I have always thought of the record industry as a loan shark; a terrible one at that. The idea that there are nine out of 10 ‘failures’ may work for the restaurant business where fickle tastes, health concerns and real estate play major roles, but not for an ‘industry’ in which labels signed all of these artists with contractual obligations to promote and fund recording. It’s an industry that relied on radio payola because they were so desperate for the rare top hit without building a strong, consistent roster of acts that can build an audience and possibly have a string of successes. It’s an industry in which some artist will get an advance and blow it before hitting the studio.

Now, music is the most subjective artform there is. The industry’s content reflects the human condition despite fostering the biggest flakes, poseurs and jerks on the planet because of this creative gift. Publicity stunts and ‘controversies’ are the only way some of these folks have any relevance and knowing this, the industry looks for these types; taking away resources from other folks on the roster who just want to make their songs, meet some fans and go home.