Most independent bands will never experience life on a major label. That's an unfortunate truth, but these days, it doesn't necessarily mean failure. Some of them don't even want to, actually. Regardless, the privileges, opportunities, schwag, and fame are tempting... yet so mysterious. Here are seven questions indie musicians have for the big shots.
1. Was it always your dream to be a perfumer?
Image via popcrush.com
Or was your passion for fragrances sparked after you got signed?
2. Were your major label ambitions really just a ploy to date actors?
Fabrizio Moretti, drummer of the Strokes, also dated Kirsten Dunst. (Image via thefristky.com)
It's scientifically proven that celebrity relationships last the longest, after all. Side note: Did you know there's a searchable online database of celebrity relationships that provides the history and current status of basically anyone famous? Yikes.
3. Or were your intentions all along to be an actor yourself?
Which came first, the musician or the actor? (Image via hitfix.com)
Hey, if you've got the chops, go for it. And, anyway, your efforts help fill the void left by actors who later decided to become musicians.
4. Does Universal really have a designated weed guy?
Image via the csindy.com
What about the other labels? What about... other items?
5. When will you stop pretending to have "cred"?
A still from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Thrift Shop" video. (Image via yahoo.com)
Please don't purport to be wholly DIY when you hired someone to get your music on the radio. We're not harping on that move, only the dishonesty. Additionally, if you were born rich, there is a 99 percent chance you are not an underdog. (That goes for any and all of your endeavors.) And honestly, the people you think care about this kind of thing aren't even potential listeners. There's no need to lie about who you are.
6. At what point do you become okay with faking live performances?
Never, we hope. If you must, at least let your fans know by making a joke of the performance like Nirvana did on Top of the Pops in '91.
7. Will any of you ever top the awesome absurdity of Mastodon's Grammy 2015 appearance?
Photo by Mario Anzuoni
Probably not, but we hope you'll try.
Next up:
- 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Signing a Record Deal
- Must See: Aimee Mann's Brutally Honest Account of When Her Label Tried to Change Her Sound
- 5 Signs That You're Not Ready for a Label
- Whether or Not You Want a Record Deal, You Must Do These 4 Things to Be Successful
- 5 Surprising Things You Probably Didn't Know About Record Labels
Jhoni Jackson is an Atlanta-bred music journalist currently based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she juggles owning a venue called Club 77, freelance writing and, of course, going to the beach as often as possible.
