Ten Worst Things About The Music Industry

Written By: Sid Jones

 

There are a lot of things wrong with the music industry. And that’s never been more true than in today’s market. But, it’s not just the underground (believe me there’s more than ten) it’s the mainstream as well. In fact, I will say that a lot of it seems to be choices made by the artists. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of great material artists today have released to the public. But, there are a lot of things I would categorize as hot garbage. And sometimes it’s not just their music or content. It’s the things I continue to deal with at shows and in private conversation.

So, what are the things that really piss me off? And what am I doing this list? Well, I’m hoping it helps artists adjust and perhaps give their fans a glimpse behind the curtain. You’re probably going to disagree, how I don’t know. But, odds are it’ll just upset people and hurt feelings. This has been a long time coming and I may make a few enemies. I’m okay with that.

Disclaimer: This top ten does not represent RoxxxTV. This article is the opinion of the writer and does not reflect the affiliates or sponsors.

Now, let’s get into it!

 

10

Desperation And Begging

Every damn time I see something like the image above on my social media feed, I puke a little bit in my mouth. And my stomach turns inside out. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Sid, what’s wrong with supporting local artists?” Nothing. “Well what’s your problem then?” Here’s the issue I have. Not every local band is good. And not every local band is bad. This is where opinion comes to play. If you don’t like Good And Plenty, will you buy the box of garbage and eat it? No, you’re going to make the right decision and purchase Skittles.

Why is music any different? Because someone is doing a show? Your decision to support local artists/bands for the sake of it is actually doing a lot of damage. The value of music depreciates especially in the online market. Everyone wants to be a Rockstar and let’s say that everyone got to be a rock star. Well, it’s no longer a big deal is it? Save your money and spend it on GOOD artists, local or not. Your dollar is your vote. Artists and “labels” that post shit like this are essentially saying, “Even though I suck/we suck support us any way!” If you post something like this, you’re advertising to me to avoid your music. My suggestion is, don’t post shit like this. You look desperate and it’s begging. There, I said it.

 

9

No Standards In Buy Ons

So, we have learned that not every local artist/band is going to be the next Eminem or Aerosmith. But, there are headliners that allow artists/bands to buy on to a show. Sometimes, even tours. And I’m going to break a lot of hearts when I say, they are also selling you hope in being signed to a label. Go get a tissue and I’ll be here waiting.

Welcome back. Now, as I was saying this whole buy on idea is a cash grab. You are money in their pocket. Do people who pay to play get signed to a major label? Yes, and we have seen this happen in the underground. But, here’s the problem. Everyone thinks is some kind of lottery and it’s not. As Monoxide of Twiztid once said, it’s about undeniable talent. And he’s absolutely right! But, people buy on to Twiztid shows…and a lot of them are terrible. Twiztid and others should be doing more than just taking stacks of cash. They should be listening to what’s being put onto their show. Why? Because it’s killing the value of it. STANDARDS ARE KEY!

And I’ll say it’s not just in lyricism, it’s in every single aspect of you and what you are. I cannot begin to tell you how many shows I’ve been to and would rather stand out in the shitty weather than watch them perform. No stage presence, no original material, the production is terrible and so on. I’ve seen people WALK OFF THE STAGE IN THE MIDDLE OF THEIR SET TO SMOKE A CIGARETTE! Just so they could go to their day job and tell their friends, “I opened for so and so.” If you’re doing this as a hobby, you’re hurting those trying to make it. You’re poisoning shows and causing serious damage.

 

8

“Industry” Terminologies

This is going to be short and sweet. “It’s a good look.” Or, “It’s a bad look.” Are the first two that come to mind. Christ almighty. Coming from the people that tell you not to worry what other people think. Oh, and they’re the same people that bitch about the mainstream. And to give you an idea of how little the mainstream cares in the modern era of music, here’s a picture of one of their prized horses!

That is a bad look. A face only a mother could love and even she would beat it with a stick. So, next time someone tells you that whatever you’re doing is a bad look, remember this abomination. But, there’s other terms that make me want to jump in front of a subway train. If you want to know more, tune in for my Sid Talks every Saturday at 3pm and Monday at 6pm. EST.

 

7

Unsolicited Music Promotion

Ladies, are you tired of receiving unsolicited pictures? I feel your pain! Only, it’s not pictures I receive. Instead, my inbox gets flooded with music. And thanks to social media, you can now be gifted a brand new single from No Talent on your birthday! In the modern era of algorithms, you would think that social media would give these people hoops to jump through in order for a song to be gifted on your birthday. You know, maybe a quality control position but nope. Anyone can send you their “fire track” (another cliché term that needs to die a horrible and violent death) and it’s ridiculous.

 

6

Poor Quality Reviews/Reviewers

Here’s another portion of the industry that’s oversaturated and needs to burn in a housefire. For money, your track can be told if it’s good or bad, and pay people with low quality to rush through songs. And everyone and their mom is doing it. I’m not surprised if there is an old woman reviewing your music for money. But, if you’re wanting to donate your money to have your music criticized by no name reviewers with dogs barking in the background do it! Sometimes, you can hear kids yelling and maybe a case of domestic violence!

And can we kill the term phat or whack? I’m thinking run the term down with a pick-up truck and leave it in the trailer park to rot.

 

5

Cutting Corners

If I had a dollar for every cell phone recording I got, we would be in a mansion doing a live stream! All of us, including the reader. And it’s not just quality in music or album art, it’s not putting in the work. So, what corners are being cut exactly? Low quality and rushed projects in the hopes the artist will be the next ICP, Twiztid or Eminem. And that to me is the worst thing on the planet. When I have the time to talk to artists, I tell them to stand out and focus on quality.

Don’t just inbox me your music and hope I’ll listen to it. Work on a press kit, make sure the song is mastered because I’m going to be honest, no one wants to hear your “draft.” Now, there are times where I have been given unmastered tracks and I can’t wait for the final project. And that’s because they already have a history of putting out amazing music. If no one knows who you are, they are going to pass you up and write you off.

Grind. Focus and be patient. Master your craft (literally) and if you wouldn’t show it to an A&R department at Interscope or Psychopathic, don’t send it to me. Granted, I have ignored tracks and regretted it later. I’m not perfect by any means. And there’s been movies I’ve “slept on” that I wish I didn’t write off too soon. Same with your music.

 

4

Too Many Shout Outs

There is nothing wrong with giving someone “props” or shoutouts. In fact, asking artists if they have any shoutouts they want to give is part of my interviews. No, what I’m talking about are the artists that give a hundred people a shoutout. It’s annoying and my least favorite part of Adam22 interviews. “Shoutout to my label, shoutout to my publicist, shout to my-” Look here you mainstream twat, spare me and your viewers. Five, let’s limit the shoutouts to five and move on! You’re boring enough without repeating the same damn thing over and over.

 

3

Cell Phones At Shows

Yes, here at RoxxxTv, we try to bring the show to you. But, we’re not going to give you the whole show live on social media. Nor, do we sit there with our phones in the air. And I have come up with a rule of thumb we should all abide by. An industry commandment! Thou shall only record one set per artist that thou appreciates and go live twice! And here’s an added commandment! Thou shall go to a show and enjoy the company of thy others in drink and dance! I will also add that taking pictures is not necessary if you’re streaming/taking video. You can take screen shots! If you really want to support the artists, enjoy the show. They have a team of people sharing lives, they don’t need yours.

If you’re going live and taking long videos, you’re doing it for you at that point. In fact, you’re ruining the concert experience. Leave the filming to the professionals and be a fan at a show.

 

2

Too Many Openers

So, I’m looking at my schedule and there are a lot of great shows happening in my area. Now, how do I determine which show I’m going to? Well, I have to know who’s playing and I consider how much I like them. Usually, it’s a headliner. But, I’m only able to make it to a few shows and my camera man has something he has to do that night. He asks me to send him the flyers and we discuss which ones are worth attending.

If the doors open at 7 and there are ten openers, odds are we are going to skip that show. Simply because, we don’t have that kind of time and the bar doesn’t have enough alcohol. And forgive me, I like my hearing. So when I see seven or more openers with the words, “and more” at the bottom? I throw the file in my, “Not Attending” pile and I go with one of the other shows.

How do you avoid overbooked shows? Don’t depend on openers to make your money back. Go out there and sell tickets and if you’ve already paid the artist in full, eat the costs if you have to. Admit you didn’t push hard enough and move on. Please spare us of your financials and give us a damn show of quality! Three openers, two co-headliners and a headliner. That should be industry standard! And now, you can save all your openers for a “festival.”

 

1

Ego And Delusion Of Grandeur

I don’t care who you are, or who you think you are. I’m going to interview who I want and do my damn job every time I’m at a show. And I don’t need some pretentious bastard walking up to me and telling me who not to “fuck with.” Let me explain something to you, I have made a career out of being hated. And if you think I’m going to take your opinions, you’re wrong. In fact, I will do the exact opposite just to piss you off.

I will also warn you that if you act that way when I want an interview, I’m going to go ask someone else questions based on things you’ve said to me. One time I was at a show and an artist decides to tell me that “Everyone wants to interview him.” To which I reply, “I don’t even know who you are. Then, I was told to come ask you for an interview. Either way, I’m paid the same. I just want to learn more about EDM.” And he replies, “It’s Detroit techno, not EDM.” As if I know the difference or care to.

Fast forward to the EDM show at the end of the following video. I asked a really dope dude the question right in front of the ego maniac. No. Fucks. Given.

 

And that’s my list, if you don’t like it take it up with me on twitter @mtswordfish and fuck what you think!