Kings of A&R

(Kings of A&R) - Who are you currently with?

Brian Sirgutz (Elementree Records) - I currently run Elementree Records for the rock band KoRn.

(KOAR) - Waht do you think of the current state of the music industry?

(ER) - I think that in any industry, there are cycles of growth and consolidation. In today’s music industry climate it will get much worse before it gets better. This is because labels are stilll looking at artists quarter by quarter instead of making careers. The hits that Clear Channel requires for ratings are processed and delivered by the labels and the record sales in turn are driven by the hit songs clear channel play. Today, the industry is reapoing with it sows. If you sell an artist by the hit song and not the artist, instead of the consumer paying as high as $19.95, they will just turn to the nete and download if for free, it’s easier to download than to purchase it online. Labels have to compete with ease of use and free. In this case, the labels will lose. It needs to get a lot worse before it gets better, but people need music like humans need air. It’s a matter of how music becomes commodified. Click to read more

(KOAR) - In your opinion, what’s more important, songs or live show?

(ER) - Songs…No question. The greatest band, singer/songwriters are built by a great song. A great song is a great song no matter what format. It captures your mind and enchants one’s soul. A live show can be developed after the songs are there. The priority of the live show should follow the songs and music.

(KOAR) - Most important piece of advice you would give to an artist?

Brian (ER) - Make sure you do it for yourself. Do not do it for the glorious record deal (it is not that glorious. It’s a very poor bank loan). Make us want you, when you are ready, we will still be there. No matter how hard it is, no matter what odds are against you, your music will prevail because it is truth; your truth in it’s purest form. Make sure you want to have a career and read everything you can about the business. I always want all my artists to know more than I do, this way we can work on equal ground.

(KOAR) - How far away is the ‘Next’ Nirvana? Meaning, an artist breaking new ground and crossing over to the mainstream market. A polar opposite of what’s going on right now, not transitional. An artist that changes a sub culture, fashion, radio formats, etc… We haven’t seen this in over a decade (since Nirvana). Think its about time? Tough question, but take a guess?

Brian (ER) - It is right under our noses, it just won’t blow up as big as Nirvana. We will get artists that will test and even break new ground, but at the rate the industry tries to commodify this new sound, it dies. It’s like trying to milk a baby calf, Uhh…ain’t ready yet. Let the sound grow organically, let it spread between people via the net and word of mouth. It’s time for the labels to wake up and let their artists come along at a slower pace. Maybe then, a ‘new’ sound and the next Nirvana can develop. Until then, it’s McMusic time, quick and bad for the music industry and the music consumer.

(KOAR) - Well, I hope it’s under our nose, because I think we all are begging for some great acts, both labels and consumers. It’s on the breaking point!