Defining A “Sell-out” Band.
The term “Sell-Out” is thrown around so much these days it gets a bit aggravating at times. At what point is it justifiable to call a band “Sell-outs”?
It seems everyone wants to jump on the crazy bandwagon these days calling any band thats makes it big and hits the mainstream with a vengeance “Sell-outs”. Isn’t it the point of every band to make it big and play large crowds and make more money. Money you say? Yes, Money. Every band, big or small loves to perform and they do it for two reasons. Because they love doing it and they like the money it brings. No band in history has ever had a meeting and said, “Hey look guys, No matter what happens lets promise to never quit our 9 to 5 jobs and use our talent to make us some money.”. That would be stupid. Every band wants to be heard by the world. To some it may not be as important as it is to others but the reality is that every band wants to be big. There is no sense in having a talent if you can’t do something useful with it and if being useful is using your talent to put food on your table then thats what you need to do. Going Mainstream is not selling out. Going “Mainstream” means more opportunities. Better production, promotion and sometimes better management.Thats not selling out! Thats investing in your talents. Honestly, did you expect them to continue to play that cramped smoke filled bar all their life. C’mon!
Every band loves their fans and is always looking to widen their spectrum of fans wherever they go. Some bands decide that they want to get more fans but have no clue how so they turn to image consultants an change their image in order to appeal to a different crowd. In turn they are also told to change their sound to also appeal to a different fan base. When this happens they earn new fans and lose old one. That’s selling out! Sure you have your hardcore fans that say no matter what I’ll always be a fan…well thats kinda cool cause it shows loyalty but it’s also stupid because it shows just how big of a sheep you are for not being yourself and telling it how it is. So if your favorite metal band suddenly went all disco you would still be a fan, dancing it up to your favorite band in the dance club? If you answered “Yes”, then you too would be a sell out.
Some bands also have this theory that if they changeand the fans don’t stick around they were not true fans to begin with. Once again, thats stupid in my opinion. You want to keep fans you give them what they want. Fans are also customers. Bands are so worried about what will sell so they listen to producers that know what will sell to the “trendy” crowd. So they release a crappy CD in hopes of reaching out and making a grand “Comeback” when all they had to do was make a really good CD that would appeal to their old fans which in turn (yeah, I know i’ve used that too many times) creates new fans, but not necessarily the fans that the so called “Producer” intended on.
Even if a formerly great band releases a crappy CD, most fans of the band will rush out and buy it when it first hits and it may go platinum in the firts week because of the bands past reputation for putting out kick ass music back in the day. Releasing crappy cd after crappy just becomes redundant…but you’ll still buy it no matter how many crappy cd’s they release. Why…because you expect them to make some miraculous come back…and cd after cd, you get disappointed. Thats not selling out…thats not knowing when to get out of the ring and hang up your gloves. Stick a fork in it cause your done!
What I’m getting at is this: Before you go and label a band “Sell-out’s” because they went mainstream, look at the big picture and think of some of the things I said here. There are bands out there that have totally sold out, they know who they are but they just won’t admit it. Until then…Get off of your high horse, shut your mouth and enjoy the music!
Tags: sell-out, selling-out, sold-outRelated Stories
POSTED IN: About Me, Articles, Bands, Contests, Crap, Genres, Guitar Tab, Memorabilia, Music And Politics, News, Old School Reviews, Reviews, Uncategorized
4 opinions for Defining A “Sell-out” Band.
Roberta
Nov 6, 2007 at 9:45 pm
ahem…Metallica anyone?
Jonathon
Nov 7, 2007 at 12:22 am
A sellout is anyone who changes their style to make their music more mainstream, or anyone who’s pandering to the record industry’s idea of a “radio friendly unit shifter”.
For the most part, anyone who signs a record contract is a sell out and a slave. Rarely does anyone get industry support without compromising their artistic vision. It has nothing to do with their popularity and everything to do with their sound.
Scott
Nov 7, 2007 at 7:01 am
I agree with you for the most part, Johnathan. But I wouldn’t say everyone that signs a contract is a sell out and a slave, it’s just that some are too quick to sign a contract that is offered and don’t look at the reputation of the label. In my opinion, your work will speak for itself.
Ocarina
Dec 31, 2007 at 3:15 am
If I understand you, Jonathon, a band like Therion is a sellout because they have a contract? Listen to Therion and tell me they’re trying to sell anything aside from what THEY want to make.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: