How does a major label benefit from messing around with an artist's sound and style, sugar coating the music, and then when the album is released, getting bad/terrible reviews and complaints about the album about how it was over produced and shitty as fuck?
In other words, how does a major label benefit from making music sound like shit, if people are going to notice it and say nasty things about it?
There used to be a great record label in UK, Creation, house to Primal Scream, Jesus & Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine, but most importantly - Oasis. Alan McGee, the "creator", always only signed artists he would fall in love with, and these acts just happen to be playing radio-friendly music (in terms of catchy tunes and tracks' length). He always believed in his folks, never seeing them as just money-making machines - which, alas, eventually led to the label's bankrupcy...
I think labels are a necessary evil, promotion gets you known so people find out about your music. it's the old robert johnson story with the majors, selling the rights etc them screwing with your vision. the small labels are the same thing to a lesser degree but usually more freedom. DIY equals total freedom but also total obscurity as no one will hear it. labels are a necessary evil
This guy is such a hipster douche. I hate it when people analyze the business side of music too much. Like who gives a shit? If they're music is good and available, that's all I care about.
I'm into making music myself & if there was any indie label I would trust it would probably be Ghostly International. Major labels complicate things and don't really care about your input or what you look to achieve.
@MMZen Your attitude sucks donkey balls. Get your head roto-rooterized. It doesn't matter what Anthony's sexuality is. He's intelligent, he knows his music, he's funny, AND he should have his own tv network. If all you have to share is a homophobic comment, depart from YouTube and get schooled in tolerance.
Major labels are only evil if they don't allow the artist to make the kind of music they want.
I don't know if you guys have seen the Dick Dale (yes, the king of Surf rock) interview, where he explains why you should never sign to labels; burn and sell your own CDs at your shows, just as you would merch. This guy clearly knows what he is talking about. All big-name labels fuck you, that's true... and independent labels can be just as bad. Love the music, FUCK the industry.
Please review the new danish band Treefight for Sunlight's debut album 'A Collection of Vibrations for Your Skull'! It's really good, they are going to be big. They are on the new INDIE label Tambourhinoceros.
Something Albini said in another interview about SY "They are pretending to an extent that they are still the band they were seven or eight years ago and the way that they do that is by sort of presenting themselves as a more lighthearted jocular version of themselves with their tongue in their cheeks they are slowly dismantling their reason to exist." Nonsense really, since each record sounds totally different. Is he just mad they became better musicians while he focused on label politics?
If you know how to deal with contracts then you will be less susceptible to being raped by the industry. There are a lot of ways that any label (indie or major) can take your band and turn it into a siphon where they extract all your money and your soul. However if you know the rules and the things to watch out for you have a better chance at succeeding. Check out "All You Need to Know About the Music Business" which outlines how to deal with the biz. Good luck out there.
could you review John Legend and The Roots' new album Wake Up! and also albums that are coming out soon such as Kings of Leon Come Around Sundown and Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon 2? I'm Interested in what you think of those guys and these albums.
I just subbed so pardon if I say something that seems stupid here: Do you prefer reviewing albums of certain genres? Periphery's debut album needs some recognition, I highly recommend you check it out.
Most cases they are bad for music, but they do give people a chance to listen to artists they might not have heard for otherwise. I can think of a few times it is good, especially in hip-hop. When Ghostface Killah signed to a major, he was able to clear all the samples on his albums without having to re-produce or cut it from the album (like he had to on Bulletproof Wallets).
hey anthony, give either the skream or magnetic man albums a listen!! well worth a review... they're both pioneering the electronic dubstep scene in england
Evil... Evil? Kind of a vague term to talk about. What IS evil? Power? Influence from outside the artist(s) that changes the outcome of an album what could have been different? Isn't it just some kind of defense mechanism (saying something is evil) to overcome alienation that is produced by your expectations about the music of what could have been and what is?
I think you hit the nail on the head especially with the comment about how the Internet has allowed music listeners the ability (and variety) to listen to the types of bands they want to listen to. I think this soften's a lot of ppl's stance on major labels. Since now we don't necessarily have to put up with what fad or vision they're projecting. But I've heard in interviews several bands who've disapproved of their indie label's management as well.
I stick by frank zappas point that we were better off in the 60s when executives were old guys with cigars who would listen to an album have no idea whats its about and stick it out to see if it sells, rather than the hip young executives of today who try and interfere with artisic output in order to aquire to what they define as public taste, Indie and Majors merely need to just leave the artists the fuck alone
We don't care anymore because we download music illegally. There's no reason to be pissed off about record labels. This isn't the nineties. If you want to hear a nirvana record you can do so without paying DCG. Record labels might treat artists bad but bosses treat employees bad, and i can't see a big difference between these relationships. If a band wants their music put out through a certain company, they have to put up with that company's bullshit. voilà c'est ça et puis c'est tout
I don't think major labels are necessarily evil, but they can be very controlling sometimes. It can also be the same way with independent levels. I think many major labels have a certain pattern that they follow with their artists, and if that artist does not follow their pattern musicwise or any other aspect, then they become controlling. But it all depends on which artist signs to which label. Independent labels do offer a wide range of choices for artists with unique genres...who knows?
@1aceraussie True. It's not evil to have different interests, but it is evil to pretend to have the same interests as the artists in order to take advantage of them. It's unarguable that labels in general put on a facade to lure in naive bands and make money off their backs. These corporations would be more respectable if they made their intentions clear from the start (which will probably never happen because they'd never make as much money as they do). Labels are evil. Young artists are naive.
If you're in it for the money, sometimes independent labels are the way to go. The Arctic Monkeys are on an independent label, and without major labels sucking the cash out of them, they make more than most major label artists. The whole hook of major labels is mass distribution, but if you're good enough to do without one, you can make a lot more money.
Record labels aren't "evil." Record labels, like any business, are out for one thing: money. However, I personally am against any sort of label "supervision" or any say from the label that will water down the purity and expression of the music. I think artists should record albums by themselves, and then go to labels for distribution issues.
Steve Albini helped make In Utero so you can't hate the guy but he's kind of a bitter elitist. As someone who doesn't listen to Sonic Youth, but does listen to Pavement,etc. I think Sonic Youth is kind of badass for "selling out."
Hey sir. you raise decent qs with these at times. id like to respond, but i go to ur site and dont see any discussion board. do u want us to just email you? i really think u should open up a blog on ur site for these (unless i jus couldnt find it). 4 1, u dont get much into it, just raise the q, and i think itd make for good open discussion. so open a forum! (where only u can start a thread?) yt comments not conducive for it, seemingly most comfy w db comments & justin bieber bashing. thnx
Can you review more hiphop good sir? Skyzoo & !llmind "Live From The Tape Deck" came out, the album has that NY 90s HipHop feel to it, quite good. And on Major Labels, they just wanna make money...if you can sell then thats good business if not then your album will be delay...alot.
They (as in not all, but many) are evil seeing as they limit the creative freedom for the artists, in many cases. Though when it comes to bands like SY, they know it's a, more or less, winning concept, so I'd say the bigger bands can do whatever they want, because they'll sell anyway. But for smaller bands it's a bad thing.. And overall really, because the bigger the bands, the more they get signed = many smaller bands get no freedom. Big labels are in it for money, so mainstream is their goal.
record labels cannot help out most musicians in any practical way. a tiny percentage can become rich. another small group can become famous but in debt. but a larger group can become shelved and have their music taken away from them. i have been a working musician w/o a day job for almost 4 years, playing my original music and touring constantly without the slightest bit of financial help from a label or anyone. there are many people doing this.
Major labels aren't evil, they just value moneymaking over creativity and talent. As long as artists are aware of that before they sign their life's work away, more power to 'em for picking up some distribution power.
Also, I'd love for you to review any of the following (top 20 of the year material for me): Matthew Dear's "Black City," Menomena's "Mines," Gold Panda's "Lucky Shiner."
not a lot of music labels are evil but what i do find evil is regional releases. why does Japan get a bonus of bonus tracks when America doesn't even get the album until months later? what the hell is up with that?
I say indi bands MUST sign a paper that says, "Music we create cannot be changed or altered by the recording company" If this isn't signed then they should just wave to that label and look for another, more open towards art and music.
Broken Social Scene got this new album, and it sounds just soooo not like them. I read the story somewhere that they had to rewrite some songs because the label asked them. Just as you said "Too Experimental GO Back and Rewrite it!" While i do understand that labels want to earn money for themselves and for the artists, sometimes it seems as if they dont know a god damn thing about the style and music and the fanbase of bands under their label.
I don't think major labels are "evil" per se. Some bands survive artistically on big labels while others really do totally sell out their musical integrity. I think it's just something that needs to be looked at on more of a case by case basis rather than as a simple blanket statement.
in words of the great Alex Kapranos, "indie labels gives us the room to be just as freaky as we wanna be, and thats just what we are (indie artist) we're a bunch of freaks ya know?"
they are not evil, every band or songwriter has the choice to go on a major label, they sign a contract they know what might happen, they use their freewill. labels are just a business at the end of the day, need to ake money, and supply us with wonderful music doing so -- like early weezer on geffen
theres this band from the same town as me and they just relesed an album you might like it, the album is called "O Emperor-hither thither" (band^) (album^)
here a fairly famous song by them and even is you don't want to review the album give some feedback on the band
COMMENT COMMENT COMMENT I'm surprised you've never really mentioned/reviewed anything by the band Intronaut. I mean.. they just came out with a new record, they aren't overproduced with their sludginess, they aren't widely known. I think it'd be right up your alley, as far as the "heavy" scene would go. Just keep it in mind :)
the only thing i can remember really is how crappy EMI was to the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the 80s. they were getting pretty big but EMI didn't really care for them. that's why when they switched to warner bro's they exploded and i think that is definably a good thing. so are all major labels bad? no, we have to have some leniency on who we disrespect, but yes some do have their bad ways of treating bands.
Haha...I recently wrote my senior paper on this topic. Sometimes I think it just depends on the band and the label. On a general level I feel an indie label gives an artist more freedom.
albini...i love him but meat puppets, melvins, and many more "sold out" long before sy jumped the sst ship! anyhoo major labels are fine...they are there and always be there..... they are the kmart to the local deli.....
Meh, I guess people would view major labels as "evil" because they're generally more oriented toward making money, and a good example of that is exactly what you said in your video: the restriction of a bands creativity and experimentation. If you're going to sign a band, don't limit their ability to explore new things, if they want to put them in an album or not. Labels should support that, not deny it.But that could very easily apply to big and small labels
I think "label help" can be pretty evil, but if it does end up making a good album, so be it! As long as the band releases good music I could a rat's ass about what label they're on.
From what I understood about MGMT (and if it's a lie -?- I'd like to read the clear-up), Andrew said the label was just going to be more involved, not so much in a negative way. It was very subtle in the way he mentioned it, not a major issue about the label controlling them. It almost sounded like, 'they're going to have input, whether we take it to heart or not' haha, I don't think it will change them to the core.
This question made me think of when John Fogerty was sued by his own record label because one of his songs sounded too much like a CCR song. INSANITY!!!
Consider this: The Evil that was (meaning the Evil that inhabited the record label executive offices) had to retire sometime. Therefore, through the nature of things, the cool kids that ran the independent labels have slowly evolved into the record execs today, bringing with them the experience, edginess and street cred with them. So in conclusion, yesterday's cool is today's evil....just a theory...
The art a band creates can detereorate from a number of factors. When a given band grows in popularity, specifically and directly from mainstream attention, audiences are obtained who are far inferior to the band's artistic capabilities and criteria. The simple listening and recognition of this given band impedes on the artistic value the song or artist maintains. Only a select group of people are capable of withstanding the artistic threshold a song or artist provides; and only indie.
The art a band creates can detereorate from a number of factors. When a given band grows in popularity, specifically and directly from mainstream attention, audiences are obtained who are far inferior to the band's artistic capabilities and criteria. The simple listening and recognition of this given band impedes on the artistic value the song or artist maintains. Only a select group of people are capable of withstanding the artistic threshold a song or artist provides; and only indie.
@Caligula138 i hope uve actually listen to him and ur not just assuming hes bad cuz hes actually one of the last mcs who are socially aware and not in it for the green. maybe hes not ur taste in music but u should defintly be more open minded before placing judgement. go check his album food and liquor
@EarBudz123 Ive listened to Lupe before so im not assuming anything... My opinion is that hes an overrated mainstream rapper that i really dont care about... there are so many better things i would rather listen to then Lupe Fiasco man... cmon doesnt Fantano show you new shit you never even heard about every freakin day! If you think Lupe dont like money then you really got problems. I think he made a video for the fuckin Twilight sequel! wackness
@EarBudz123 Both a bad/good example. The label just got a bunch of buzz with Lupe's new album without doing promotion. The rally at Atlantic records wouldn't have changed anything, but it created enough buzz (which Atlantic knew it would do) and now they don't need to spend as much money to promote it. It's dropping March 2011 now.
The art a band creates can detereorate from a number of factors. When a given band grows in popularity, specifically and directly from mainstream attention, audiences are obtained who are far inferior to the band's artistic capabilities and criteria. The simple listening and recognition of this given band impedes on the artistic value the song or artist maintains. Only a select group of people are capable of withstanding the artistic threshold a song or artist provides; and only indie.
The art a band creates can detereorate from a number of factors. When a given band grows in popularity, specifically and directly from mainstream attention, audiences are obtained who are far inferior to the band's artistic capabilities and criteria. The simple listening and recognition of this given band impedes on the artistic value the song or artist maintains. Only a select group of people are capable of withstanding the artistic threshold a song or artist provides; and only indie.
It's not that there getting more open minded, they are starting to notice a larger independent group that enjoys that music..so why not make money out of it? In my opinion, major labels are monsters eating everything up. I can't blame people for liking shitty music because it's not there choice. When they start playing all kinds of music on the radio, maybe then people will have a real choice. But that's not going to happen, it's always a business.
i was wondering if you could review Oh Shit They're Going to Kill Us' debut album. I personally like it but i'm kinda really curious on what other people think of it.
MGMT thing wasn't true, as someone pointed out. I don't think that major labels are evil. I think signing to a major label you have to be more careful about everything to be able to have your creative music. I think the labels are realizing now though there's a lot of people out their who want their music to be less manufactured. I'm sure they were happy with MGMT's result anyway, because although at first I found a lot of the reviews were negative, they gradually became more and more positive.
It's not really evil, it's just business. If signing to a major label "ruins" a band, then they will lose a fanbase and probably gain another one. Either way, the artist can decide if they really think this is what their sound should be and act accordingly by leaving the label if they don't like the way things are going. Either way, as you said, there is a whole sea of independent music that will probably replace the now mainstream band for fans.
@Pretsal If these other bands are better or more artistic, then people will recognize it and these other artists will take over. But it is hard to make judgments like this with any sort of creative thing as it walks the line between art and commerce. The one thing I do accuse big labels of is their tight grip on copyrighting. Anyways, what happened to you discussing the last week's question in your videos Anthony?
i dont think that big labels are evil.i think they want something thats gonna make them money and if a band cant do that then there gonna send them away.but we dont have to deal with big labels alot anymore so i dont see the point in complaining about it.
There is no evil, but, do I dislike profit driven motives hampering artists creativity in order to sell down to the brainwashed automaton zombie idiot fucks that plague our nation? Well of course I do. Therefor, support bands, see live shows, buy their t-shirts. In the words of Napalm Death, we are ENEMIES OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS!
not all mainstream is shit and not all indie is genius
i think in general, pop music is well produced and well executed, but i think they're full of symbolism and they're doing terrible things to young dumbfucked minds.
Its sad to see major label's cracking down on once were indie music artists. That's what makes indie music great, it's the way the band intended for the music to sound without the major label's having their say or touch on it. And the indie labels allowing them to do so, to recognize that that's the way the music was meant to be heard and not put through some "meat grinder" by the major label. So yes, I would agree the major labels are, in most forms, evil.
Why don't people care anymore?
same reason no one cares about corporate corruption and elitism anymore...
wtf am I gunna do about it?
Haulcfaufep 1 month ago
answer: yes.
Haulcfaufep 1 month ago
How does a major label benefit from messing around with an artist's sound and style, sugar coating the music, and then when the album is released, getting bad/terrible reviews and complaints about the album about how it was over produced and shitty as fuck?
In other words, how does a major label benefit from making music sound like shit, if people are going to notice it and say nasty things about it?
Example: Lupe Fiasco's 'Lasers' album.
Someone please explain...
Guerrillablackdog 5 months ago
they arent "evil" it just depends if yout want to make music as a product or as a craft
moonbounceonfire 8 months ago
There used to be a great record label in UK, Creation, house to Primal Scream, Jesus & Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine, but most importantly - Oasis. Alan McGee, the "creator", always only signed artists he would fall in love with, and these acts just happen to be playing radio-friendly music (in terms of catchy tunes and tracks' length). He always believed in his folks, never seeing them as just money-making machines - which, alas, eventually led to the label's bankrupcy...
Same story with IRS.
MoonchildMindaugas2 9 months ago
what major lables promote is not popular anymore , theyer gonna start a war .
NINJATRONdnb 9 months ago
loud music for soft people - alone in the vertigo conundrum
lmfsp1 11 months ago
I think labels are a necessary evil, promotion gets you known so people find out about your music. it's the old robert johnson story with the majors, selling the rights etc them screwing with your vision. the small labels are the same thing to a lesser degree but usually more freedom. DIY equals total freedom but also total obscurity as no one will hear it. labels are a necessary evil
outsider2316 11 months ago
You should definitely review one of The Black Dahlia Murder's record. I'm really curious as to what you would think about them.
sumnerchabot 1 year ago
This guy is such a hipster douche. I hate it when people analyze the business side of music too much. Like who gives a shit? If they're music is good and available, that's all I care about.
indiemolly 1 year ago
I'm into making music myself & if there was any indie label I would trust it would probably be Ghostly International. Major labels complicate things and don't really care about your input or what you look to achieve.
MisterBankz 1 year ago
The music industry period can be evil, sometimes
LessThanJayson 1 year ago
So do you hate only the out back song or do you hate wratih pinned to the mist and other games as well
vansrok1 1 year ago
"comment comment comment".....
....how's this: You're a faggot.
MMZen 1 year ago
@MMZen Your attitude sucks donkey balls. Get your head roto-rooterized. It doesn't matter what Anthony's sexuality is. He's intelligent, he knows his music, he's funny, AND he should have his own tv network. If all you have to share is a homophobic comment, depart from YouTube and get schooled in tolerance.
Major labels are only evil if they don't allow the artist to make the kind of music they want.
emidore 1 year ago
Pliiiz, revyou CAN Monster Movie, it has leaked! (been so for the last 40 years but it seems you missed it)
needledropdamagedone 1 year ago
great job saying absolutely nothing.
rileyo 1 year ago 9
Hands down this is the best of your Vlogs.
JLWing77 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Hey Anthony, I think you should review Julian Casablancas's 2009 solo debut album "Phrazes for the Young". I'd like to know your opinion on it.
jdre124 1 year ago
El-P's Weareallgoingtoburninhell Megamixxx3
SickeninglyILL 1 year ago
Great T-Shirt .. Great Band!
TheBeatTerrorists 1 year ago
Everyone Anthony, everyone is evil.
aw5omeFRAZA 1 year ago
I don't know if you guys have seen the Dick Dale (yes, the king of Surf rock) interview, where he explains why you should never sign to labels; burn and sell your own CDs at your shows, just as you would merch. This guy clearly knows what he is talking about. All big-name labels fuck you, that's true... and independent labels can be just as bad. Love the music, FUCK the industry.
mussman717word 1 year ago
i think neither big or indie labels are evil.
speedybill47 1 year ago
@invisibilitycloak12 can i answer this one?! Because that would be fuckin Lame...
Caligula138 1 year ago
what did you think of warp riders?
manvsgrylls 1 year ago
cool shirt dude.
nookie1916 1 year ago
Please review the new danish band Treefight for Sunlight's debut album 'A Collection of Vibrations for Your Skull'! It's really good, they are going to be big. They are on the new INDIE label Tambourhinoceros.
fetakvaern 1 year ago
In my opinion, Sonic Youth is very very over rated.
grayfox622 1 year ago 2
@grayfox622 i agree
Caligula138 1 year ago
Frank Zappa said the same thing as Albini youtube.com/watch?v=KZazEM8cgt0
nnathenn 1 year ago
Something Albini said in another interview about SY "They are pretending to an extent that they are still the band they were seven or eight years ago and the way that they do that is by sort of presenting themselves as a more lighthearted jocular version of themselves with their tongue in their cheeks they are slowly dismantling their reason to exist." Nonsense really, since each record sounds totally different. Is he just mad they became better musicians while he focused on label politics?
gurumed 1 year ago
If you know how to deal with contracts then you will be less susceptible to being raped by the industry. There are a lot of ways that any label (indie or major) can take your band and turn it into a siphon where they extract all your money and your soul. However if you know the rules and the things to watch out for you have a better chance at succeeding. Check out "All You Need to Know About the Music Business" which outlines how to deal with the biz. Good luck out there.
yanorei 1 year ago
Love the t-shirt
23lFrench 1 year ago
could you review John Legend and The Roots' new album Wake Up! and also albums that are coming out soon such as Kings of Leon Come Around Sundown and Kid Cudi's Man on the Moon 2? I'm Interested in what you think of those guys and these albums.
theroots12345 1 year ago
Steven Wilson - Insurgentes
Please do a review, I would love to hear your point of view =)
pandemichalo92 1 year ago
I just subbed so pardon if I say something that seems stupid here: Do you prefer reviewing albums of certain genres? Periphery's debut album needs some recognition, I highly recommend you check it out.
Alman19955 1 year ago
Ugh, major labels... Let the punk music talk about that.
TriforceMat 1 year ago
zola jesus's valusia
JoeyMcChipmunk 1 year ago
Even though it's old... Fantasies by Metric :)
zacxriot 1 year ago
@zacxriot Yes! I'd love a review of that!
platypae333 1 year ago
comment
Dkolps 1 year ago
Most cases they are bad for music, but they do give people a chance to listen to artists they might not have heard for otherwise. I can think of a few times it is good, especially in hip-hop. When Ghostface Killah signed to a major, he was able to clear all the samples on his albums without having to re-produce or cut it from the album (like he had to on Bulletproof Wallets).
WillMillion15 1 year ago
hey anthony, give either the skream or magnetic man albums a listen!! well worth a review... they're both pioneering the electronic dubstep scene in england
bagerswell 1 year ago
Comment removed
AnticlockwiseTea 1 year ago
evil is stupidity
LfunkeyA 1 year ago
Where did you get a mogwai shirt bro? so jelly...
qpeczka 1 year ago
Pomegranates - One Of Us
SoHePlacidlyDreamt 1 year ago
YES! BIG BLACK'S ATOMIZER!!!!
JimmyFredricks 1 year ago
that was a good read
thanks for sharing
lucidzirkus 1 year ago
Anthony prweety prweety pwease with a cherry on top review :
zach hill - face tat
its streaming on his bandcamp
iwazused 1 year ago
would just like to say they did not record the outback song, outback did their own cover of it. they just allowed it for money to tour.
thetruancybot 1 year ago
Evil... Evil? Kind of a vague term to talk about. What IS evil? Power? Influence from outside the artist(s) that changes the outcome of an album what could have been different? Isn't it just some kind of defense mechanism (saying something is evil) to overcome alienation that is produced by your expectations about the music of what could have been and what is?
JDsan 1 year ago
depends on the labal
jimfox123sse 1 year ago
I think you hit the nail on the head especially with the comment about how the Internet has allowed music listeners the ability (and variety) to listen to the types of bands they want to listen to. I think this soften's a lot of ppl's stance on major labels. Since now we don't necessarily have to put up with what fad or vision they're projecting. But I've heard in interviews several bands who've disapproved of their indie label's management as well.
devolutionary 1 year ago
I stick by frank zappas point that we were better off in the 60s when executives were old guys with cigars who would listen to an album have no idea whats its about and stick it out to see if it sells, rather than the hip young executives of today who try and interfere with artisic output in order to aquire to what they define as public taste, Indie and Majors merely need to just leave the artists the fuck alone
CliffRichardsPissSac 1 year ago 14
We don't care anymore because we download music illegally. There's no reason to be pissed off about record labels. This isn't the nineties. If you want to hear a nirvana record you can do so without paying DCG. Record labels might treat artists bad but bosses treat employees bad, and i can't see a big difference between these relationships. If a band wants their music put out through a certain company, they have to put up with that company's bullshit. voilà c'est ça et puis c'est tout
BEEmioAMICO 1 year ago
you should review the new chiodos album
nickerrides 1 year ago
I don't think major labels are necessarily evil, but they can be very controlling sometimes. It can also be the same way with independent levels. I think many major labels have a certain pattern that they follow with their artists, and if that artist does not follow their pattern musicwise or any other aspect, then they become controlling. But it all depends on which artist signs to which label. Independent labels do offer a wide range of choices for artists with unique genres...who knows?
enyafreak2007 1 year ago
I want to hear your opinion on Airliner's None EP.
kevo753 1 year ago
Major Labels aren't evil, they are just not doing it for the music.
It's all for profit, that's what happens with Capitalistic corporations.
1aceraussie 1 year ago
@1aceraussie True. It's not evil to have different interests, but it is evil to pretend to have the same interests as the artists in order to take advantage of them. It's unarguable that labels in general put on a facade to lure in naive bands and make money off their backs. These corporations would be more respectable if they made their intentions clear from the start (which will probably never happen because they'd never make as much money as they do). Labels are evil. Young artists are naive.
sweetsound551 1 year ago
way to censer yourself with a big black record. visual albini callback.
also, steve has produced dozens of major label albums, but has never released any of his music on a major label.
so he'll bite the hippy bullet for the money, but won't conform with his own art.
you gotta respect that.
musicforchewfaygs 1 year ago
If you're in it for the money, sometimes independent labels are the way to go. The Arctic Monkeys are on an independent label, and without major labels sucking the cash out of them, they make more than most major label artists. The whole hook of major labels is mass distribution, but if you're good enough to do without one, you can make a lot more money.
TyM218 1 year ago
Record labels aren't "evil." Record labels, like any business, are out for one thing: money. However, I personally am against any sort of label "supervision" or any say from the label that will water down the purity and expression of the music. I think artists should record albums by themselves, and then go to labels for distribution issues.
DropDBassist 1 year ago
yes. major labels are EVILLLL!
whenever a band i like switches to a major label im always terrified at whats going to happen to their music.
plastiksporc 1 year ago
Steve Albini helped make In Utero so you can't hate the guy but he's kind of a bitter elitist. As someone who doesn't listen to Sonic Youth, but does listen to Pavement,etc. I think Sonic Youth is kind of badass for "selling out."
drewstroik 1 year ago
I'd really like a Porcupine Tree review of any sort. The Incident, for example.
KamenRiderJames 1 year ago
Hey sir. you raise decent qs with these at times. id like to respond, but i go to ur site and dont see any discussion board. do u want us to just email you? i really think u should open up a blog on ur site for these (unless i jus couldnt find it). 4 1, u dont get much into it, just raise the q, and i think itd make for good open discussion. so open a forum! (where only u can start a thread?) yt comments not conducive for it, seemingly most comfy w db comments & justin bieber bashing. thnx
rockloctopus 1 year ago
Major labels brought us Justin Bieber - how could they be evil?
tapayle 1 year ago
review Truman Peyote
willlliw 1 year ago
Can you review more hiphop good sir? Skyzoo & !llmind "Live From The Tape Deck" came out, the album has that NY 90s HipHop feel to it, quite good. And on Major Labels, they just wanna make money...if you can sell then thats good business if not then your album will be delay...alot.
cyclone927 1 year ago
They (as in not all, but many) are evil seeing as they limit the creative freedom for the artists, in many cases. Though when it comes to bands like SY, they know it's a, more or less, winning concept, so I'd say the bigger bands can do whatever they want, because they'll sell anyway. But for smaller bands it's a bad thing.. And overall really, because the bigger the bands, the more they get signed = many smaller bands get no freedom. Big labels are in it for money, so mainstream is their goal.
lutfish 1 year ago
You should check out Blue Water White Death self titled album its probably the weirdest album i own.
whoanelleh 1 year ago
Are the major labels responsible of your cold?
Weirdalexo 1 year ago
record labels cannot help out most musicians in any practical way. a tiny percentage can become rich. another small group can become famous but in debt. but a larger group can become shelved and have their music taken away from them. i have been a working musician w/o a day job for almost 4 years, playing my original music and touring constantly without the slightest bit of financial help from a label or anyone. there are many people doing this.
meganjeanfamilyband 1 year ago
Major labels aren't evil, they just value moneymaking over creativity and talent. As long as artists are aware of that before they sign their life's work away, more power to 'em for picking up some distribution power.
Also, I'd love for you to review any of the following (top 20 of the year material for me): Matthew Dear's "Black City," Menomena's "Mines," Gold Panda's "Lucky Shiner."
Shoegazer29 1 year ago
not a lot of music labels are evil but what i do find evil is regional releases. why does Japan get a bonus of bonus tracks when America doesn't even get the album until months later? what the hell is up with that?
NeonFoxLetsPlays 1 year ago
I say indi bands MUST sign a paper that says, "Music we create cannot be changed or altered by the recording company" If this isn't signed then they should just wave to that label and look for another, more open towards art and music.
AeonAway 1 year ago
Broken Social Scene got this new album, and it sounds just soooo not like them. I read the story somewhere that they had to rewrite some songs because the label asked them. Just as you said "Too Experimental GO Back and Rewrite it!" While i do understand that labels want to earn money for themselves and for the artists, sometimes it seems as if they dont know a god damn thing about the style and music and the fanbase of bands under their label.
AeonAway 1 year ago
I don't think major labels are "evil" per se. Some bands survive artistically on big labels while others really do totally sell out their musical integrity. I think it's just something that needs to be looked at on more of a case by case basis rather than as a simple blanket statement.
Volvandese 1 year ago
in words of the great Alex Kapranos, "indie labels gives us the room to be just as freaky as we wanna be, and thats just what we are (indie artist) we're a bunch of freaks ya know?"
DeBoWed 1 year ago
NICESHIRT.
BruisedEyeSockets 1 year ago
they are not evil, every band or songwriter has the choice to go on a major label, they sign a contract they know what might happen, they use their freewill. labels are just a business at the end of the day, need to ake money, and supply us with wonderful music doing so -- like early weezer on geffen
mediumhoot 1 year ago
coudl you review "Combafield" by I Wish I Was An Astronaut??
myspace dot com forward slash iwiwaa
also maybe the new fight like apes album?
Mavarik 1 year ago
it won't let me put the link in but the song is called "don't mind me"(o emperor/live)
synth77 1 year ago
theres this band from the same town as me and they just relesed an album you might like it, the album is called "O Emperor-hither thither" (band^) (album^)
here a fairly famous song by them and even is you don't want to review the album give some feedback on the band
synth77 1 year ago
Comment removed
AnticlockwiseTea 1 year ago
Comment removed
AnticlockwiseTea 1 year ago
COMMENT COMMENT COMMENT I'm surprised you've never really mentioned/reviewed anything by the band Intronaut. I mean.. they just came out with a new record, they aren't overproduced with their sludginess, they aren't widely known. I think it'd be right up your alley, as far as the "heavy" scene would go. Just keep it in mind :)
MyEggIsBoiled 1 year ago
the only thing i can remember really is how crappy EMI was to the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the 80s. they were getting pretty big but EMI didn't really care for them. that's why when they switched to warner bro's they exploded and i think that is definably a good thing. so are all major labels bad? no, we have to have some leniency on who we disrespect, but yes some do have their bad ways of treating bands.
honk1390 1 year ago
Haha...I recently wrote my senior paper on this topic. Sometimes I think it just depends on the band and the label. On a general level I feel an indie label gives an artist more freedom.
DrakelovesNachos 1 year ago
mogwai shirt!!!
honk1390 1 year ago
Mainstream music sucks in general, so anything that helps mainstream is evil...
metalmania7778 1 year ago
Jamaica
No Problem
Vote1Jimmy 1 year ago
New Eels album!!
gosha26 1 year ago
albini...i love him but meat puppets, melvins, and many more "sold out" long before sy jumped the sst ship! anyhoo major labels are fine...they are there and always be there..... they are the kmart to the local deli.....
paulboggan 1 year ago
Can you review the upcoming Tron Legacy Soundtrack?
P.S. Not feeling the /\/\ /\ Y /\ review.
24688642ism 1 year ago
hey! what do you think of the self titled oOoOO?
binsbein 1 year ago
@binsbein it's alright. couple cool songs on it, but didn't blow my mind.
theneedledrop 1 year ago
I think it's about time you review Option Paralysis by Dillinger Escape Plan!
salvadordalionfire 1 year ago
is evil evil?
punkPhoen1x 1 year ago
dont be hatin major labels, the red hot chili peppers came from dem
Greco678 1 year ago
@Greco678 RHCP may be a talented band that have risen with the help of Major Labels, but that doesn't mean they aren't fucking up the music industry
Scarecrowkira 1 year ago
Yeah I agree you should review Menomena's "Mines"
Btw what album is that for AOTW?
MrRoflcopter 1 year ago
yes you should review menomena's mines
esteban57764 1 year ago 12
@esteban57764 i think it sucks
DarkTurdle 1 year ago
@DarkTurdle i think you suck
esteban57764 1 year ago
@esteban57764 i think it sucks
DarkTurdle 1 year ago
@esteban57764 loving that album.
cerealbox80 1 year ago
Nice question and nice Mogwai shirt.
Meh, I guess people would view major labels as "evil" because they're generally more oriented toward making money, and a good example of that is exactly what you said in your video: the restriction of a bands creativity and experimentation. If you're going to sign a band, don't limit their ability to explore new things, if they want to put them in an album or not. Labels should support that, not deny it.But that could very easily apply to big and small labels
LiftYourSkinnyFist 1 year ago
Avey Tare- Lucky 1 would be a good one to review!
Grievous129 1 year ago
AWESOME SHIRT
I think "label help" can be pretty evil, but if it does end up making a good album, so be it! As long as the band releases good music I could a rat's ass about what label they're on.
slyfan64 1 year ago
Motorhead -INFERNO
or
Motorhead - Kiss of Death
TheHoodedDemon 1 year ago
MENOMENA - MINES
CLU10123 1 year ago 2
i forgot what you were saying because your voice sounds surprisingly sexy today. i guess i forgot to take my meds.
Handnote 1 year ago
Big major labels ARE fucking evil. Some independent labels are little pricks. Review Nobunny First Blood
ourlocalscenesux 1 year ago
HEY! Thanks for the shout out!
From what I understood about MGMT (and if it's a lie -?- I'd like to read the clear-up), Andrew said the label was just going to be more involved, not so much in a negative way. It was very subtle in the way he mentioned it, not a major issue about the label controlling them. It almost sounded like, 'they're going to have input, whether we take it to heart or not' haha, I don't think it will change them to the core.
WreckedRadio 1 year ago
MOGWAI!
MaxwellMurderx7 1 year ago
new forgetters 2x7"
urokr 1 year ago
Is Southern Lord evil? I hope so
Caligula138 1 year ago
review the kvelertak self titled :)
lobsterthatisofrock 1 year ago
Comment removed
lobsterthatisofrock 1 year ago
i don't really know any "Evil" labels
but i know "Sargent House" is a great label
iwazused 1 year ago
This question made me think of when John Fogerty was sued by his own record label because one of his songs sounded too much like a CCR song. INSANITY!!!
ZwienerZ 1 year ago
Consider this: The Evil that was (meaning the Evil that inhabited the record label executive offices) had to retire sometime. Therefore, through the nature of things, the cool kids that ran the independent labels have slowly evolved into the record execs today, bringing with them the experience, edginess and street cred with them. So in conclusion, yesterday's cool is today's evil....just a theory...
2Cents 1 year ago
nice shirt anthony
ItHappens117 1 year ago
Thank you for those links man! From reading Albini's paper it would be Money & GREED that are really evil...
Caligula138 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The art a band creates can detereorate from a number of factors. When a given band grows in popularity, specifically and directly from mainstream attention, audiences are obtained who are far inferior to the band's artistic capabilities and criteria. The simple listening and recognition of this given band impedes on the artistic value the song or artist maintains. Only a select group of people are capable of withstanding the artistic threshold a song or artist provides; and only indie.
TheMarsVo1ta 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The art a band creates can detereorate from a number of factors. When a given band grows in popularity, specifically and directly from mainstream attention, audiences are obtained who are far inferior to the band's artistic capabilities and criteria. The simple listening and recognition of this given band impedes on the artistic value the song or artist maintains. Only a select group of people are capable of withstanding the artistic threshold a song or artist provides; and only indie.
TheMarsVo1ta 1 year ago
there fucking evil! just check out lupe fiasco's situation with atlantic
EarBudz123 1 year ago 7
@EarBudz123 if your listening to Lupe Fiasco your evil
Caligula138 1 year ago
@Caligula138 wtf why?
EarBudz123 1 year ago
@Caligula138 i hope uve actually listen to him and ur not just assuming hes bad cuz hes actually one of the last mcs who are socially aware and not in it for the green. maybe hes not ur taste in music but u should defintly be more open minded before placing judgement. go check his album food and liquor
EarBudz123 1 year ago
@EarBudz123 You know what... im gona go check his album right now... Ill be right back.
Caligula138 1 year ago
@EarBudz123 Ive listened to Lupe before so im not assuming anything... My opinion is that hes an overrated mainstream rapper that i really dont care about... there are so many better things i would rather listen to then Lupe Fiasco man... cmon doesnt Fantano show you new shit you never even heard about every freakin day! If you think Lupe dont like money then you really got problems. I think he made a video for the fuckin Twilight sequel! wackness
Caligula138 1 year ago
@Caligula138 its cool if u dont like him but i still do. im not sayin the mans a god or anything i just think hes a really gifted lyricist.
EarBudz123 1 year ago
@EarBudz123 its cool dude...
Caligula138 1 year ago
@EarBudz123 what happened?
fantasticalNINJA 1 year ago
@EarBudz123 Both a bad/good example. The label just got a bunch of buzz with Lupe's new album without doing promotion. The rally at Atlantic records wouldn't have changed anything, but it created enough buzz (which Atlantic knew it would do) and now they don't need to spend as much money to promote it. It's dropping March 2011 now.
WillMillion15 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The art a band creates can detereorate from a number of factors. When a given band grows in popularity, specifically and directly from mainstream attention, audiences are obtained who are far inferior to the band's artistic capabilities and criteria. The simple listening and recognition of this given band impedes on the artistic value the song or artist maintains. Only a select group of people are capable of withstanding the artistic threshold a song or artist provides; and only indie.
TheMarsVo1ta 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
The art a band creates can detereorate from a number of factors. When a given band grows in popularity, specifically and directly from mainstream attention, audiences are obtained who are far inferior to the band's artistic capabilities and criteria. The simple listening and recognition of this given band impedes on the artistic value the song or artist maintains. Only a select group of people are capable of withstanding the artistic threshold a song or artist provides; and only indie.
TheMarsVo1ta 1 year ago
Someones gotta release mainstream music, so who cares?
BryanEKS89 1 year ago
I dont take Of Montreal seriously at all...
Caligula138 1 year ago
Hey do a review of roky ericksons the evil one thanks.
SuperSwampland 1 year ago
It's not that there getting more open minded, they are starting to notice a larger independent group that enjoys that music..so why not make money out of it? In my opinion, major labels are monsters eating everything up. I can't blame people for liking shitty music because it's not there choice. When they start playing all kinds of music on the radio, maybe then people will have a real choice. But that's not going to happen, it's always a business.
try out: Mental Abstrato - Pure Essence (2010)
section912 1 year ago
Indie labels aren't as evil as majors cause indie labels don't tend to tamper with the artist's creativity....
will you be reviewing teebs new album that comes out next week?
titanium505 1 year ago
You should check out Fratellis' first, Costello Music, it is the shit
Townshend71 1 year ago
i was wondering if you could review Oh Shit They're Going to Kill Us' debut album. I personally like it but i'm kinda really curious on what other people think of it.
Traductus5972 1 year ago
Paraphrasing ?uestlove, as soon as you inject commerce into art, its lost.
Its expected, but let me know what you think of Avey Tare - Down There.
micoluce 1 year ago
MGMT thing wasn't true, as someone pointed out. I don't think that major labels are evil. I think signing to a major label you have to be more careful about everything to be able to have your creative music. I think the labels are realizing now though there's a lot of people out their who want their music to be less manufactured. I'm sure they were happy with MGMT's result anyway, because although at first I found a lot of the reviews were negative, they gradually became more and more positive.
platypae333 1 year ago
It's not really evil, it's just business. If signing to a major label "ruins" a band, then they will lose a fanbase and probably gain another one. Either way, the artist can decide if they really think this is what their sound should be and act accordingly by leaving the label if they don't like the way things are going. Either way, as you said, there is a whole sea of independent music that will probably replace the now mainstream band for fans.
Pretsal 1 year ago
@Pretsal If these other bands are better or more artistic, then people will recognize it and these other artists will take over. But it is hard to make judgments like this with any sort of creative thing as it walks the line between art and commerce. The one thing I do accuse big labels of is their tight grip on copyrighting. Anyways, what happened to you discussing the last week's question in your videos Anthony?
Pretsal 1 year ago
REVIEW CLOUD CULT'S LIGHT CHASERS Pl0X!
Bernardusaurus 1 year ago
You better review Lucky 1 by Avey Tare and, of course, his debut album Down There (once it comes out)
GrembyTheWalrus 1 year ago
Yeah I think labels getting less hate these days is all up to the self-distribution. We just don't need a middle man anymore.
And I think you would like the track "The Gutless Wonder" by Wunami. Not so much a request as a recommendation.
keepmewierd 1 year ago
If a label is jeopardizing the artists vision then yes that's a label you should not run with.
And fuck giving away the rights of your work to a label! Read the fine print before signing anything. Unless you like being fucked in the mouth.
JGCSOUND 1 year ago
evil is
evil does
i'm really buzzed
Boostinsane 1 year ago
Good to see that the Fantanator is feeling better once again.
TheSpoonRooster 1 year ago
I dont know if you have heard of these guys but I think you would enjoy their work.
The Besnard Lakes - Are the Dark Horses.
Check them out.
HCMos 1 year ago
The problem is that young artists often don't realize that the industry needs them, not the other way around.
a1579 1 year ago
Review Tartar Lamb II, when the time comes! And Kayo Dot's new ep Stained Glass.
Tengent 1 year ago
i dont think that big labels are evil.i think they want something thats gonna make them money and if a band cant do that then there gonna send them away.but we dont have to deal with big labels alot anymore so i dont see the point in complaining about it.
StickManga 1 year ago
You should review Go!Go!7188's relatively new album....^_^
FrenzyIncense 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
There is no evil, but, do I dislike profit driven motives hampering artists creativity in order to sell down to the brainwashed automaton zombie idiot fucks that plague our nation? Well of course I do. Therefor, support bands, see live shows, buy their t-shirts. In the words of Napalm Death, we are ENEMIES OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS!
rockman22 1 year ago
Comment removed
rockman22 1 year ago
depends on the label but most only care about money and destroy the artistic value of the music & tht makes them evil.
XXRitsukaChosyXX 1 year ago
yes they are evil yes they are
TheAntiMaggotPolice 1 year ago
The new Death First LP. Like System Of A Down if they were influenced by alternative and stoner metal and then added their shitick into it.
Aisle3Comedy 1 year ago
not all mainstream is shit and not all indie is genius
i think in general, pop music is well produced and well executed, but i think they're full of symbolism and they're doing terrible things to young dumbfucked minds.
jgil1967 1 year ago 2
Its sad to see major label's cracking down on once were indie music artists. That's what makes indie music great, it's the way the band intended for the music to sound without the major label's having their say or touch on it. And the indie labels allowing them to do so, to recognize that that's the way the music was meant to be heard and not put through some "meat grinder" by the major label. So yes, I would agree the major labels are, in most forms, evil.
Crush777 1 year ago