The State of Things
These days, it's extremely hard to make it in the music industry. More and more talented, incredible, and amazing musicians aren't being given their chance, and others end up having to step down, unable to continue due to financial problems or stress. Even when a musician gets their chance and is signed by a label, they're crushed by unending debt because their albums are being pirated, low merch sales, etc. People will always find ways to enjoy an artist's work for free. The old cornerstones and traditions of the Music Industry that worked years ago no longer work, the bubble is popping and something needs to be done.
Old Dogs Can't Learn New Tricks
The internet has become an incredible tool for artists and musicians, giving them the opportunity to reach millions of people all over the world, yet the industry has only adapted slightly to accomodate social media and mp3 sales, but I think that the industry has missed the point of the internet. Most Record Labels strategies are still physical CD and merch based, the same marketing campaigns that were implemented way back in the good ol' Motown days, and although they do work, it doesn't take but a short glance to see that these Record companies are still hurting, and nowadays they're of little to no benefit to a band of working musicians, using their current strategies.
The Power is In Your Hands
Let me apologize early on for sounding like a self-help book but it really is true. The Power is in Your Hands. Musicians have more power than ever before thanks to the internet. The point of this post is to tell any musician that is reading this that if you're serious about making a living as a musician, or even just being in a successful touring band, is that the current industry is flawed, and we're on the cusp of a big fundamental change that starts with each and every one of us breaking the cycle.
This is Why I'm Here
I want to help break that cycle. That's one of the reasons why I started Depaula Trading Co. So I won't ever have to rely on a fat, sweaty cash advance from a label, or focus on deadlines and other things that stifle creativity. I want to grow with my endorsees, never see them as below me or see them as numbers. Music is the biggest part of my life, and I want to share that with as many people as possible.
I know this was a little ranty and sporadic, but the industry really is in trouble and there are so many amazing musicians out there that should be heard but aren't for one reason or another, and I'd love to do anything I can for my fellow artists!