Comments on: Myspace and Artists: For The Better or Worse? By John Degrazio http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/ Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:52:48 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Rex Kwondo http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-7115 Rex Kwondo Mon, 27 Nov 2006 13:09:37 +0000 http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-7115 This really is a fascinating debate. Having been a producer for 10+years I have seen many, many acts pass through my doors. The vast majority were mediocre to say the least. This has not been changed by MySpace. I have recently found it a very interesting tool in terms of test marketing current projects. It becomes clear very quickly what works and what doesn't, and I won't deny that it helps us keep the faith when folk say nice things about what we're doing. Also it means that you can get your work heard by the kind of worldwide audience that was only ever possible before with a major deal, and afterall isn't that what we want, people to hear our work? I do think there is an argument that says it gives crap music a voice it would not otherwise have had but anyone with experience knows that shite inevitably gets sniffed out and avoided. I agree that the X-Factor's and Pop Idol's of this world have given Jo Public a false impression of how much hard work is involved, but they soon find out that fame and fortune are pipedreams except for the very few. I have hope that the internet can help democratise the music industry, digital distribution being cheap and easy cuts out some of the need for big companies and their large chequebooks, and is already vastly reducing their revenue and thus their unpleasant stranglehold of the industry. Think about it, all the major decisions about what will and will not be successful are made by middle aged men who only care about the bottom line. MySpace isn't the answer but I think it is a symptom of the revolution taking place. I disagree that gigging is the answer for all forms of music, it may possibly still be true for rock bands but music is far more diverse than that these days. what matters surely is trying to make the best music we can. not everyone is going to like it but that's the way it is. I think that any method of getting your work heard which is free and doesn't line the pockets of the faceless majors cannot be a bad thing. This really is a fascinating debate.
Having been a producer for 10+years I have seen many, many acts pass through my doors.
The vast majority were mediocre to say the least. This has not been changed by MySpace. I have recently found it a very interesting tool in terms of test marketing current projects. It becomes clear very quickly what works and what doesn’t, and I won’t deny that it helps us keep the faith when folk say nice things about what we’re doing. Also it means that you can get your work heard by the kind of worldwide audience that was only ever possible before with a major deal, and afterall isn’t that what we want, people to hear our work? I do think there is an argument that says it gives crap music a voice it would not otherwise have had but anyone with experience knows that shite inevitably gets sniffed out and avoided.
I agree that the X-Factor’s and Pop Idol’s of this world have given Jo Public a false impression of how much hard work is involved, but they soon find out that fame and fortune are pipedreams except for the very few.
I have hope that the internet can help democratise the music industry, digital distribution being cheap and easy cuts out some of the need for big companies and their large chequebooks, and is already vastly reducing their revenue and thus their unpleasant stranglehold of the industry. Think about it, all the major decisions about what will and will not be successful are made by middle aged men who only care about the bottom line. MySpace isn’t the answer but I think it is a symptom of the revolution taking place.
I disagree that gigging is the answer for all forms of music, it may possibly still be true for rock bands but music is far more diverse than that these days. what matters surely is trying to make the best music we can.
not everyone is going to like it but that’s the way it is.
I think that any method of getting your work heard which is free and doesn’t line the pockets of the faceless majors cannot be a bad thing.

]]> By: David Morose http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-5132 David Morose Sun, 29 Oct 2006 19:43:52 +0000 http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-5132 Ok I have enjoyed reading all the comments and here is my input. The bottom line remains substance is everything in whatever you do. My space could be thought of as the wild west for marketing your band or art project right now and we are now learning more about the average person. The average person doesnt understand the quality difference in sound or visuals but there are alot of people starting to. We are finding out that sometimes people spend millions when they could have gotten away with a few thousand and this is important. We are finding that people have been zoning out the bigger media chains and sources for things that seem more grassroots. So now every Joe and Betty wanna be a star can try. As the final destruction of the myths of artist musicians and the like can be destroyed. Average people need to destroy it to take away its mystery from them and this is the information age and thats what people do. I say let all the closet myspace pretend artist have there 2 seconds of fame. We are a culture that must destroy the things we love or that are passe soon anyway. The real art will rise and in the end it will be restored. In my opinion a more level playing field will be developed.Art for art sake might still shine through in the diseased and over advertised music biz. This is a cleansing maybe a cleaning of a polluted format and at this time in history we are seeing alot more media forms even highschool kids seem to do something that is considered media now. We are destroying the myths through technology in my opinion and it has been long awaited. You may not need a million dollar advertising budget to be heard for now. Although in the end you cant fool yourself and you are what you are and thats what matters. Ok I have enjoyed reading all the comments and here is my input.
The bottom line remains substance is everything in whatever you do.

My space could be thought of as the wild west for marketing your band or art project right now and we are now learning more about the average person. The average person doesnt understand the quality difference in sound or visuals but there are alot of people starting to.
We are finding out that sometimes people spend millions when they could have gotten away with a few thousand and this is important.
We are finding that people have been zoning out the bigger media chains and sources for things that seem more grassroots. So now every Joe and Betty wanna be a star can try. As the final destruction of the myths of artist musicians and the like can be destroyed. Average people need to destroy it to take away its mystery from them and this is the information age and thats what people do.

I say let all the closet myspace pretend artist have there 2 seconds of fame. We are a culture that must destroy the things we love or that are passe soon anyway. The real art will rise and in the end it will be restored. In my opinion a more level playing field will be developed.Art for art sake might still shine through in the diseased and over advertised music biz. This is a cleansing maybe a cleaning of a polluted format and at this time in history we are seeing alot more media forms even highschool kids seem to do something that is considered media now. We are destroying the myths through technology in my opinion and it has been long awaited. You may not need a million dollar advertising budget to be heard for now. Although in the end you cant fool yourself and you are what you are and thats what matters.

]]> By: ShattahDreams http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-4936 ShattahDreams Mon, 23 Oct 2006 02:19:43 +0000 http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-4936 how's things goin im an artist in MD i have tracks from an up comein producer by the name Kang Kong im tryin to do what ever i need done to get out there.Contact me when ever you get the cance i have a couple tracks on that myspace page also. how’s things goin im an artist in MD i have tracks from an up comein producer by the name Kang Kong im tryin to do what ever i need done to get out there.Contact me when ever you get the cance i have a couple tracks on that myspace page also.

]]> By: JR http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-3601 JR Fri, 15 Sep 2006 18:25:59 +0000 http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-3601 I am a singer/songwriter from Boston, and just wanted to touch on the comment about the quality of musicians out there. The "Fame Factor" I think is right on point, and slowly bringing the natural progression of quality music down, and at the same time, the proficiency in which these musicians know their instrument. Because of modern recording techniques and digital editing/mixing, we have closed a HUGE gap in the line that one must follow in order to obtain a long lasting career in the music business...practice. As with anything "you practice hard, you'll get better" The industry has made the ultimate goal of fame and fortune a close looking mirage, which is forcing musicians to release music prematurely through whatever outlet they can, only to get nowhere faster. (Myspace, etc) So now we are referring to these acts as "fairly talentless" and not aspiring, ....shame on us. They are having to pave a new road, like the rest of us. But most of these feelings could probably stem from the fact they're people out there like Simon Cowell that take a great thing like music and creativity, and kick dirt to make a buck at the faces of the very same people that created the music for his prize contestants to sing along too. As for Myspace, my take is kinda simple. I don't count on Myspace for anything that I can't do the old-fashion way. I don't request friends, I don't look for 16-21 year old girls and Spam them , because they're the popular music market. I use Myspace for a really fancy address book. When I want a gig somewhere, in an area that I have never toured before, I will research the clubs, find the owners and present them my music. I think that Myspace can be a great portal for musicians. Not for fame and a label deal or a million plays for A&R potential, but for aiding your potential career with new relationships and touring potential. Remember the best record deals in the industry are given to the artists that are already doing it WITHOUT them. A good friend of mine told me "Get in touch with what emotionally moved you in the first place to make music, eventually the right doors will open"- Kyle Cook (Matchbox 20, The New Left) And for all you musicians reading this that don't get it.......go practice. JR www.jonrobert.com www.myspace.com/jrtour I am a singer/songwriter from Boston, and just wanted to touch on the comment about the quality of musicians out there. The “Fame Factor” I think is right on point, and slowly bringing the natural progression of quality music down, and at the same time, the proficiency in which these musicians know their instrument. Because of modern recording techniques and digital editing/mixing, we have closed a HUGE gap in the line that one must follow in order to obtain a long lasting career in the music business…practice. As with anything “you practice hard, you’ll get better” The industry has made the ultimate goal of fame and fortune a close looking mirage, which is forcing musicians to release music prematurely through whatever outlet they can, only to get nowhere faster. (Myspace, etc) So now we are referring to these acts as “fairly talentless” and not aspiring, ….shame on us. They are having to pave a new road, like the rest of us. But most of these feelings could probably stem from the fact they’re people out there like Simon Cowell that take a great thing like music and creativity, and kick dirt to make a buck at the faces of the very same people that created the music for his prize contestants to sing along too.
As for Myspace, my take is kinda simple. I don’t count on Myspace for anything that I can’t do the old-fashion way. I don’t request friends, I don’t look for 16-21 year old girls and Spam them , because they’re the popular music market. I use Myspace for a really fancy address book. When I want a gig somewhere, in an area that I have never toured before, I will research the clubs, find the owners and present them my music. I think that Myspace can be a great portal for musicians. Not for fame and a label deal or a million plays for A&R potential, but for aiding your potential career with new relationships and touring potential. Remember the best record deals in the industry are given to the artists that are already doing it WITHOUT them. A good friend of mine told me “Get in touch with what emotionally moved you in the first place to make music, eventually the right doors will open”- Kyle Cook (Matchbox 20, The New Left)
And for all you musicians reading this that don’t get it…….go practice.

JR
http://www.jonrobert.com
http://www.myspace.com/jrtour

]]> By: myspace.com/camoragz http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-3325 myspace.com/camoragz Fri, 08 Sep 2006 02:43:27 +0000 http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-3325 MYSPACE.COM/CAMORAGZ ......go hurry!!!! MYSPACE.COM/CAMORAGZ ……go hurry!!!!

]]> By: Mike http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-3162 Mike Mon, 04 Sep 2006 01:22:38 +0000 http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-3162 This debate is very interesting. I am currently in an NYC based rock band (called: Do You See the Dark) and we are using MySpace to promote ourselves. We have been slowly building up a base of friends on MySpace, but we are realistic as to whether or not these "friends" are even real people. My opinion is that even if only 10% of the people we add are real -- it's worth it. I think the important point to recognize is that when new tools are developed, whether it's digital editing or MySpace, they are not a substitute for talent and hard work. They are merely tools that should be used to enhance, but not relied on in lieu of strong live performances / a real fanbase. Do You See the Dark has a consistent draw of over 50 people at local venues (CBGB's, Crash Mansion, etc.). And we rock every single person in the club when it's time for us to do our thing. Considering that some of you are A&R’s, what advice would give a band in our position? We have heard from some reputable sources that a high play count on MySpace will put labels on notice. Is this a complete fallacy? We hope the sum of our efforts (of which MySpace is a small part of) will lead us to s successful career as a band. We know that smiley faces and profile comments won’t fetch us contracts. However, the main author's point that MySpace hurts bands, which might be valid to a degree, is a bit overstated. I have had the same thoughts about how the mystique behind bands has vanished in the MySpace era, but what's the alternative? It'd be silly not to use such a simple resource for exposing others to your music. We've spent much time, effort and money on our first EP. We plan to send it to radio stations, labels, booking agents, venues, etc. But even so, would shunning MySpace be a productive endeavor? I don't think so. We hope to make some CD sales through our MySpace page – whether that occurs remains to be seen. Anyway, in my efforts to promote on MySpace, I've done my best to keep the band intriguing. For example, no one knows what we eat for breakfast. So here's an exclusive for the readers of this website: I ate a ham and egg bun from this small Chinese bakery on Clinton Street in the Lower East Side. Consider yourselves insiders. Thank you. This debate is very interesting. I am currently in an NYC based rock band (called: Do You See the Dark) and we are using MySpace to promote ourselves. We have been slowly building up a base of friends on MySpace, but we are realistic as to whether or not these “friends” are even real people. My opinion is that even if only 10% of the people we add are real — it’s worth it. I think the important point to recognize is that when new tools are developed, whether it’s digital editing or MySpace, they are not a substitute for talent and hard work. They are merely tools that should be used to enhance, but not relied on in lieu of strong live performances / a real fanbase. Do You See the Dark has a consistent draw of over 50 people at local venues (CBGB’s, Crash Mansion, etc.). And we rock every single person in the club when it’s time for us to do our thing. Considering that some of you are A&R’s, what advice would give a band in our position? We have heard from some reputable sources that a high play count on MySpace will put labels on notice. Is this a complete fallacy? We hope the sum of our efforts (of which MySpace is a small part of) will lead us to s successful career as a band. We know that smiley faces and profile comments won’t fetch us contracts. However, the main author’s point that MySpace hurts bands, which might be valid to a degree, is a bit overstated. I have had the same thoughts about how the mystique behind bands has vanished in the MySpace era, but what’s the alternative? It’d be silly not to use such a simple resource for exposing others to your music. We’ve spent much time, effort and money on our first EP. We plan to send it to radio stations, labels, booking agents, venues, etc. But even so, would shunning MySpace be a productive endeavor? I don’t think so. We hope to make some CD sales through our MySpace page – whether that occurs remains to be seen. Anyway, in my efforts to promote on MySpace, I’ve done my best to keep the band intriguing. For example, no one knows what we eat for breakfast. So here’s an exclusive for the readers of this website: I ate a ham and egg bun from this small Chinese bakery on Clinton Street in the Lower East Side. Consider yourselves insiders. Thank you.

]]> By: Keith http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-2912 Keith Thu, 24 Aug 2006 12:40:54 +0000 http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-2912 Times are changing, you should embrace myspace for it. Just because something doesn't stay the same or traditional doesn't mean it is a bad thing. I am sure the generation before music TV were saying some of the same things you are saying. The bottom line is, there has always been bad music and there has always been good music. Now, since music is so easily published, there is a lot more bad music. But there is also a lot more good music to hear now. If you don't like certain songs then don't listen to them. But take notice to the fact that since music is so much easier to publish these days, you are going to get a lot more good music too. I agree that music should be created from the heart rather than becasue the artist just wants to be famous. You just have to pick your way through the bad ones and you'll find MANY good ones. Times are changing, you should embrace myspace for it. Just because something doesn’t stay the same or traditional doesn’t mean it is a bad thing. I am sure the generation before music TV were saying some of the same things you are saying. The bottom line is, there has always been bad music and there has always been good music. Now, since music is so easily published, there is a lot more bad music. But there is also a lot more good music to hear now. If you don’t like certain songs then don’t listen to them. But take notice to the fact that since music is so much easier to publish these days, you are going to get a lot more good music too. I agree that music should be created from the heart rather than becasue the artist just wants to be famous. You just have to pick your way through the bad ones and you’ll find MANY good ones.

]]> By: Renee' http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-2298 Renee' Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:45:33 +0000 http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-2298 Myspace is just a tool to get someone's music out to other ears. It is not a definitive on a fan base or an audience base spectrum. How naive a professionl artist(and I put the emphisis on professional)would be to even assume such! A&R folks can't possibley listen to everyone that they get told about! You and I both know that most of what is recorded in a studio can make a bull in a china shop sound like an ark angel! There are very few artists out there that actually have talent and sound good LIVE. With that said, making the effort to go out and check these artists out for one's self is ultimately what it is going to have to happen! Myspace is just a tool to get someone’s music out to other ears. It is not a definitive on a fan base or an audience base spectrum. How naive a professionl artist(and I put the emphisis on professional)would be to even assume such! A&R folks can’t possibley listen to everyone that they get told about! You and I both know that most of what is recorded in a studio can make a bull in a china shop sound like an ark angel! There are very few artists out there that actually have talent and sound good LIVE. With that said, making the effort to go out and check these artists out for one’s self is ultimately what it is going to have to happen!

]]> By: Jesse McGrath http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-2297 Jesse McGrath Fri, 11 Aug 2006 17:42:46 +0000 http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-2297 Hi John, Disappointed here. You have generalizations of the MySpace community are discouraging and bland. Your assesment of home based computer recording is irrelevant. Producers have been editing takes since the beginning. Anytime someone mutes or "ducks" something on a track, it's essentially an edit. Tape is spliced. Loops are made (remember the Bee Gee's?)Happens all the time. It's how hits are made. Computers make it easier and faster and good producers with a computer can use it wisely to create a great mix. But you've chosen to highlight what seems (to you) to be negative about the whole thing. There's some great bands out there on MySpace, somehow you've managed to overlook them. Too bad. Hi John,

Disappointed here. You have generalizations of the MySpace community are discouraging and bland. Your assesment of home based computer recording is irrelevant. Producers have been editing takes since the beginning. Anytime someone mutes or “ducks” something on a track, it’s essentially an edit. Tape is spliced. Loops are made (remember the Bee Gee’s?)Happens all the time. It’s how hits are made. Computers make it easier and faster and good producers with a computer can use it wisely to create a great mix. But you’ve chosen to highlight what seems (to you) to be negative about the whole thing. There’s some great bands out there on MySpace, somehow you’ve managed to overlook them. Too bad.

]]> By: sara hawley http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-2177 sara hawley Wed, 09 Aug 2006 09:26:40 +0000 http://www.kingsofar.com/2006/07/26/myspace-and-artists-for-the-better-or-worse-by-john-degrazio/#comment-2177 good luck John!! The point made about friends/fans on myspace and gig attendance is a fair one..except that with myspace bands can have fans all over the world, 99% of them will not be able to attend a gig in Manchester (UK)..on the flip side you can have bands with a strong local following..but see them play outside there own town/comfort zone and its a different story!! The best way is, write the best songs you can..gig them out and build a career slowly, that gives the band time to get a stage craft and just to develop themsleves as artists, build your core fan base and most of all keep in mind why you wanted to be an artist in the first place, its too easy today to get overloaded with websites and internet bullshit. Its a good tool, but not the be all and end all!! At the end of the day, the song is the most important factor and the quality of your live perfmance is a close second. sara xx good luck John!! The point made about friends/fans on myspace and gig attendance is a fair one..except that with myspace bands can have fans all over the world, 99% of them will not be able to attend a gig in Manchester (UK)..on the flip side you can have bands with a strong local following..but see them play outside there own town/comfort zone and its a different story!! The best way is, write the best songs you can..gig them out and build a career slowly, that gives the band time to get a stage craft and just to develop themsleves as artists, build your core fan base and most of all keep in mind why you wanted to be an artist in the first place, its too easy today to get overloaded with websites and internet bullshit. Its a good tool, but not the be all and end all!! At the end of the day, the song is the most important factor and the quality of your live perfmance is a close second.

sara xx

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