SG: You’d think those amateur recordings would be promotion.
Because if people want to hear a quality version, they’re gonna have to check out the record.
Let me ask you a final question today: what advice do you have for new musicians starting out? Should they look for a major deal, or what should their goals be?
WG: I think the goal of the younger musician right now should be to become a musician, and not think about becoming a star.
I think the advertising, the American Idol-type of shows are teaching young people to be stars, and they need to become musicians. They should study the music, learn how to play it, learn the theory, learn how the instrument works, how it’s played, how to tune it, or how to build it.
Start out with having a relationship with your instrument first. Second thing, on the business tip: check the magazines, check the trades, go online, see what’s happening.
If you’re a metal kid or you’re a jazz kid or you’re a classical kid, find out who’s doing what at what label, who just got fired, what kind of artists are being signed, what kind of artists are being dropped, what attorney handled that, who’s producing the tracks.
You have to really academically be up on your field as well. And, the other thing I would say to the younger musician is, “Keep an open mind.” Technology can really be on your side. Just keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to be yourself.
SG: Let me end with a little quote: “Will Calhoun has a strong creative vision and he’s doing an extraordinary job keeping music a spiritual and motivating force in his life.” And, Will, I want to thank you for being our guest on The Future of the Music Business today.
WC: Steven, fantastic, it’s great to be on your show. I think you’re doing a great thing by taking the information that a lot of artists are not aware of, and bringing it to the community that needs to hear it. Your book is great. The fact that you’re going out, talking to folks about it, and sort of hipping us to the changing of the guard, it’s a good thing.
SG: Thank you for sharing your wisdom today, I really appreciated it. It’s time to go back and enjoy the sunny weather.
WC: Thank you very much. Have a good day, and I’ll talk to you soon. When you have time, give me a ring and I’ll bring that Black Jack Johnson record down; you’ve gotta hear that, tremendous.
SG: I’m looking forward to it. Thank you, Will Calhoun for being my guest.
Editor Note: This article is the first part in a series on using new technology to succeed in the music business. Click Here for Part II in this series where Gordon presents an interview with Dave Samuels.
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