How do the record business work
 

Sup

I am working on a project that's about the record business and i wonder if any one have some valid information about the subject like interviews or good web sites that gives a really good picture how the business work not just the major labels but also independent.
peace

they all work like any other business. their revenue has to be greater than their expenses.

steve albini's old rant on the state of modern music is always an interesting read in discussions like this one.

The Problem With Music

You don't think that would be biased, though?

depends on perspective and ideals. the bias in the article is more in regards to how musicians are treated by their labels as opposed to the business model labels actually operate with.

it's kind of like whining about not being able to go to the cops after getting ripped off by your dealer.

I don't see the analogy. =P

I've always wondered but been reluctant to ask, what is the difference between a major label and indie label? Yes, I know the basics (ans the obvious stuff) but how do they both work differently?

basically people have this romanticized version of what being a musician is 'supposed' to be like. the label is supposed to nurture you and develop you and maximize your potential. they shouldn't ever be looking out for themselves and developing the talent signed to their roster to sell the most product within a given market so they turn a profit and they stay in business...

not unlike the way a dealer will always tell his burnouts that they're the coolest, and that they're getting the best stuff for the best price, just for you. it's BS, he's looking out for #1, same as a label. just like you can't go to the cops once you realize you're being ripped off, you can't really fault the label for signing a contract that doesn't cater to your every whim.

smaller staff = more direct contact between the band members and the people who make the final decisions at the label.

Ah. I understand now. Thank you for explaining.

Pretty much this. Which explains the abundance of terribly made pop music - it's cheap to produce, yet brings in lots of revenue from topping the charts and being played at clubs and whatnot.