First off, this isn't just about Prince, but all established acts playing this game.

Prince recently has tagged on to Janelle Monae, a young up and coming singer. What Prince is doing with these magazine deals is not really helping artists like her at all, let alone acts below her who don't have a hype machine currently behind them. How are they, without an established name or fanbase going to flourish, and survive in an industry that is fast becoming worthless?

They are not. Record deals are short term, you sell less than your first album and it's pretty much over.

I'm unsure at the same time whether we should care, perhaps music should be (and is) heading back to a more bohemian mindset, in which singers and musicians do it for the love of it and fun, while at the same time working a regular job.

Obviously this is a million miles away from what Prince and his ilk are accustomed to. On the face of it, Prince's first love is money, and not the music. Moneywise, for these deals with mags and papers he'll be getting a lot if it. But really, how much is enough? When will he be happy with his lot?

Does Prince realise he's hanging these young acts (like the one, he's allegedly behind) out to dry?

Popular music is dying on it's feet, and Prince isn't helping fellow musicians just starting out.

Crying shame.

Take care of yourself, And each other edit.

[Edited 6/29/10 15:46pm]

Marrk said:

First off, this isn't just about Prince, but all established acts playing this game.

Prince recently has tagged on to Janelle Monae, a young up and coming singer. What Prince is doing with these magazine deals is not really helping artists like her at all, let alone acts below her who don't have a hype machine currently behind them. How are they, without an established name or fanbase going to flourish, and survive in an industry that is fast becoming worthless?

They are not. Record deals are short term, you sell less than your first album and it's pretty much over.

I'm unsure at the same time whether we should care, perhaps music should be (and is) heading back to a more bohemian mindset, in which singers and musicians do it for the love of it and fun, while at the same time working a regular job.

Obviously this is a million miles away from what Prince and his ilk are accustomed to. On the face of it, Prince's first love is money, and not the music. Moneywise, for these deals with mags and papers he'll be getting a lot if it. But really, how much is enough? When will he be happy with his lot?

Does Prince realise he's hanging these young acts (like the one, he's allegedly behind) out to dry?

Popular music is dying on it's feet, and Prince isn't helping fellow musicians just starting out.

Crying shame.

Take care of yourself, And each other edit.

[Edited 6/29/10 15:46pm]

I agree with you in the respect that Prince is in a position where people will seek him out, new artists need a forced exposure. However hasn't Prince actually stated this himself in interviews

Prince can't save the world. He is only one man who also has to make his own way in the business. U really don't know what Prince finances are to know what is a enough. That's not your call. Would u like me to decide on what is enough for u?

Beyond that it is pure conjecture for u to state that the money is the most important thing to him. Unless he states that or u get a direct line into his conciousness u can't know that. So u are just basically talking out of your ass.

art and business have a very delicate relationship that when not honored properly result in what we have today. the business goes thru phases. when business is bad music and art flourish. when business is good business literally destroys art for usually a solid decade.

Lol..........so it is Prince's job 2 help other musicians?

tricky99 said:

Prince can't save the world. He is only one man who also has to make his own way in the business. U really don't know what Prince finances are to know what is a enough. That's not your call. Would u like me to decide on what is enough for u?

Beyond that it is pure conjecture for u to state that the money is the most important thing to him. Unless he states that or u get a direct line into his conciousness u can't know that. So u are just basically talking out of your ass.

That is pretty much the size of it. Well said.

the fact of the matter is that radio won't play prince. they'll play gaga. and sean kingston and justin boober. but not prince.

so he's taking matters into his own hands. he'll make more money touring than from selling cds anyway.

if the "young artists" have talent, they'll sell. it's not prince's fault. your logic is wrong.