So, what has changed in today’s music industry in comparison to the past years? More and more independent artists, musicians, producers, bands, labels & PR labels have appeared on the scene. Is this a good or a bad thing? Well, it depends. It’s kinda both good and bad.You see one can “baptize” his sleeping room a “studio” and “pretend” to be the producer, the multi-instrumentalist, the video-maker, the director, Superman, the groupie, the cheerleader… anything they want to. The most bizarre thing of all is that you can actually see people trusting them with their money and supporting this thing in general. Afterwards they think they have become a “super group” and they are ready to take on the world. Well, the truth is crueler than they may think… but when they find out, it is going to be too late for everyone.
The same goes, more or less, for the PR labels which have been mushrooming lately. But if you see the bright side of it… it’s actually the easiest and “trickier” way to make some money. You see the PR labels are there to fill the gap between the music labels and the independent bands/artists. They are offering anyone the way to see their work in various web press places, printed mags, the web-radio or even the FM for a few bucks or more. That’s not bad someone can say. Of course, it ain’t bad. The major music labels have already got a big established press-radio “communion” but the indie artist/bands are struggling to be featured somewhere.
The PR labels have grown too many in such a little time period, meaning that some people are trying to take advantage of that “trend”, make a few bucks and hit the road afterwards. That’s where the “weird” things start with all the PR labels. A number of them “promise” fame, interviews & great reviews via their “golden packages” and less “glory” through their fair ones. Most indie bands & artists swallow the bait and believe their road to success has opened widely!
A few others that have been years around and they also represent a bunch of music labels have settle things down. They have some very “expensive packages” and they “guarantee” very good or amazing reviews, interviews and radio play. If you can take the deal then congrats your band is superb and you are the next star… for about a 6-month period as long as the package is valid. Then you can bring more money on the table and keep living your Rock-Star dream! Swell!!!
Surely, we’re in need of responsible and music dedicated PR Labels by people who love and care about rock/metal music but we must also secure the scene from the deft persons that are seeking money and how to deceive various bands & artists.
Alternatively, it is not fair to watch major magz, ezines & (web) radios to keep supporting and promoting the same big music Labels and the “great” bands all over again and not realize that the game is sold! It’s not a secret, it was never one…
Certainly, there’s “freedom” around… or probably a so called “freedom”, as the places where some people can actually speak their minds free and promote/support music without having any mutual interests are very few but they are also blocked by the major labels & PR labels due to the reason of professionalism. Huh! Just let me explain what they mean with the word “professional”. You must do what they say, whenever they say it, agree with them, promote ‘em, support ‘em and praise them whenever they pay you & tell you to do so. If you agree with their terms then you are called “pro” and they can put you in the game. You will gain fame & fortune and their interests will be safe by another “significant pro” who entered their world! Swell! You won! Game over!!!
PS: When YOU send us your album for consideration and presentation then do not act like a spoiled KID later if you do not agree with our perspective. We are not here to play the good guys nor praise anyone who thinks they are a Rock-Star and the world can’t understand their divine music. Do not troll around with various nicks saying how great your band is and curse the reviewer or say that GR sucks! Honestly do you think that this “psycho behavior” can lead to something good eventually?! Stop embarrassing yourself more & more… and remember YOU reached US! We are a bunch of “cold blooded fucked-up music junkies”, so if you’re not sure about yourself, your band and your music DO NOT contact us at all!!!
PS2: Another weird thing is when artist/bands reach us and then they suddenly disappear! They wanna be featured on GR but afterwards they regret it or what?!! Most of the time, when they do realize that we do not joke here, they reconsider. What do they believe about their own music?! Huh! You’re in!
PS3: The GR team is wishing great holidays and a happy Summer time to each & every one of you…
PS4: This will be the editorial for July & August… We have some very interesting interviews and album reviews to present you throughout Summer as well as to upload some old stuff, so stay tuned…
PS5: This month’s Editorial is dedicated to a charismatic musician, vocalist, guitarist and songwriter that left very unexpectedly one sad day. A friend of ours, Gregg Fulkerson, the mastermind behind Blue Tears & Attraction 65. A big tribute will be posted on Grande Rock soon so as to honor this great musician’s memory as this is the 4th anniversary since the day he passed away. Rest in Peace my friend… your music will live forever!