JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Songwriter Message Forum Collabs are rampant these days!

Last word on the subject. My observations are facts as far as I am concerned. It would be interesting to see if someone can disprove my facts. I can prove them all.

Fact. We live in a society where hype, advertising, peer pressure and keeping up with the Jones is the norm. That is why advertising and marketing is a billion dollar industry.

Fact. The vast majority of the record buying public are teenagers to early twenties. They are generally easily led and subject to fads fashions and peer pressure. They will buy almost anything and generally cannot look at things objectively.

Fact. Most people have a poor taste in and understanding of music..their tastes are very narrow and driven by hype. This is generally caused by them being insular, poorly educated and ignorant of what else is out there.

Fact. This industry is full of con men, cheats, liars and people who will climb all over you to get what they want. Most people involved in the industry at any level will fall foul of some of these people sooner or later. There are some honest, genuine people also.

Fact. Life is unfair.

Fact. I have been in the music industry for a very long time (over 40 years) as a performer first.... and songwriter second. I admit that songwriting is secondary and more of a hobby. I have met some great folk and some pretty awful individuals. Some of these people have reached great heights and received acclaim fame and fortune some just do it for fun and earn nothing. Some people I know are due huge amounts of money after being cheated by record companies, accountants, agents managers etc dating way back.... despite legal actions etc it is doubtful if they will ever get any of their money.

Fact. I am glad I did not join a certain band when asked to.

Fact. I do not regret anything. I perform for the love of music and would gladly perform for nothing getting paid is a bonus....

Fact. Some people do make it the hard way through the ranks and by serving an apprenticeship but a lot jump the queue as they are helped by friends in the know. The "directors couch" still exists.

Fact. There are specialist music lawyers who make a living ensuring that contracts rip people off. There are also specialist lawyers who work for individuals who try to get some of this rip off money back.

Fact. There is now and there has always been lots of crap music and crap musicians who make it. A lot actually make big money. I do not see it changing. On the flip there is and hopefully always will be some great music made.

Fact. Anyone who has ever read a magazine, or newspaper, or worked in the music industry, or watched TV, or listened to radio, or bought a record should know that all of the above facts are true. To say different you are either kidding yourself or do not get out much.

Whilst some people might not like these facts they are still facts and I do not have to prove them.