I’m going to talk about something that I said I would never mention, but after about being an A&R for 18 months now I feel its time to say it. I get approached by artists at least once a week who are willing to give up their publishing, masters, and even dignity for a chance for to be famous. I have received DMs from an artist stating that they would do absolutely anything for me to walk them into a major label for a deal. The sad part isn’t that there are people who are totally okay with this. The problem is exactly what I said in the beginning of my statement; I get approached about this every week.
At first, I wrote it off as though its just some young kids who are willing to say anything to move things forward. Hoping that I’ll bite and setup a meeting or get them on the phone with one of my contacts. After awhile it became apparent that this was indeed an actual strategy. And not just for a record deal, but to be famous. “Bro, Imma keep it a hunnit. I’m just trying get famous and get put on.” I understand that fame brings benefits and intangibles you wouldn’t get being a “normal” civilian. However, to give up your intellectual property just to be on camera on a grand stage is lunacy. Going as far as making sexual advances or making grandiose promises shouldn’t be a price that a person should be so willingly to make. Yet it happens, often.
I am no superstar producer or A&R, but I can only imagine what my more successful contemporaries are being approached with. What is it about being popular that draws such an ugly side out of people. Is it the money, drugs, cars, and big houses? If so, then what does it all mean if you can’t look yourself in the mirror afterwards? Overthinking this? Possibly, but it just doesn’t sit well with my soul when a 17 year old girl to a 45 years old man are willing to go so far just for a chance to be seen in a certain light.
They same fame is a drug. I guess I’m the plug now…..
