So every once in a while, you hear all this talk about how NPG is an "alternative" to what's out there on the radio and on MTV, but the truth of the matter is, we all know it's just a vehicle for Prince. At least with Paisley Park Records, there was some kind of ostensible attempt to make it something larger, though we all know Prince couldn't keep his fingers out of any of the projects by the artists on the label, and fans didn't want him keeping his fingers out of those projects...when we saw that Paisley Park logo, we wanted those albums to be 99.9 percent Prince, and that kinda cast a large shadow on those who recorded on that label. And when he tried putting out albums by Chaka and Larry, it was more of the same, only arguably too little, too late.

So. Is it concievable that NPG Records has been, is, or ever COULD be a true "alternative" to what's out there right now? If, say, an Alicia Keys or an Outkast wanted to be part of his "Xperiment", could they hop on board and do their own thing without being Prince-i-fied to the gills? Could it be possible for the man to start a label for artists who share his vision about how the music industry should be, without those artists automatically being labelled as "protegees" by the mainstream press?

I think there's a clear stigma to being associated with Prince in the industry, and it's a shame - he DOES have a lot of really good ideas about creating a "revolutionary alternative" to the mainstream music industry, and if he injected a little less purple ego into the concept, it might even go somewhere...but are people satisfied with the whole NPG thing being just a one-trick pony for Prince's work? I think so.

Hmm. Just thinkin' out loud, y'all. Thoughts?

Anxiety said:

I find your statements very good....

As far as my understanding of those working in the music industry in Minneapolis NPG Records is an Indie label and as of right now....just Prince.

Hopefully at the end of this new tour the general public will be given the chance to hear new talent coming from his production house. Only time will tell if Prince is "inspired" to deliver the goods.

However let us not forget those he has given us so far...
Ms. Sheila E. and other Long term artists so yeah..maybe that purple "touch" is ok when used properly.