As I step further into the “industry” I see how the politics of it can detract people from it. I really don’t have a problem with that competition-wise but as a fan, I feel it can deprive millions from the work (music) of a great artist that will never be. The politics suck. 5 calls to get to a manager, talking to an intern to get to the head of interns in order to receive a contact number for the assistant A&R. I know….I know. On the outside you would think people just call Drake directly to get him on a track. Yeah, that would be ideal and this industry isn’t.
The game is so detached and full of bs degrees of separation that artists are on songs with artists they have never met. Verse recorded in NY, chorus in Atlanta, song mixed in Cali. Nobody meets, there is no vibe, and it shows in the music. Everyone involved feels accomplished and feels that’s enough but no. Think about the single, can you get the featured artist in the video, or at the show? Oh, wait you don’t know each other. So, most likely not.
Another problem many have with the industry is with the label actually backing the artist they signed. Well if “Joe Rapper” is a new artist and wants promotion and backing but the label also released “Superstar MC” whose last album went platinum(even gold these days) they may forget you are on the label. Word of advice: Expect the label to do nothing that way whatever they do will be a boost. Currently, it’s not a bad idea to do it all yourself. I mean the money is the same if you fail. That would be nothing. Success is pretty much the same also. See, the big labels put up a bunch of money to help create, record, and promote the music. Once all the money is recouped, the big label artist is usually left in debt or with just enough money to last until the next advance (more debt) from the label comes in.
In closing, the industry is probably not all it’s cracked up to be but what industry is? I love this industry because I love music. Teachers love teaching not the “lost cause” kid that has a bad attitude and is there because he/she has to be. A salesman loves money not the many No’s they must hear for just one Yes. If you want in, you must deal with or pay someone to deal with the bs of this industry. Take on the qualities of the teacher and the salesman. Work in music because you love music. Don’t let any obstacle stop you from making “it” or making money. It’s a give and take. You give it all you got and it will damn well take it. Keep fighting.

Food for thought…. you do the dishes.