To Be A Star Isn't So Easy

There was an article in the LA times regarding the record Labels: EMI, Universal, and the lack of top charting releases. Lets divert our attention from the ever-consuming subject of DRM and illegal downloading and place it on the actual content and music itself. Could the lack of great releases be a contributor to the descending sales? Most possibly; the “lack” of a super super star can definitely hurt the business. There hasn’t been a Brittany, Michael Jackson, Madonna or Coldplay in awhile. Granted American Idol releases are doing well – for certain labels- Noah Jones and MIKA and all the many more recently released stars are not pulling in the amount of revenue and CD sales artists used to.

An important factor contributing to this problem is the issue of competition. The music business is and has always been a very competitive business. With the onset of showcase websites like Myspace, more talent is easily accessible and watched. Therefore the standards have been raised by audiences and in order to be the next be thing – one must stand out so much, doubly impress and be better than the rest to sell anything or create a stir in music communities. Audiences want to be wowed and it takes a lot more to WOW this generation of music consumers. Unfortunately the Record Labels are ultimately hurting (including artists), and feeling the loss in their pockets. It is very important for the record labels to be frugal and particular in respects to where they spend their money; and with whom. They need to conserve funds – because they are losing funds. Invested interests need to be fine-tuned and deeply considered otherwise the labels will continue to lose more money. Let the medium artists manage themselves for bit, until they become too big to be on their own.