The Importance of Artist Development in the Music Industry

Many record labels these days aren’t interested in developing recording artists and bands. Many simply want to work with an artist that has all of that taken care of. From websites, blogs and social media record labels are not interested in working to develop that side of the artist. Reason being is that record labels want to focus on pushing a product that requires little upfront costs in terms of building the structure that sells the artists in so many words or less. Record Labels are looking for a prepackaged deal that can be marketed to consumers and with little developmental effort what so ever.

What artists need to focus on is having someone develop them before taking an offer with a record label or seeking one. Reason being is because with out the necessary look and feel that artist are suppose to gives off to their audience, labels will offer less initial upfront money for recording projects. Touring helps with this because of the amount of exposure artists receive and the amount of record sales that tours generate over time. Developing your fan base is crucial to you getting the best deal with a record label. Thinking about getting signed to a label and getting a great deal means a great deal of artist development for recording artist and bands.

According to Artist House Music interview with Owen Husney who was Prince’s first manager stated that major labels lack Artist Development. He stated that in this type of market where record labels want artists with at least 5,000 albums sold Prince would have never been able to be signed by Owen Husney. He also states that record labels should invest in developing artist. For artist and bands seeking record deals and opportunities start to focus on touring and working on your songs that will get records sold on tours and develop your fan base.