q notes: the art in the deal
By QUINCY JONES
Everyone’s talking about 360 deals. Earlier this year, my friends Bono and U2 signed one with Live Nation, followed by Jay-Z and others. With the music industry in dire straits, creative deal-making is a must. It makes sense for artists and their handlers to focus on touring and merchandise revenues and use their recorded music as a promotional piece if necessary. These deals are interesting, but they definitely won’t work for everyone. A symphony orchestra, a hip-hop producer, and a rocker are three very different animals. Some artists can craft a successful tour—but others rely on recorded music to make a living—and those are the artists that are hoping we can find a solution to the record industry’s problems.
Some artists are taking a do-it-yourself approach, like Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails offering name-your-price and/or free downloads and limited-edition albums through their own websites before issuing traditional physical releases. I applaud these innovations and the art of the deals involved in making all these ideas realities.
However, there is one thing that troubles me about the current state of the music business. It seems that the art of these deals is getting far greater attention than the artistry they’re built upon. Sure we need creative, artistic solutions to survive in the current climate, but we can’t let our desire for financial gain take precedent over the quest for artistic excellence. Don’t get me wrong. Almost every artist wants to be financially rewarded for their efforts and God knows I have been incredibly blessed in that area over my career, but it wasn’t always that way. When I was a young buck coming up, my friends like Ray Charles and I didn’t make music for money. Sure we got paid a bit, but we made music because we had to. It was in our blood. The real financial rewards came after we achieved artistic excellence. I think the same holds true for all the aforementioned artists. They create art because it’s in their blood. They have to do it.
I don’t think there is going to be a single answer to the record industry’s problems—but an array of options that will be tailored to the specific artist. For the new artists who are out there reading the headlines about 360 deals and free downloads, don’t let the art of these deals distract you from your own artistry. Master your craft first. Create the best art you possibly can and then, and only then, work on the art of the deal that will get it to the public so you can support yourself doing what you love to do. And one thing you must remember, you have to approach your creativity with humility and treat your success with grace. At the end of the day, we’re merely vehicles for a higher power. It’s about cause and manifestation. When making music you have to leave room for God to walk through the door.
That last sentence is devistatingly profound.
Great message. A lot of cats look at this as a straight hustle and wonder why they have no staying power. Passion and the desire to improve on your craft lead to longevity. Peace!!!
I am in agreement with the craft and art of music making and songwriting. I have sacrificed many an offer to join this production company or that label to work the creative muscle, regardless of the money. I feel like my best work is yet to come, and I still have my edge as a producer. Playing the drums always came first for me in school and because of it, I have been blessed to travel and perform all over. I have met many talented and exemplary individuals who have inspired me to just push myself to get better at creating. You are such an inspiration sir, I just had to comment on this article. I thank you for your contribution to the world of music, film and entertainment. Peace and Blessings
Jai Cannon
A.K.A.
Majaaii
This is right on point in more ways than one. This approach applies to all aspects of life. Whatever journey I embark upon, I better enjoy it for what it is and not despair for what I hoped it would be. Whatever I chase will flee me; whatever I do because of my passion for it, will be the thing I most appreciate.
Stevie Mack
Actor/Comedian/Friend
many clone music. It is the flooding era. I feel uneasy about it.
the sampling music it with a computer, and to settle.
it absorbed in the pattern that was easily decided . Can compose it with a computer. where is soul ? where ?
I Love Human Music as sir QUINCY’s SOUND
If this note is read by so many musicians all over the world, there is possibly gonna be another MUSIC REVOLUTION!! I’m pretty sure about that.
Keep spreading da awesome aura, Mr.Q!
danangbanget/danangsenayan@MySpace
So true, and so important to remember. Thank you, Q, for spreading your wisdom once again!
This was very inspiring. Sometimes for an artist these days it seems like a jungle.I always put music first,I artistic vision what I feel with my music and The feeling I want to craete in my public.Sometimes I get advise of chage my arthistry to fit current trends but like q says Im just teh vehicle for that music to born,nothing else.SO Ill let it come as long as God wants it to be that way.If I get recognized and able to live from my art I will thank God,and if not it just means it wasnt meant to be that way.But music is laways first.Now mnaya rtists spend more time promoting online their music spamming rather than making great music
I have been a long time fan and admirer of Mr. Quincy Jones. To remember our on own cultural past and to stand upon its force of creativity is vital. I especially liked where Q said, “leave room for God to walk through the door.” To me , that’s the ultimate.
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