"'Cause I can make more money going in and doing my recordings and selling them through my entities that I have, rather than going to a record co. and them release a record and pay me 5 percent of what they make off it"
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In the quote by Mickey Gilley, the popular nation musician lays out a point of view on the monetary and operational dynamics of the music industry, particularly regarding artist compensation and autonomy. Gilley highlights the economic benefits of self-producing and dispersing music over depending on standard record companies.
Historically, record labels have managed the means of production and circulation in the music market, often leaving artists with a small fraction of the profits from their work. The "5 percent" Gilley describes is an allusion to the typical royalty rates artists may get under standard record offers, which often greatly favor the record company. This setup typically leaves artists with minimal monetary gain despite a record's success, as much of the income is taken in by the label for production expenses, marketing, distribution, and other expenditures.
Gilley's recommendation to "making more money entering and doing my recordings" suggests a pivot towards self-reliance. By leveraging his own "entities", he could maintain control over the production and circulation procedures. This change implies a shift towards self-management and entrepreneurship. Such self-reliance enables artists to keep a bigger portion of the profits, though it likewise involves taking on the risks and duties related to producing and marketing their music.
Furthermore, this approach was ending up being more practical with technological improvements at the time. The advent of budget friendly recording innovation and the rise of digital platforms have actually significantly made it possible for artists to bypass conventional gatekeepers. They can reach audiences directly through digital sales, streaming, and social media. This strategy enables higher imaginative freedom and a fresher connection with fans while likewise maximizing monetary returns.
In essence, Gilley's statement reflects a wider pattern within the music market towards artist empowerment and self-sufficiency. It underscores a growing recognition amongst artists about the benefits of keeping control over their professions and the monetary elements of their music.
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