"You remind me of Elliot from Season Five...."

Do you remember when Simon said this to Matt after his audition? I suppose that, musically, they have some similarities with each other (although, of course, I think Matt is FAR more superior; ha ha). After analyzing Matt's responses in chat and watching this recent interview from Elliot, I have to say that these two really ARE similar in the way that they look at the music business and the fact that they both genuinely LOVE what they do...because of the MUSIC and fans--not the fame. In other words, they will not sell out to make a quick buck. I can definitely respect that.

If you are interested in what Elliot has to say about what the music industry is like now, fast forward to the 5:45 mark:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCyXs31IcSI

Also, FWIW, I stumbled upon this article about record labels on a David Cook website. Interesting stuff:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703574604574501704063089802.html

iluvmatt wrote:

Do you remember when Simon said this to Matt after his audition? I suppose that, musically, they have some similarities with each other (although, of course, I think Matt is FAR more superior; ha ha). After analyzing Matt's responses in chat and watching this recent interview from Elliot, I have to say that these two really ARE similar in the way that they look at the music business and the fact that they both genuinely LOVE what they do...because of the MUSIC and fans--not the fame. In other words, they will not sell out to make a quick buck. I can definitely respect that.

If you are interested in what Elliot has to say about what the music industry is like now, fast forward to the 5:45 mark:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCyXs31IcSI

Also, FWIW, I stumbled upon this article about record labels on a David Cook website. Interesting stuff:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703574604574501704063089802.html

Thanks for posting this iluvmatt! As we discussed in twitter I think its very relevent because Matt and Elliott are very similiar in their take on the music industry and what they themselves want to do as far as putting music out.

Listening to Elliott on that video really made me think of Matt. Specifically, what Elliott stressed was that he was most interested in making music that he can be proud of and that his fans would emjoy. If I closed my eyes, I would think I was listening to Matt speak. He also spoke at length at what a challenge it is to get your music heard and played, and how much harder it is now, even compared to only a couple of years ago. In the end, though, he sounded like he was relatively happy at where his life is currently.

But here is my question for the board. Elliott is singed to an indie label (I heard rumors that he actually turned down a major but I don't know how true they are) and had an extremely succeessful single on his first album. He's not had much play on the second album. But at least in the interview, he seems content. Would Matt be happy to have an Ellliott like career wrt record sales/plays/exposure as long as he got to do the music that he loves to do? Would you guys be happy with Matt having that type of career? Do you expect more? Want more?

I also just read the other article you posted. I found it very interesting. The bottom line I gathered is that everyone is hoping that the old model of record companies abusing artists is gone but as it stands now, they still need a manager and prefer to be signed to a major label. I found the comment after the article most telling:

Quote :

There has been more than a few truckloads' worth of hype written about the "digital music revolution" and how musicians are now "liberated" from the traditional music business model. But the hype was almost entirely written by people who aren't working musicians and have never met one.

As it turns out, today's musicians are faced with the same problems that generations before them have faced: getting attention in a crowded field, and managing a career in an increasingly complex marketplace. The solutions haven't changed much either: get a corporation to finance and promote your work, and get a manager to point you in the right direction.

And cross your fingers and hope you don't get shafted.

I do think the music industry is at a point of transition but at least for now, I reallly think Matt needs someone who knows the business to help steer him and help him get gigs and his foot in the door. I was really happy to hear him talk about looking for management in his chat.

Iluvmatt thanks for posting the article and interview. I haven't had a chance yet to view them but I will a little later. It sounds very intereseting!

Thanks for posting the interviews here ILM. Like we discussed on twitter, I also thought Elliot said a lot of what we have heard from Matt. I was glad to see Elliot looking happy and sounding positive about his career. He was my fave that season. Of course I want Matt to have the best of everything in life, but mostly I want him to be happy following his dream. If he is happy with his music career and content with the path he is on, then why shouldn't I be? It is his life and his dream. I will always support him and follow his career. I can't wait until I get to hear his new music in January, hopefullly before!

Matt is a smart guy and he knows the road he will travel isn't always a smooth one. I DO hope he hires a manager as they would help him with booking shows, appearances and general PR stuff. This would allow Matt to focus on his music- which I think brings him the greatest joy, and his fans, which of course is us! I know I have been impatient at times, wanting him to speed things up as I so much want to enjoy his new music, and see him perform it. I guess I will just have to be more patient. I do know that whatever and whenever his music comes out, I will be very happy indeed!