The Best Actor in the Vase of Meiyu

Chapter 449: Good or bad
These are all true——

After the "Tonight Show" aired, the band's performance caused a sensation across the entire North American continent. Although Anson's popularity later overtook it, there is no doubt that the band's popularity remains high.

The most amazing and interesting thing is that when a singer goes to a talk show to perform for promotion, it is usually for publicity. The program team will naturally not miss the introduction. Not only the host will introduce the band and the song, but also the subtitles will be printed on the screen. , to ensure publicity effect.

However, this episode of "The Tonight Show" did not.

There was no band and no songs, everything was unknown.

This has become the reason why the band’s buzz index has always remained at a high level——

purely.

It's not for commercial promotion, nor is it prepared for fame and popularity.

Naturally, the band caught the attention of record labels.

Some contacted Connor and the others, some contacted Anson or Edgar; some contacted industry giants like Universal Music, and some independent record companies that had just been established; some contacted by phone, and some sent emails. Of.

Different channels, different methods and different conditions are like a jigsaw puzzle that piece together part of the market blueprint and give a glimpse of their current position.

There are those who sincerely hope to discover the band's talent, and there are also those who are opportunistic and want to make a fortune out of the band. There are all kinds of people in Vanity Fair.

That's why Anson made this judgment.

At last.

Anson showed a smile and looked at Mike quietly.

Dustin seemed much more generous. He rolled his eyes and said, "So, you say it, or do I?"

Mike was a little helpless, "Sorry, Dustin is such an impatient person."

Anson didn't mind and shrugged lightly, "But you still chose to come to negotiate with him, which means you are mentally prepared."

Mike was stunned.

Dustin, "Haha, I knew I would like this kid."

Mike shook his head slightly helplessly, and then finally opened the skylight and spoke frankly.

"Yes, you are correct."

"We have market considerations, but Dustin thinks that from a musical perspective, we can't miss you."

"Indeed, your performance is challenging people's existing knowledge of music. Pop music is one thing. People tend to like things they are familiar with and easy to listen to. They will subconsciously feel unfamiliar and even reject new things. Feelings, so record companies don’t like innovation.”

"When Queen recorded 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' and when the Beatles recorded 'White Album,' EMI was in a state of chaos. They all believed that the market could not accept such advanced music."

"Musicians want to break through themselves, but record companies want musicians to stay the same and continue to produce familiar things in familiar tracks."

"So, you can imagine the divisions within Warner Records about your music."

“But, that’s the thing about music.”

"It's too old-fashioned, and it's too avant-garde; it's too old-fashioned, and it's too trendy. We are all looking for a balance between pop and art."

"I think, or Dustin thinks, you guys have found that balance."

"The fact that your performance on the streets of Manhattan has been able to win so much attention at the Forum is the best proof, so I think you deserve a chance, which is why we came to visit you today..."

Suddenly, the words stopped.

Mike was a little reserved. Dustin glanced at Mike and shook his head slightly, "What's so hard to say? Anson just mentioned it, didn't he?"

"The contract may not be that good."

Mike coughed twice, his expression slightly helpless, but he still looked at Anson.

"Perhaps, the contract terms are slightly less favorable, but the album is handed over to Dustin as the producer. As I just said, we will respect the musical color of the band. We hope to sign a maverick band. We will not Change you, otherwise there will be no need to sign this contract."

After a pause, Mike noticed that Anson did not speak but just kept listening. He understood immediately and did not hesitate again this time.

"Warner Records can provide the band with a contract of one million US dollars per album, and we will write in black and white in the contract that you will also serve as the producer and have the decision-making power for album production to ensure that the record can be completed according to your ideas."

Each album costs one million US dollars, which means that each member of the band earns US$2002. What level was this in the record market in ?

To be honest, Anson knew nothing——

Although he is a time traveler, he has limited knowledge of industry information about the music market.

Anson remembers that in 2001, Mariah Carey left her former employer, Columbia Records, to sign with EMI's Virgin Records at a cost of $ million per record.

Of course, this has no reference value.

First of all, Mariah Carey is a queen, currently in the top 1% of the industry pyramid.

Secondly, even Mariah Carey and Virgin Records were collectively criticized by the industry for this move, and the voice of "people are stupid and have too much money" is endless.

Thirdly, just one year after signing the contract, Virgin Records also realized that this was a mistake, so they paid a liquidated damages of US$28 million to get rid of this burden.

Based on this information, the contract provided by Warner Records is quite reasonable, maybe not exceptional, but it is good for a new independent band.

If you think about it seriously, it's not surprising.

In 2002, Universal Music Group was still the undisputed leader in the music market. Their global market share could be as high as 30%, and the other four major record companies were unable to form effective competition.

However, Warner Records has been slowly exerting its strength. Around 2006, they completed the impossible task and overtook Universal Music to become the leader in global music market share, completely overturning the world map.

Judging from various information, Warner Records has indeed been quietly exerting its efforts and slowly laying out its plans. Anson and the band should also be part of their attempt -

Even though there were worries within the company, they still offered a contract of one million US dollars per album, which was generous and risky enough.

The value of the contract aside, Anson isn’t getting carried away with the numbers, “So, what are the limitations?”

Mike shook his head slightly and smiled, "You are really unwavering."

Anson smiled back, "I thought you were mentally prepared."

Dustin smiled without any shame, looking like he was watching a good show.

Mike took a deep breath, "We can only sign a three-album contract with the band; but we have priority for the fourth album."

Anson raised his chin slightly, "I thought you all signed five album contracts at once. If there is no follow-up after the first one, the contract will be left there gathering dust, tying up the band but not paying attention."

Anyway, without an album, the record company does not need to pay fees; but the band did not complete the contract but could not leave, so they were trapped in a dead contract with no future.

There are countless such things in the music industry.

Therefore, Warner Records' three-album contract sounds much more reasonable.

(End of this chapter)