"People might say I'm difficult, but did you ever hear anyone describe a label as 'difficult'? By nature, artists should challenge. When they call you difficult, it is a reflection of the imbalance of power"

Michelle Shocked's quote discuss the typically complicated characteristics between artists and the structures that surround and support them, such as record labels, management groups, and wider market entities. Her statement underscores the idea that artists, by their very nature, are suggested to press borders and challenge the status quo. This is inherent to the creative process, which includes checking out originalities, questioning existing paradigms, and expressing unique perspectives that might not align with traditional or business expectations.

When Shocked says, "People might say I'm challenging, however did you ever hear anybody describe a label as 'challenging'?" she is highlighting the double standard typically used to artists versus the entities that manage or facilitate their careers. Record labels and other industry bodies wield significant power over artists, who might discover themselves constrained by agreements, market demands, or innovative distinctions. When artists resist these restrictions or strive for higher imaginative freedom, they are frequently identified as "difficult". This term can bring negative connotations, recommending an obstacle to smooth operations rather than a necessary element of artistic undertaking.

Surprised's use of the word "challenging" being missing in descriptions of labels shows a perceived imbalance in the structure of power within the music market. Labels are seldom criticized for being inflexible, despite often focusing on profit and control over creative vision. By framing the term "hard" as a reflection of these power characteristics, Shocked recommends that the dispute stems not from the artists' character, however from a structural inequality in between creative intent and business intention.

In essence, this quote brings into question the fairness and the predispositions in how artists are perceived and treated when they assert their creative vision. It welcomes a re-examination of the functions and responsibilities of all celebrations within the market, advocating for a more fair and considerate partnership between artists and the entities that support their work.