Good insights, Jim. With artist development in parentheses i’m reminded of the many schemes that record execs, myself included, enforced to squeeze an artist in to the limited channels we had to break them. I still cringe when i think that MCA tried to polish a 16-year old Charlie Sexton into a Billy Idol-like modern pop- rock star. Sigh. Fortunately, his talent was much bigger than that and he thrived despite of it.
So, I listened to Sky’s album and it is brilliant. Too bad, that she was surely a victim of the years of utter chaos that surrounded EMI and Capitol in those years. Who was in charge? I think nobody. The label only released a handful of albums that year, And, disastrously Sky’s was released a week after a Katy Perry album. I’m sure that whoever was in charge made sure that every single resource the company had was directed towards Katy’s album. It’s all they could do to survive.
Thanks! The Charlie Sexton story is a great example. I'm really happy that people are telling me that they're listening to Sky. Great insight about release schedules. You're one of the few people who knows about the unmentioned experiences that inform my thinking on this topic, so I'm especially glad you enjoyed it.
Well, I did leave out some second-hand tales and limit myself to what I can actually see. I think it’s an even more complicated story. Also, we need to find a better room for you the next time you’re playing in town.
Good insights, Jim. With artist development in parentheses i’m reminded of the many schemes that record execs, myself included, enforced to squeeze an artist in to the limited channels we had to break them. I still cringe when i think that MCA tried to polish a 16-year old Charlie Sexton into a Billy Idol-like modern pop- rock star. Sigh. Fortunately, his talent was much bigger than that and he thrived despite of it.
So, I listened to Sky’s album and it is brilliant. Too bad, that she was surely a victim of the years of utter chaos that surrounded EMI and Capitol in those years. Who was in charge? I think nobody. The label only released a handful of albums that year, And, disastrously Sky’s was released a week after a Katy Perry album. I’m sure that whoever was in charge made sure that every single resource the company had was directed towards Katy’s album. It’s all they could do to survive.
Love your writing, Jim. Keep it coming!
Randy
Thanks! The Charlie Sexton story is a great example. I'm really happy that people are telling me that they're listening to Sky. Great insight about release schedules. You're one of the few people who knows about the unmentioned experiences that inform my thinking on this topic, so I'm especially glad you enjoyed it.
Good piece. Sadly...nothing new here about how and why, just confirmation. I hope she flies high, now.
Well, I did leave out some second-hand tales and limit myself to what I can actually see. I think it’s an even more complicated story. Also, we need to find a better room for you the next time you’re playing in town.