Labels In George Washington's Music Industry

George Washington, arguably one of the United States most well-known and recognizable founding fathers, was the figurehead of American history in regards to independence. He has been quoted in diaries reverberating “It is better to be alone than to be in bad company” (Washington) when referring to virtually any situation known to man. Defining the word alone in this context is difficult, due to the broadness of the quote. In many cases, alone can be instituted as a synonym for independence. Knowing this, then replacing a few words in Washington’s famous quote results in this sentence; it is better to be independent than to be in a bad company. A statement such as that can be applied perfectly to the 21st century music industry in America. Usually

Years and years of gaining artists, money, and credibility resulted in major labels owning basically every artist or band heard on the radio today. For example, in this year’s (2017) Grammy Awards, of all artist in the R&B and Rap fields, only one was independent (Billboard). Clearly, the percent of artists signed to labels versus independent artists are in signed artists favor. Now, why are these results so polar opposite? Record labels entice artists to sign with them by promising large sums of money and benefits but that is far from all they are signing for. After putting their John Hancock on the dotted line artists legally assign rights to the label, which entitles them to control, distribute, promote and exploit all of the artists recordings (Voogt). This means that under contract, a signed artist can not make music of their own and release it without the approval of label. As a result, if an artist makes a song that he or she likes, but their label does not, they are not allowed to release it or make any money off of it. Under most circumstances, though, if the song is good, it will be released, but only for the gain of label, not for the growth of the artist. Some may argue that labels want their artists to grow and mature, but they, in many cases, are infamously strict on their artists (Voogt). After all, it is all about making

Remaining an independent artist allows for more original sounds to be produced. Record labels focus on the money, so when there is a certain sound in songs that is attracting listeners attention, many labels have their artists establish that sound in their music as well. Therefore, the labels create a false standard of what good or popular music is. An artist would not be an artist if they should be restricted to produce music they do not want to make. Passion is what makes good music and rules restrict creativity; it the equation for only one thing, a reduced quality in music due to lack of interest on the artist. Independent artists, however, do not have a limit on creativity. Chancellor Jonathan Bennett, better known by the stage name, Chance the Rapper, is a prime example of a creative artist that loves making abstract songs that will always remain independent. When Chance was asked by rolling stones if he has thought of signing with a label, he replied with, “There's no reason to. It's a dead industry.” (Hyman) meaning the music industry is too stagnant, everyone is making the same kind of music. Chance decided he would break the cycle and stay independent. The quality of his music is incredible, and most of the time, he does not even attempt to rhyme. He has a recognizable voice, and an even more unique message. A message that