Steve's Music Roll » Born to Run http://www.stevesmusicroll.com What's Going On In Music... Fri, 09 Jul 2010 01:58:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 en hourly 1 Record Deals Then and Now http://www.stevesmusicroll.com/2009/03/02/record-deals-then-and-now/ http://www.stevesmusicroll.com/2009/03/02/record-deals-then-and-now/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:03:30 +0000 Stephen Kriso http://www.stevesmusicroll.com/?p=39 The record industry has changed drastically in the last 30 years. Up until the end of the 1980s, record companies were relatively leanient toward new artists. Artists were able to be covered by the record label for one or two albums before getting an ultimatum. Now, it’s a requirement that the song or album be a hit to get the contract. There is a lot of stress on artists to make it in a time when quality has also been compromised.

A great example of this is Bruce Springsteen. When he started out with Columbia Records, he had two so-so albums before he hit a good one with Born to Run. If Born to Run had not been a success, then Springsteen would have seen the end of his recording career. Now could you imagine that as he is a rock icon 30 years later? Back in the 70s Columbia had backed both previous albums which had lack luster sales. When Springsteen began writing for Born to Run, Columbia was ready to drop him as an artist. If Born to Run had taken a dive, that would have been the end. Fortunately, that album was the beginning of the career.

Today, this would not be the case. It’s either a go or no go hit and record companies are only looking to sign for one hit. That also makes it harder to ensure a success. Therefore, the independent labels have become the king over the majors.

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