist today's music is trash I have seen Gladys, Anita etc do this. Just BE REAL about it and stop making these conflicting comments about today's music. That is why I loved Rick James, Chuck D and a couple others because they were real about their feelings about current music and didn't just give opinions to seem "hip"

I hate that too. Chaka Khan has been consistantly complaining about the horrible state of the music industry and the lack of true artists for 25 years now but when asked about a specific artist who's hot she always says she likes them. I almost choked a couple of years ago when she called Rhianna a great singer.

SoulAlive said:

I think it's a good song.Too often,many of these old school artists play it safe and come out with a ballad or a slow jam (Shalamar's new single....the entire new album by Con Funk Shun,etc).Nothing wrong with that,but it's refreshing to hear an uptempo dance track once in awhile.Gladys wants to groove!

i think its a nice song. shalamar has a new single? whats the name, and which group members?

New video & interview

lowkey said:

SoulAlive said:

I think it's a good song.Too often,many of these old school artists play it safe and come out with a ballad or a slow jam (Shalamar's new single....the entire new album by Con Funk Shun,etc).Nothing wrong with that,but it's refreshing to hear an uptempo dance track once in awhile.Gladys wants to groove!

i think its a nice song. shalamar has a new single? whats the name, and which group members?

It's called "Slow Dance" and it's by Jody's version of Shalamar.I'm not too impressed with it.