.

Judging by his latest comments, Prince seems to be saying to young aspiring artists out there that the best thing they can do is to: "stay out of the system".

Perhabs he is being misinterpreted, or perhabs Prince knows a secret way how recording artists can become publicy known and make a living all on their own. Whatever it may be, these are comments that draw sure fire reactions, from many different people, but probably especially from aspiring recording artists.

I personally disagree with Prince's opinion and wonder if he thought back to the 70's when he was trying to get himself signed before he expressed it. What motivated him back then (and now still), is probably the same as what motivates most other aspiring recording artists out there.

Realistically speaking, for most artists it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to become ánd publicly known ánd make enough money for a decent living, all on your own.

Everybody needs help from others, including recording artists, whatever you do. You can't it do all by yourself. Prince isn't doing it all by himself either. He is part of the system and has got people working for him. He has got his own companies and lawyers. Lucky for him; he can afford that after making it big with WB's help.

But most others can't. And they too want to make an album, do a tour and be seen on the MTV, just like Prince once wanted.

So when they get a recording contract offer, most of them see that as their chance to 'make their dreams come true'. When you blow it, you might not get another one.

This situation:

Artists with no money and no support looking for a record deal (plus the possibly inherent money and fame) versus
Big greedy companies looking to own/control/exploit the work of the artists and the artists themselves as much as possible

I think is probably the reason why Prince is saying what he is saying.

But advising people to then just "stay out" of it is a) easier said than done and b) not the best way for recording artists to have their interests protected and their dreams come true.

Because it is very well possible that talented recording artists following Prince's advice, end up unhappy when they never got the publicity, the recognition of their work and the money they were looking for, because they will later realise that they did not do everything they could have done to make their dreams come true.

In the end that's what it is all about: protection of interests and dreams/aspirations, be that artistic, financial, spiritual or other interests and aspirations.

Staing out of the system probably won't make many aspiring artists dreams come true. There must be a better way then 'simply' staying out of the system.

The answer I think can be found by looking at the history of recording artists:

Up untill this day recording artists are one the worst organised and busineswise artists around. There are hardly any real unions for recording artists of all types and genres, espceially not the pop music recording artists. There are also no effective lobbies vigurously protecting their interests. The only lobbies and organisations in the recording industry are done by the record and music publishing companies, exploiting the work of the artists.

These companies think about money first. And they are very powerful compared to an individual artist simply 'trying to make it'. Do you want to sue them? Beware: they could destroy your future carreer.

Other artists, like writers of novels for example, have proven that it is true - the only thing that will be able to sufficiently protect recording artists is recording artists themselves organising and becoming businesswise.

When you are organised you can make a fist; you have more power than on your own. When you are organised you can educate eachother and prevent the same mistakes that have been made by recording artists over and over during the history of recorded music. This way true change of the system can be made.

When you are businesswise there is no contract a company can offer you without you understanding what it actually says. When you are busineswise you can make more money, because you know how and where to make it best. You become more powerful because you will say no to the bad deals and yes to the good ones.

When recording artists become organised and busineswise they will have the power to change the system from within.

Since this has never been seriously tried before by recording artists this option should not be overlooked, before legends like Prince starts calling all aspring artists to "stay out of the system". They won't and Prince knows it. For the simple reason that artists want a public and need to make money just like everybody else.

I feel Prince ought to take the challenge and become the first recording artist out there to start building a true - all recording artists encompassing - union, that will finally be able to raise the much needed fist against the companies and that will be a safe haven for recording artists for all the information they need.

Dare him if you dare.

Well said!
Not to critisize but, it's easy if you've had a 15+ year boost from a major record company. Then, re-invent yourself because of the realization about the industry that you have been a part of. Even then, you will have more money than most who never had the chance to sign with a major. I think most "undiscovered" artist would avoid big record companies all together if they had the resources to go it alone. I don't think any artist would sacrifice their art for fame but most don't have the money so they give up a big part of themselves when they see what some call an opportunity coming.
I understand what Prince was saying. It's just that it would have had much more impact to me if what he is suggesting for others is exactly how he started his career.

Post this on the NPGMC forums, hopefully your word will spread to him. Great idea.

Taureau said:

Thank you, but I can't post it there. I'm not a member.