This is not a blog post about Napster or streaming or downloading.
It’s a much more subtle under valuing that is happening right inside the music business itself.
With the amazing technology we have right on our phones and computers to make records that sound amazing…we associate computer work with easy and fast…because computers are easy and fast and now there’s great plug-ins and sample packs for the computers.
The under valuing has come via artists, managers, labels, assistants, etc, etc, etc wanting a blazing fast turn around on everything.
That song you wrote earlier today, management wants a full demo (i.e. a master) by tomorrow because the NEED it for the next meeting.
That song that was written and recorded 3 months ago that everyone forgot about…the artist needs mix tweaks done by tomorrow morning because it’s in the running to be the next single.
The song where the vocal isn’t very good…the label needs the vocal edited to sound amazing…by lunch time.
Because making a great record quickly is POSSIBLE these days, too many of us want to utilize the possibility every time (when it benefits us)…and that just ain’t right.
I get it. I understand the dance. I understand the enthusiasm with which a lot of these insane requests get made. So if you’re the producer, you want to answer the bell, you want to come through in the clutch.
But it’s the flippant attitude of too many people in the business regarding song turn around time that is the beginning of the under valuing of music and the creative process.
Slow down. Breathe baby. It’s all coming together.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com
