How The Music Industry Works

Best advice. Build your brand and wait for labels to knock on your door.

didnt expect to see Chester, got a tear in my eye :'( RIP Happy to see Serj aswell tho

Don't let this deter anyone from pursuing a career in music. Artists make the majority of their money through ticket sales to their shows. Album sales have never been the bread and butter for artists. The biggest appeal of high album sales are it will help you sell tickets, pack stadiums, and amphitheaters, and ultimately make enough money for you to be established and no longer need the resources of a record label.

tis why you go inde folks

Is there a longer version of this? This is really informative,.

I don't know why YT recommended this video but thank you, really interesting.

I had no idea things were that way. It’s really mind blowing, I can’t even put it into words. So you create your music, out of talent, passion, whatever... go through the colossal work that usually is recording, releases an album... and end up in debt? Seriously? You only make money out of live shows/concerts? That’s fucked up, man.

Being indie is GREAT! The video didnt mention the artist need the label's permission to have songs on the album!

Well I'am glad I never had to go totally through what most great Artists went through..but they are not showing us this to discourage us..its about the artist being intoune with business..because thats what it is..BUSINESS:

Doesn't matter, the labels have dug themselves a grave and are now dying. It's a shame to see what happened to musicians in the past though.  Now there are new problems that have nothing to do with labels , all themselves issues , and once again the musicians gets fucked today. Everyone seems to always either get free music or get paid except for the musician.

they need to post this on worldstar

I can't believe Irving Azoff is talking about the artists being screwed.

I don't know why, but I've known this information for as long as I can remember. Musicians really only continued making albums for 2 reasons: 1. They unknowingly signed a multi-album contract. 2. To advertise their concert tours, which is where the real money is made. You have to be hugely successful to do something like Axl Rose or The Beatles and just not tour for many years. Nobody who knew the industry could understand Lars Ulrich's stance on Napster and Music Piracy.

wow this should be spoken on alot more

I had 2 music classes through high school & was selected all region in choir from the 7th grade until my high school days ended. I had a group and we made music for a long time independent. although it was Rap with a R&B texture, I loved & listened to everything and everyone for inspiration. Especially soul, 80's pop, & all decades of rock music before a lot of my buddies cared to give it a true chance. I say this to say, we as musicians start off just wanting to be heard & acknowledged for we we have to offer. Getting paid changes everything and in my case everyone. I guess I didn't handle the change very well. Now, I am back to just admiring everyone's talents. I would have been crushed by the B/S. I was never the money first kind of musician. I wasn't in the know. I couldn't see past the writing & performing. I was Just like a kid I guess. I miss the camaraderie and the thrill of creating with the fellas. Everyone complimenting each other on the outcome of the music. Like a little locker room. lol. I loved that feeling of actually making a song that was appreciated at the end of the day by people who had nothing to do with the creative process. You never know how many will love or hate it. You think, this song will change everything & it doesn't. What do you do? Well...You make another song. Taking advantage of me wouldn't have been impossible. i thought all you needed was passion, talent, & a will to win. I was too "Right brain dependent." ✌& Love, 👑WES

Eye opener. Thank you.

It broke my heart

We Artists should care about the business,because they do..I mean the suits who set this gig up..so as much as we care about our Art..we should care about the business aspect of it as well..and try to F.. the gatekeepers..and have them come in when they can really do something for you.but creating great art..and creating great material..like how they sell us burgers.. we need to eat..and we need music.So lets make those people aware of the business aspect of t.

Thanks for sharing this!!! I hope more people will watch it. The music business is a crazy playground for talented people. It ´s tough...

thanks for these worthwhile, yet alarming insights. as a musical artist, I will take note.