Furshizzle bro. Fuckin glad you're back. I was a little disappointed to have heard that you signed to a label, and fuckin knew they were gonna give you the long dog. I watch a fair amount of independent artists, and from what Ryan Upchurch, Adam Calhoun, and Tom MacDonald have to say, they are trash, liars, and thieves. Anyways, stoked to hear some new shit yo
Aspiring musician here, I appreciate the knowledge. I’m sure a lot of us have heard that labels suck but hearing some of the specific reasons is really nice. Thanks ❤
This is a very ill-informed and ignorant video. Sure, rtecord labels are greedy in most cases but they do a large amount of promo, martketing, and networking. Why would I have a musician market for me when I could have a professional from a music school do it? please stop making harmful and ignorant content like this. Yopu assume that every social media person hasnt blown up yet without good reason or even an explination. This is so bad an not thought out it hurts my brain.
brother, thank you for putting this out there. I was in a small local band from Baltimore about 10 years ago, now granted we got an offer from a tiny tiny independent label based out of Ohio, but even THAT was ludicrous. We had to pay for studio time, we had to pay for a booker/ticketing, no tour support, we had to pay for our merch and then THEY got a percentage of that. Their “advance” was 2k. for 4 people, 2 album deal, 4 years in total. Same as you said, we couldnt make ANY more money than that initial 2k advance until we paid that back BUT we had to pay for EVERYTHING out of pocket in order to SELL the record and make THEM money? It should be illegal. Glad to see a young artist like yourself speaking out like this.
@@ozisfake it wouldn't be that hard. Unionize like WGA & SAG and bleed the record labels dry until they're fairly compensated. This would benefit small medium and large artists of today's world and would probably pick up a great deal of momentum.
All same as you man my manager being a women kept trying to threaten me if I didn’t sleep with her I’d have issues I got tired of the threats and bs I quit and left her at the airport
As an independent artist. I never plan on signing with a label. Also as someone who's wanted to make a song with you, I want to thank you for sharing your experience.
At least when you're independent you have FULL control of what you want to release. And you get 100% of the proceeds. Just takes a lot longer to get noticed without a major label.
Word to God!!! Everything you saying is true. My Dad was a staff songwriter at Chess Records in Chigo back when Marvin Gaye (beforehe went to Motown), Maurice White (before EWF), Billy Stewart, Chuck Berry, Bob Diddley and Harvey Fuqua was over there. LEONARD CHESS used to ball up every song my dad wrote and trash it. Saying, "I don't like it..go write something else" but Harvey Fuqua dug one back out the trash and bought it from my dad then gave it to The Platters. When the record came out ..it was a hit. LEONARD CHESS heard it abd got pissed. He then told my dad, " when I throw a song in the trash it's suppose to stay there!!!" Now that right there turned my Dad against record companies and contracts to stifle creativity and prevent good people from having a good life doing what they love.
From what I can tell from every single story I’ve heard is that labels really only want to sign you if they think you already have an audience, so won’t help you build one, but the only reason you’d want to sign to a label is the audience they can provide.. if you’ve already got a following then there is no reason to sign away your music and rights to anyone else. So basically, it’s not that there are plenty of reasons not to sign with a label, it’s that there are NO reasons TO sign. They only want you when you’re at a place that you could do everything on your own anyway. At this point they’re basically just loan sharks: they’ve done the math, and they know that they’ll get their advance back and then some, one way or another, even if that means preventing you from ever releasing music. And 18% WOULD be high, if you weren’t already producing, writing, and recording your own music, and if they were going to help “develop” you and gain you an audience. But they provide none of that and then they’re gonna take 82% and own all the rights? GTFOH. Unfortunately it seems there’s no leg up anymore; if you want to make a living as a musician you’ve got to do it all yourself from the ground up. That’s more rewarding anyways though, and you’ll have a much closer connection with the fans that way. And of course you’ll be 100% in control of your music and career. All things considered, getting out of your deal after only a year, and while you still owe on the advance, ain’t too bad. I don’t know who you are, this just came up in my recommendations, but I’m glad you got out, and good luck in the future!
Glad you said that because that has been my thought for some years now. What's the point in signing if you already have an established fanbase and you're doing great in sales? You've already done all of the heavy lifting. What sucks even further with the labels is they get to tell you when or if you're going to release an album, they can tell you if they approve or disapprove of any collaborations with other artists, they pretty much have a say over what you can and cannot do despite you being an independent contractor. After all that they not only get you to recoup the money they've lent you but they also get the lion's share of profits you've garnered (provided you're being successful) on top of that. Add on the fact they also get to own the album you've already paid them back for. At that point you're essentially signing up to pay them to be your boss and you're paying them to own an album/albums they've in essence commissioned you to make for them. That's an extremely crappy deal for the artist. If you were able to build up a following to the point of making a good living off of it, there's simply no good reason to sign with a label.
There is 2 label paths. Either you sign directly to a major label. Or you sign to a smaller artist-owned label that is underneath a major label. Artist-owned labels typically have more traction and benefits to signing, look at Opium (Playboi Carti's artist) or 1017 (Gucci's artist). This is a way for the already established artist to co-sign you and build you up. If you're coming off of a label like this, you are going to have allot of support and built in fans. With a major label, you sign because they help you build connections and have reach. Basically, a major label can take you from a star to a superstar. They get you playlisting and radio play, they get you features with big-named artist. They will get you in with producers who will polish your sound. They will put you in a room with the largest hit-makers. This is all important because this will help take you from a star to a superstar if used correctly. If you're not a star though, and more of a one-hit-wonder type, there is a decent chance you'll fail. This is why many have bad experiences signing to labels.
I always thought that having a record deal was gonna resolve my band's problem, now more than ever I want to do everything by ourselves. Thanks a lot for this video!! My band: Our Divide
You actually have all the power in your hands. Social media marketing, content, tiktok etc. Nothing is more powerful. Hone in on that. Labels can't do anything else that you can't do yourself.
YES! I worked in the music industry for 15 years between teaching, playing, and being "that guy with a truck" who would help friends get their crap to gigs. It sucked so hard to have so many good musicians die because of the politics in the music industry, or who couldn't get anything other than a local show because the big gigs were locked down by labels. Please tell me that you've got another banger just waiting to be let free - I saw you open for Wage War and Falling in Reverse in Maryland, and you were awesome! Keep kicking ass and doing YOUR music. Unsheath that sword and make the world shake!
I'm an African, precisely from Cameroon and Nigeria and I'm really impressed by this man's honesty and courage to speak out the truth. I do Afrobeatz and we all know how it's taking over and I thought of vlogging and doing my music independently and watching this video just inspired me to go in harder
ALWAYS GO INDEPENDENT. YOU HAVE THE POWER OF THE INTERNET NOW. Labels want you to do all the work of promoting yourself and building your own fansbase and following online when and after they sign you. You're going all of the work for them anyway so why sign. The whole point of a label was to get you and your music out there. But now you have to do it yourself so what is the point of a label. You're doing it anyway.
i agree with what you are saying in this video. big labels can be sketchy as hell, cause they expect so much. After all, to them it's nothing more than a business agreement. my last 20 years of experience in the music industry has taught me that doing everything yourself doesn't work for everyone (unless you are the 1% of people that actually has something go viral, but nobody in their right mind should expect that to happen). Reason is that promoting and sharing your music on social media just doesn't work, hell I've been doing this since the 2000s and I'm no where closer to being a known name than I was back then. all thanks to social media not doing what its supposed to do. this is where independent labels come in, they help you with advertising. so you don't have to send your stuff all throughout social media where nobody is listening. if the right indie label works with you, they will connect your music to the right people. Of course, you would still need to look at the details before agreeing to anything because not all indie labels are good. I'm still an independent artist, and I do make money from music, but honestly working a minimum wage job still pays more. nobody gets into the music industry for money, but it would be nice if one day i was able to pay for one meal a day with money i get from music.
CONGRATULATIONS on your newly re-acquired freedom! Can't wait to see you out in the indie world making amazing music that YOU decide whether it goes out or not!
I don't think I will ever have to worry about getting signed. I gave up on that dream. Now I just do my music for myself and a few fans on-line. I do think though it's amazing you are helping others from giving up their lives for a contract. That is a beautiful thing helping people like that.
Thank you for mentioning distribution companies- I had no idea they even existed. This video is a vital touchstone for any up and coming artist. I appreciate how straightforwardly you outline all of this. I wish you every success 💖
Even back in the day the labels take all your money. My friend was in a super popular metal band early 2000’s and their only way to make money was merch and touring.
Crazy now, Independent artist if they are great can make way more money. I know a few making millions a year. Never have to tour also. Stay Independent.👍
Dang that's terrible. I've heard similar horror stories. Even if it's industry standard 18% is CRIMINAL split. I hope more people are staying away and just paving as an independent. Glad to hear you made it out!
Awesome video bro. Sorry to hear about your bad experience but I can tell you you’re helping so many others by sharing your experience, including myself so thank you for that
I absolutely love Independent Artists. I have not listened to the radio in years. It started with Tom, Nova, Adam, Jelly, Upchurch, etc. Your music played on one of my Spotify playlists, from Jelly Roll I believe. And now I have a Jeris Johnson playlist saved. Can’t wait to hear more. #KeepItIndependent ❤
I love the hog family your story is just like mine started with Upchurch found Tom and Nova then Adam per magic happened they found each other and made fire! This one is also awesome now independent maybe they'll find each other...Epic shit!
Hey Jeris big fan from Maryland here. Anyway as a musician myself I appreciate your honesty and openness with this subject. Cant wait to hear new music and will be buying tickets to see you live whenever your touring nearby. Nothing but peace and love bro
You deserve better!! Thanks for sharing this detailed update. And you never sounded cynical, which I thought was dope. Now get back to making the future baby!!!!
Preeeeach! 👏👏👏 Just came back from Blue Ridge Rock Festival and a bunch at my camp were literally JUST talking about this! Like you disappeared and we were really bummed and kept saying there was no way someone like you just fizzled out. (Then there was that surprise release out of seemingly nowhere recently and that made my fucking year!) I am SO proud of you, and so glad that you gave the commercial way the finger. You deserve so much better than that, and you'll be bigger than that! I can't wait to hear more from you! Take care of yourself. Your fans will absolutely be here ❤
Great video! As artists we have to remeber these labels will simply not exist without our art! That alone should push deals that are more fair for the artist. Otherwise, grind it out and do your own thing 💯
As a producer - record label production is also a majorrrrr problem. WAY too many producers are like "If I could produce music for signed artists THEN I'll make it!" So then they get that opportunity and realize... 1. Producing a song with a signed artist doesn't mean it'll be released (in which case - your are not paid at all... it's literally free work for the label) 2. When a song DOES get released... you might not get paid for 6-12 months, because the labels are incentivized to hold the money so they can accrue interest on that cash because they invest it. 3. You have literally ZERO creative control. If you and the artist have a killer idea - the label can just flat out say "no" Labels suck in general. I have very good friends who produce A-List artists .... one of whom produces artists that every single person knows and has 10+ years in it - and he is trying to find a way out cause it is just so trashy and it's honestly like the labels hold out a couple multi-million dollar producers as "this is what YOU can be" - all the while knowing you never will be. Just so they can sink their fangs into you. For YEARS I thought "I should produce for labels" - and fortunately for me - I got advice from some peers "Do not do it. Just produce independent artists" and I never took the label work - so now I just hear the insane stories from my friends who pretty much all hate their work life.
A tale as old as time. Baptism by fire 🔥. Everyone I love has gone through it, and you did too. So proud of you, man. Now the real work begins with your eyes open. We'll be here to support you, bro! You're finally ready!
With all due respect, I have no clue who you are but this just popped up on my suggested. But holy shit was this insightful and honestly sounds like a nightmare. I have heard this kind of stuff in years past but to see its pretty much the same all these years later is laughable. Once you could record in your bedrooms, I feel labels really went out the door. 18% is total shit and learning that a single listen on spotify is $0.003 is nuts. I always knew it was hard to make money and eventually the main way was to make it with live shows, so I thought. Plus the fact that venues get a ton of your merch sales when you tour is also a huge joke and kick in the nuts. Thanks again for the insight and would love to hear more behind the scenes kind stuff. Best of luck with the new music.
Thanks! I had to show this to my friend whose a singer and has a disability - he gets so flustered giving guys money and he’s so sweet and sensitive in wanting to sing for his career. Thanks Jeris! 🎤
I'm not into creating music and probably never will be, but I can see how valuable this info is! Glad to be a small part in spreading the word, Good luck man!
Seeing this makes me happy! 😁 As much as I love the loud and charismatic side of Jeris, I especially appreciate the seriously intellectual side of him where he reveals to us that he actually knows what he’s doing and that he’s not just coasting along. I love that he has a plan and a vision, and that he’s back doing the thangy thang! 🤘🏼🎸
Jeris Johnson when i first got into your music, i made 3 predictions. The first was i predicted you would own your genre cuz duuuuude! Nobody has the instrumental strength AND amazing vocal sound you possess! NOT being owned by a label is your launch pad, you are your rocket and the countdown has started...10, 9, 8... stay tight dude. When it reaches 0...prediction no more! You are the best! DO NOT LET ANYBODY TRY TO STOP YOU! The other 2 predictions arent as good, so i wont share them. I dont want them to come to fruition. One is about a concert and the other is about you and how you live your rockstar life. Don't join the others, Jeris. Please. Love ya Jeris. The countdown...hell yeah!!!
What an honest and vulnerable video, I really appreciate and am impressed with this video. I had been watching you for past 2-3 years starting in 2021, even saw you with Korn when you toured with them, and kept checking to see what you were up to and sad I wasn't seeing anything new. I found you through Punk Rock MBA, when Finn had talked about you and feel in love, it was just so fun to listen to and so different then all the current stuff being put out. That sucks that they stifled you like that. What a HUGE disservice they did to you and your career. I think it is awesome you were able to make this video though and update your fans, and let other artists know about your experience! Good luck moving forward, can't wait to see what you do next!
The 3rd point is the exact reason Sonny Moore became Skrillex. Once he left from first to last, they wouldn't put out his music, so he had to create an alias and do it himself. This is a great educational video for people wanting in the industry. I'm glad you're free, man!!!
lol. dude was ike the 10,000 perso to do that same exact thing. remember when chuck berry did that i the 60s . some blues musicians would just switch their names around. john lee hooker , lee john hooker, hooker john lee, etc
Keep it real, Jeris. You got this shit. You got the talent, you got the drive, and now everyone can see (since you are allowed to speak about it) that you have the wisdom. I hope to see you wipe the boards as a mostly independent artist.
Yeah, I remember promo pricing during the first week in the 90s and just seeing those numbers as a pit to climb out of. It was so bad nobody who wasn't there believes me.
Good video Jeris - I’m glad to here you are back in the driver’s seat and it sounds like you have a crystal clear understanding of where you were and how you need to change things to get where you want to be. Keep up the hard work, and congrats on the continued success. Doug
For me, I love the way I can release a track within my own time. A label is just a way to say you have "money" now and pretty much a flex game. It's so much work on top of working on tracks. A label is good when you have been an artist for 20+ years when they advertise your album on major networks
aint gonna lie jeris johnson, nxcre, violent vira, boi what, and more are the type of artist that will skyrocket to fame fast with time and with more exposure from the current fanbase they have. in my opinion u guys are killing it and im here for it all. much love
I genuinely wanna thank you for this video. Very insightful and not many videos around from actual experience with labels. I’m glad your out of it. I do vocals for a band and we plan to stay independent forever. Why should they own something you created? Sure they give the money upfront, but you have to pay it back lmao and you still don’t own your songs! It’s such a wild process that makes logically no sense whatsoever.
wow. As an emergant musician and being surrounded by musicians, this video is clear and I'm very happy you gave so many details. Multiple musicians have told me DO NOT GET SIGNED and I never really understood why. Now I do... and I won't ! It sucks that it gets down to that but it is what it is. I'll work on brand and fans and push for local shows :)
Thanks for sharing lots of horror stories out there (TLC, JoJo, Taylor Swift, New Edition, Prince, etc) on record contracts this is really common you're not alone. I'd rather be my own label and own my masters and publishing than to slave my life for a label that won't give a shit about me.
I always had this feeling about Record Labels, and I did a bit of research on them, seen several videos like this a few years back. I've also been hearing good things about Distrokid. Thanks for taking the time to speak out and let people be more aware of unassumingly shady practices. As an aspiring Musician myself and just an "outside observer" The music industry as a whole is as deceptive, cunning, cutthroat, manipulative, ruthless, and competitive as it is overly saturated with new and aspiring artists, change, and the constant flux of ups & downs. If someone is not mentally, and musically prepared to seriously give what it takes to be successful, then the music industry will eat them alive. Be smart, wise, and observant and don't dive in head first into anything without research, and once you've done your research, don't hesitate to ask people for a second opinion.
As an independant but full-time smaller artist. I completely agree with this. Go SOLO. Work hard. Be creative. Everyone I know that is successful is independant.
I’m glad you got out of the record label bs, you are an amazing artist, and I really appreciate you making this video for new and upcoming musicians to watch, this is great information for us upcoming artists to know and to keep a hold of
Thank you for the video man, that's wild. Like you said though your the future of rock man, glad you recognized it and that's awesome you are sharing this for other artists 🤙
Dude thank you for the chapter about better options, imma weight my options TN and see what I can do as an independent artist. Sorry that happened to you man, it was my dream to get signed but now it's my dream to empower others
Thank you for your service, my dude. This is a video that people need to see. After reading HALF of Donald Passman's "Everything you Need to Know About the Music Business" I had many of these same thoughts
Look, I'm not going to lie, I was so judgy at first. Just over here like, "he is just sour bc of this and that" but bro, legit, so glad I listened all the way through because you truly enlightened me on modern control tactics and situations artists can find themselves in. Good lookin out and Thank you for this insight 🤙🤘🤘🤘🤘
I've seen similar videos from so many up and coming artists on RUclips. It really feels like labels know theyre on the way out, and are trying to sign the most bloodsucking moneyhungry deals imaginable before the rest of their revenue dries up
Thank you for this video! As an up and coming Afrobeat artist, I can say the only reason I would want to get signed is to get the help with the marketing 🙃 cause being a musician is expensive! However my heart breaks when I hear artists talk about when they can/can’t release music or having to give their songs away. I may not be rich and need help with my marketing but hey at least I found my true purpose that keeps me from going crazy at my 9-5. Thank you for the insight 💕
Professional independent musician here. Everything you've said is spot on, and it's great see someone with your platform use it to help inform others. Best of luck with this new chapter. If you see this comment: What happened to the album you delivered? Is it shelved forever? Did you get the rights back? Would be super curious to know.
@@apoplexiamusic I mean, depending on the fine print on the contract, I'd be curious if it would be re-recorded. If the label only owns the masters, it's possible to rebuild the whole thing from scratch and release it legally. If it's on the high seas there's little chance it will be heard (since most people don't consume music that way anymore) and zero chance of earning any money off it.
During Beethoven's time, there were no record labels, and although he is no longer with us, he is now famous. The moral of the story is that the more timeless your music is, the more popular it will become. I aspire to be signed by Musical Freedom, but I believe in releasing my own music. Even if you start with just 20 streams in the first month, don't be discouraged. Keep pushing your music out there and let it find its audience.
This is why ill have my band be completely independent with my co owned label. Band :Product Of Humanity. Keep a eye out in the future,we are coming and thank you for this video Jeris. Will save alot of good bands from falling into horseshit.
You can do it perfectly well by yourself, which you have proven already. F the record labels man, the FUTURE is to be free of them. Keep up the awesome work Jeris x
Reach out to Tom MacDonald! He might have some advice for u!! Glad to see ur back and hopefully in a better position!! Can’t wait to c u on tour again 🤘
Thank you for posting this, it will help so many. Kind of reminds me of what Evanescence went through, I know they had an insanely rough time with record labels.
As an avid fan of music I thoroughly enjoy helping musicians spread their message. I’d love to be a good guy in the industry. I’ve did everything from artist hospitality at festivals to waste at venues and festivals
Gonna thank the algo for sending me here. Been following your career since Damn! went viral. Glad you made it out. I’ve heard 300 ent is pretty terrible for years now.
Aw man really sad to hear about all that but glad to have you back! Can't wait to see what you'll do now that you can decide everything! You deserved so much better, Jeris. 💜
I was a musician back in the 90s. Back then, I think it was easier to do an independent release than it is now. Hear me out here, back then you could release an album and sell 250,000 to 500,000 copies of a CD, LP, cassette tape, and you would make a decent living off of that. Fast forward to today, your audience is infinite, but you probably won't get heard because there is so much music out there. This is where labels have and always will have the control. "Who" gets heard has always been the labels thing. The biggest artists are still getting heard, but because of the 360 deals that labels are signing they are still making money. They get a piece of everything that you do. An independent artist does not have the time of resources to make a splash in music today. That is where the corporate music business is still striving. What artist is generating live revenue?
I feel like in the modern day, distros should only be taking a 30% cut like every other digital industry. That’s basically the standard for most app stores and game stores. There needs to be a music store that pushes music the same way the Apple App Store pushes apps, or the Steam Store pushes games.
thank you guys for all the love and support 🗡️❤️
Stay metal bro 🤘
Also you kinda look like weird Al
Furshizzle bro. Fuckin glad you're back. I was a little disappointed to have heard that you signed to a label, and fuckin knew they were gonna give you the long dog. I watch a fair amount of independent artists, and from what Ryan Upchurch, Adam Calhoun, and Tom MacDonald have to say, they are trash, liars, and thieves. Anyways, stoked to hear some new shit yo
Been here since 2020, not goin anywhere. 🖤 actually hella fkn proud of you, this is all so wild.
Can’t wait for your greatly anticipated music to kick our ears’ asses.
Just shrug it off atleast ur not in that rabbit hole
Aspiring musician here, I appreciate the knowledge. I’m sure a lot of us have heard that labels suck but hearing some of the specific reasons is really nice. Thanks ❤
This is a very ill-informed and ignorant video. Sure, rtecord labels are greedy in most cases but they do a large amount of promo, martketing, and networking. Why would I have a musician market for me when I could have a professional from a music school do it? please stop making harmful and ignorant content like this. Yopu assume that every social media person hasnt blown up yet without good reason or even an explination. This is so bad an not thought out it hurts my brain.
The music industry is a vile place
brother, thank you for putting this out there. I was in a small local band from Baltimore about 10 years ago, now granted we got an offer from a tiny tiny independent label based out of Ohio, but even THAT was ludicrous. We had to pay for studio time, we had to pay for a booker/ticketing, no tour support, we had to pay for our merch and then THEY got a percentage of that. Their “advance” was 2k. for 4 people, 2 album deal, 4 years in total. Same as you said, we couldnt make ANY more money than that initial 2k advance until we paid that back BUT we had to pay for EVERYTHING out of pocket in order to SELL the record and make THEM money? It should be illegal. Glad to see a young artist like yourself speaking out like this.
I'm Ina local band from bmore what band were you in ? If ya don't mind
2k?? Please tell me you at least 2k per person because if not that’s criminal
In a local band from Ohio, are you talking about dgr?
That is a horrendous deal.
You could make 2k shoveling snow in the few days
Musicians should join in on the writers' actors' strike. They're being taken advantage of in the same way.
For real! It’s really hard for musicians to do cuz there’s so many to fill in the gaps. Doesn’t mean it can’t be done! Solidarity forever!
@@ozisfake it wouldn't be that hard. Unionize like WGA & SAG and bleed the record labels dry until they're fairly compensated. This would benefit small medium and large artists of today's world and would probably pick up a great deal of momentum.
@@rualecreatures6💯💯🇺🇸
Yeah we should al though Vegas does have some type of union for us I don’t know details but that doesn’t help us out in any other city or state
All same as you man my manager being a women kept trying to threaten me if I didn’t sleep with her I’d have issues I got tired of the threats and bs I quit and left her at the airport
As an independent artist. I never plan on signing with a label.
Also as someone who's wanted to make a song with you, I want to thank you for sharing your experience.
A label wanted to sign with me and they wanted to give me 12% of the revenue:))). I think it's better to stay independent at least for now,
At least when you're independent you have FULL control of what you want to release. And you get 100% of the proceeds. Just takes a lot longer to get noticed without a major label.
Word to God!!! Everything you saying is true. My Dad was a staff songwriter at Chess Records in Chigo back when Marvin Gaye (beforehe went to Motown), Maurice White (before EWF), Billy Stewart, Chuck Berry, Bob Diddley and Harvey Fuqua was over there. LEONARD CHESS used to ball up every song my dad wrote and trash it. Saying, "I don't like it..go write something else" but Harvey Fuqua dug one back out the trash and bought it from my dad then gave it to The Platters. When the record came out
..it was a hit. LEONARD CHESS heard it abd got pissed. He then told my dad, " when I throw a song in the trash it's suppose to stay there!!!"
Now that right there turned my Dad against record companies and contracts to stifle creativity and prevent good people from having a good life doing what they love.
From what I can tell from every single story I’ve heard is that labels really only want to sign you if they think you already have an audience, so won’t help you build one, but the only reason you’d want to sign to a label is the audience they can provide.. if you’ve already got a following then there is no reason to sign away your music and rights to anyone else.
So basically, it’s not that there are plenty of reasons not to sign with a label, it’s that there are NO reasons TO sign. They only want you when you’re at a place that you could do everything on your own anyway. At this point they’re basically just loan sharks: they’ve done the math, and they know that they’ll get their advance back and then some, one way or another, even if that means preventing you from ever releasing music.
And 18% WOULD be high, if you weren’t already producing, writing, and recording your own music, and if they were going to help “develop” you and gain you an audience. But they provide none of that and then they’re gonna take 82% and own all the rights? GTFOH.
Unfortunately it seems there’s no leg up anymore; if you want to make a living as a musician you’ve got to do it all yourself from the ground up. That’s more rewarding anyways though, and you’ll have a much closer connection with the fans that way. And of course you’ll be 100% in control of your music and career.
All things considered, getting out of your deal after only a year, and while you still owe on the advance, ain’t too bad. I don’t know who you are, this just came up in my recommendations, but I’m glad you got out, and good luck in the future!
Facts, and they will suck you dry for real
Glad you said that because that has been my thought for some years now. What's the point in signing if you already have an established fanbase and you're doing great in sales? You've already done all of the heavy lifting.
What sucks even further with the labels is they get to tell you when or if you're going to release an album, they can tell you if they approve or disapprove of any collaborations with other artists, they pretty much have a say over what you can and cannot do despite you being an independent contractor.
After all that they not only get you to recoup the money they've lent you but they also get the lion's share of profits you've garnered (provided you're being successful) on top of that. Add on the fact they also get to own the album you've already paid them back for.
At that point you're essentially signing up to pay them to be your boss and you're paying them to own an album/albums they've in essence commissioned you to make for them. That's an extremely crappy deal for the artist.
If you were able to build up a following to the point of making a good living off of it, there's simply no good reason to sign with a label.
There is 2 label paths.
Either you sign directly to a major label.
Or you sign to a smaller artist-owned label that is underneath a major label.
Artist-owned labels typically have more traction and benefits to signing, look at Opium (Playboi Carti's artist) or 1017 (Gucci's artist).
This is a way for the already established artist to co-sign you and build you up.
If you're coming off of a label like this, you are going to have allot of support and built in fans.
With a major label, you sign because they help you build connections and have reach.
Basically, a major label can take you from a star to a superstar.
They get you playlisting and radio play, they get you features with big-named artist.
They will get you in with producers who will polish your sound.
They will put you in a room with the largest hit-makers.
This is all important because this will help take you from a star to a superstar if used correctly.
If you're not a star though, and more of a one-hit-wonder type, there is a decent chance you'll fail.
This is why many have bad experiences signing to labels.
I always thought that having a record deal was gonna resolve my band's problem, now more than ever I want to do everything by ourselves. Thanks a lot for this video!!
My band: Our Divide
Don't sign bad deals is the actual lesson.
You guys have a great sound! You guys deserve more attention than what you're getting. The orchestral elements are an amazing layer.
You actually have all the power in your hands. Social media marketing, content, tiktok etc. Nothing is more powerful. Hone in on that. Labels can't do anything else that you can't do yourself.
@@thenickseditiousare there really any “good deals” out there?
@hakkin_d yes absolutely lol why wouldnt there be just read all your shit and then have your lawyer explain to you every thing
YES! I worked in the music industry for 15 years between teaching, playing, and being "that guy with a truck" who would help friends get their crap to gigs. It sucked so hard to have so many good musicians die because of the politics in the music industry, or who couldn't get anything other than a local show because the big gigs were locked down by labels.
Please tell me that you've got another banger just waiting to be let free - I saw you open for Wage War and Falling in Reverse in Maryland, and you were awesome! Keep kicking ass and doing YOUR music. Unsheath that sword and make the world shake!
If anyone thinks we are like parting in the tour bus after shows; we are not. We are literally just having this conversation over and over.
I'm an African, precisely from Cameroon and Nigeria and I'm really impressed by this man's honesty and courage to speak out the truth. I do Afrobeatz and we all know how it's taking over and I thought of vlogging and doing my music independently and watching this video just inspired me to go in harder
ALWAYS GO INDEPENDENT. YOU HAVE THE POWER OF THE INTERNET NOW.
Labels want you to do all the work of promoting yourself and building your own fansbase and following online when and after they sign you. You're going all of the work for them anyway so why sign. The whole point of a label was to get you and your music out there. But now you have to do it yourself so what is the point of a label. You're doing it anyway.
Thank you for sharing this for other musicians. I'm so glad you got out of the corrupt label system. Can't wait for your new music.
i agree with what you are saying in this video. big labels can be sketchy as hell, cause they expect so much. After all, to them it's nothing more than a business agreement.
my last 20 years of experience in the music industry has taught me that doing everything yourself doesn't work for everyone (unless you are the 1% of people that actually has something go viral, but nobody in their right mind should expect that to happen). Reason is that promoting and sharing your music on social media just doesn't work, hell I've been doing this since the 2000s and I'm no where closer to being a known name than I was back then. all thanks to social media not doing what its supposed to do.
this is where independent labels come in, they help you with advertising. so you don't have to send your stuff all throughout social media where nobody is listening. if the right indie label works with you, they will connect your music to the right people.
Of course, you would still need to look at the details before agreeing to anything because not all indie labels are good. I'm still an independent artist, and I do make money from music, but honestly working a minimum wage job still pays more. nobody gets into the music industry for money, but it would be nice if one day i was able to pay for one meal a day with money i get from music.
CONGRATULATIONS on your newly re-acquired freedom! Can't wait to see you out in the indie world making amazing music that YOU decide whether it goes out or not!
I don't think I will ever have to worry about getting signed. I gave up on that dream. Now I just do my music for myself and a few fans on-line. I do think though it's amazing you are helping others from giving up their lives for a contract. That is a beautiful thing helping people like that.
Thank you for mentioning distribution companies- I had no idea they even existed. This video is a vital touchstone for any up and coming artist. I appreciate how straightforwardly you outline all of this. I wish you every success 💖
Even back in the day the labels take all your money. My friend was in a super popular metal band early 2000’s and their only way to make money was merch and touring.
Crazy now, Independent artist if they are great can make way more money. I know a few making millions a year. Never have to tour also. Stay Independent.👍
Dang that's terrible. I've heard similar horror stories. Even if it's industry standard 18% is CRIMINAL split. I hope more people are staying away and just paving as an independent. Glad to hear you made it out!
Awesome video bro. Sorry to hear about your bad experience but I can tell you you’re helping so many others by sharing your experience, including myself so thank you for that
I absolutely love Independent Artists. I have not listened to the radio in years. It started with Tom, Nova, Adam, Jelly, Upchurch, etc. Your music played on one of my Spotify playlists, from Jelly Roll I believe. And now I have a Jeris Johnson playlist saved. Can’t wait to hear more. #KeepItIndependent ❤
I love the hog family your story is just like mine started with Upchurch found Tom and Nova then Adam per magic happened they found each other and made fire! This one is also awesome now independent maybe they'll find each other...Epic shit!
Hey Jeris big fan from Maryland here. Anyway as a musician myself I appreciate your honesty and openness with this subject. Cant wait to hear new music and will be buying tickets to see you live whenever your touring nearby. Nothing but peace and love bro
You deserve better!! Thanks for sharing this detailed update. And you never sounded cynical, which I thought was dope. Now get back to making the future baby!!!!
Thanks for the honesty and integrity Jeris. 18% to the artist is actually criminal.
Sounds like what they called in the law unconscionable. Bet he's got a claim against them. Voidable contract. Or monetary damages.
Preeeeach! 👏👏👏
Just came back from Blue Ridge Rock Festival and a bunch at my camp were literally JUST talking about this! Like you disappeared and we were really bummed and kept saying there was no way someone like you just fizzled out. (Then there was that surprise release out of seemingly nowhere recently and that made my fucking year!)
I am SO proud of you, and so glad that you gave the commercial way the finger. You deserve so much better than that, and you'll be bigger than that!
I can't wait to hear more from you! Take care of yourself. Your fans will absolutely be here ❤
Great video! As artists we have to remeber these labels will simply not exist without our art! That alone should push deals that are more fair for the artist. Otherwise, grind it out and do your own thing 💯
As a producer - record label production is also a majorrrrr problem. WAY too many producers are like "If I could produce music for signed artists THEN I'll make it!"
So then they get that opportunity and realize...
1. Producing a song with a signed artist doesn't mean it'll be released (in which case - your are not paid at all... it's literally free work for the label)
2. When a song DOES get released... you might not get paid for 6-12 months, because the labels are incentivized to hold the money so they can accrue interest on that cash because they invest it.
3. You have literally ZERO creative control. If you and the artist have a killer idea - the label can just flat out say "no"
Labels suck in general.
I have very good friends who produce A-List artists .... one of whom produces artists that every single person knows and has 10+ years in it - and he is trying to find a way out cause it is just so trashy and it's honestly like the labels hold out a couple multi-million dollar producers as "this is what YOU can be" - all the while knowing you never will be. Just so they can sink their fangs into you.
For YEARS I thought "I should produce for labels" - and fortunately for me - I got advice from some peers "Do not do it. Just produce independent artists" and I never took the label work - so now I just hear the insane stories from my friends who pretty much all hate their work life.
A tale as old as time. Baptism by fire 🔥.
Everyone I love has gone through it, and you did too. So proud of you, man. Now the real work begins with your eyes open. We'll be here to support you, bro! You're finally ready!
With all due respect, I have no clue who you are but this just popped up on my suggested. But holy shit was this insightful and honestly sounds like a nightmare. I have heard this kind of stuff in years past but to see its pretty much the same all these years later is laughable. Once you could record in your bedrooms, I feel labels really went out the door. 18% is total shit and learning that a single listen on spotify is $0.003 is nuts. I always knew it was hard to make money and eventually the main way was to make it with live shows, so I thought. Plus the fact that venues get a ton of your merch sales when you tour is also a huge joke and kick in the nuts. Thanks again for the insight and would love to hear more behind the scenes kind stuff. Best of luck with the new music.
Thanks! I had to show this to my friend whose a singer and has a disability - he gets so flustered giving guys money and he’s so sweet and sensitive in wanting to sing for his career. Thanks Jeris! 🎤
I'm not into creating music and probably never will be, but I can see how valuable this info is! Glad to be a small part in spreading the word, Good luck man!
Seeing this makes me happy! 😁 As much as I love the loud and charismatic side of Jeris, I especially appreciate the seriously intellectual side of him where he reveals to us that he actually knows what he’s doing and that he’s not just coasting along. I love that he has a plan and a vision, and that he’s back doing the thangy thang! 🤘🏼🎸
Jeris Johnson when i first got into your music, i made 3 predictions. The first was i predicted you would own your genre cuz duuuuude! Nobody has the instrumental strength AND amazing vocal sound you possess! NOT being owned by a label is your launch pad, you are your rocket and the countdown has started...10, 9, 8... stay tight dude. When it reaches 0...prediction no more! You are the best! DO NOT LET ANYBODY TRY TO STOP YOU! The other 2 predictions arent as good, so i wont share them. I dont want them to come to fruition. One is about a concert and the other is about you and how you live your rockstar life. Don't join the others, Jeris. Please. Love ya Jeris. The countdown...hell yeah!!!
What an honest and vulnerable video, I really appreciate and am impressed with this video. I had been watching you for past 2-3 years starting in 2021, even saw you with Korn when you toured with them, and kept checking to see what you were up to and sad I wasn't seeing anything new. I found you through Punk Rock MBA, when Finn had talked about you and feel in love, it was just so fun to listen to and so different then all the current stuff being put out. That sucks that they stifled you like that. What a HUGE disservice they did to you and your career. I think it is awesome you were able to make this video though and update your fans, and let other artists know about your experience! Good luck moving forward, can't wait to see what you do next!
When I was a teenager, a few record companies wanted my songs 🎵.which were already registered for a PA copyright ©️. But I rejected them.
Similar situation for a few companies wanting to sign me as a session vocalist and keyboardist. I rejected them.
Your episode tells details why someone like me is right ✅ in rejecting the deals.
Recent history. Morissette Amon was in demand back in 2020. She recorded at Capitol Records but rejected the deal.
This year 4th Impact was approached with a similar situation.
These Filipinas 🇵🇭 go independent 👏
The 3rd point is the exact reason Sonny Moore became Skrillex. Once he left from first to last, they wouldn't put out his music, so he had to create an alias and do it himself.
This is a great educational video for people wanting in the industry.
I'm glad you're free, man!!!
lol. dude was ike the 10,000 perso to do that same exact thing. remember when chuck berry did that i the 60s . some blues musicians would just switch their names around. john lee hooker , lee john hooker, hooker john lee, etc
this is WHY i love you Jeris. your HONESTY bruv. so excited for this Metallica era
Keep it real, Jeris. You got this shit. You got the talent, you got the drive, and now everyone can see (since you are allowed to speak about it) that you have the wisdom. I hope to see you wipe the boards as a mostly independent artist.
More and more people need to see this video. I’m sorry this had happened to you
Really good to hear your story! Major labels were ALWAYS SCREWING small bands, the stories could fill the library of congress...
Yeah, I remember promo pricing during the first week in the 90s and just seeing those numbers as a pit to climb out of. It was so bad nobody who wasn't there believes me.
@jerisJohnson it is so good to see you out from under the label doing your thing and being happier. Thanks for all you shared
Good video Jeris -
I’m glad to here you are back in the driver’s seat and it sounds like you have a crystal clear understanding of where you were and how you need to change things to get where you want to be. Keep up the hard work, and congrats on the continued success.
Doug
The band Badfinger is a perfect example of why you should never sign a record deal. Their manager was probably the worst manager in music history😢
For me, I love the way I can release a track within my own time. A label is just a way to say you have "money" now and pretty much a flex game. It's so much work on top of working on tracks. A label is good when you have been an artist for 20+ years when they advertise your album on major networks
Spot on about record label workers being failed musicians. Now they are making crucial decisions for others. Spot on
It was cool meeting you on the set of Raining Blood. You're a good guy.
Glad you're independent and in a better situation now.
aint gonna lie jeris johnson, nxcre, violent vira, boi what, and more are the type of artist that will skyrocket to fame fast with time and with more exposure from the current fanbase they have. in my opinion u guys are killing it and im here for it all. much love
I genuinely wanna thank you for this video. Very insightful and not many videos around from actual experience with labels. I’m glad your out of it. I do vocals for a band and we plan to stay independent forever. Why should they own something you created? Sure they give the money upfront, but you have to pay it back lmao and you still don’t own your songs! It’s such a wild process that makes logically no sense whatsoever.
I was already planning on staying independent, but this just confirms to me that I’m making the right decision.
Jeris with the truth 💣
💯 I hope he knows we won't go anway. Just wish other's could share his music like me
wow. As an emergant musician and being surrounded by musicians, this video is clear and I'm very happy you gave so many details. Multiple musicians have told me DO NOT GET SIGNED and I never really understood why. Now I do... and I won't ! It sucks that it gets down to that but it is what it is. I'll work on brand and fans and push for local shows :)
Been a fan for a while now. Glad to see that you're free from their shackles. Can't wait to see what's to come from the next chapter.
As a small local band with 250 followers. Quite happy I don't have the stress of that. Move and make at our own pace. Do what we love.
Thanks for sharing lots of horror stories out there (TLC, JoJo, Taylor Swift, New Edition, Prince, etc) on record contracts this is really common you're not alone. I'd rather be my own label and own my masters and publishing than to slave my life for a label that won't give a shit about me.
Taylor was big enough to get out of it
I always had this feeling about Record Labels, and I did a bit of research on them, seen several videos like this a few years back. I've also been hearing good things about Distrokid. Thanks for taking the time to speak out and let people be more aware of unassumingly shady practices. As an aspiring Musician myself and just an "outside observer"
The music industry as a whole is as deceptive, cunning, cutthroat, manipulative, ruthless, and competitive as it is overly saturated with new and aspiring artists, change, and the constant flux of ups & downs. If someone is not mentally, and musically prepared to seriously give what it takes to be successful, then the music industry will eat them alive. Be smart, wise, and observant and don't dive in head first into anything without research, and once you've done your research, don't hesitate to ask people for a second opinion.
As an independant but full-time smaller artist. I completely agree with this. Go SOLO. Work hard. Be creative. Everyone I know that is successful is independant.
I might be a FNG to the music world but Jeris seems like the most real person in the industry atm because of this video. I also am LOVING his music.
I’m glad you got out of the record label bs, you are an amazing artist, and I really appreciate you making this video for new and upcoming musicians to watch, this is great information for us upcoming artists to know and to keep a hold of
Thank you for the video man, that's wild. Like you said though your the future of rock man, glad you recognized it and that's awesome you are sharing this for other artists 🤙
Dude thank you for the chapter about better options, imma weight my options TN and see what I can do as an independent artist. Sorry that happened to you man, it was my dream to get signed but now it's my dream to empower others
I still listen to Damn every day on RUclips. Love that song
I kan't wait for more of your tunes. Love the vibes, you def bring that nu metal feel.
I hear you and I hear you loud and clear. Thank you, bro.
Love you Jeris, hope you keep killing it man
Thank you for your service, my dude. This is a video that people need to see. After reading HALF of Donald Passman's "Everything you Need to Know About the Music Business" I had many of these same thoughts
This is insane I can't believe they got you with this.. Jeris I don't know what I can do man but I really wanna help you.
Look, I'm not going to lie, I was so judgy at first. Just over here like, "he is just sour bc of this and that" but bro, legit, so glad I listened all the way through because you truly enlightened me on modern control tactics and situations artists can find themselves in. Good lookin out and Thank you for this insight 🤙🤘🤘🤘🤘
I've seen similar videos from so many up and coming artists on RUclips. It really feels like labels know theyre on the way out, and are trying to sign the most bloodsucking moneyhungry deals imaginable before the rest of their revenue dries up
Thank you for this video! As an up and coming Afrobeat artist, I can say the only reason I would want to get signed is to get the help with the marketing 🙃 cause being a musician is expensive! However my heart breaks when I hear artists talk about when they can/can’t release music or having to give their songs away.
I may not be rich and need help with my marketing but hey at least I found my true purpose that keeps me from going crazy at my 9-5.
Thank you for the insight 💕
Professional independent musician here. Everything you've said is spot on, and it's great see someone with your platform use it to help inform others. Best of luck with this new chapter. If you see this comment: What happened to the album you delivered? Is it shelved forever? Did you get the rights back? Would be super curious to know.
Time to release it on the high seas maybe?
@@apoplexiamusic I mean, depending on the fine print on the contract, I'd be curious if it would be re-recorded. If the label only owns the masters, it's possible to rebuild the whole thing from scratch and release it legally. If it's on the high seas there's little chance it will be heard (since most people don't consume music that way anymore) and zero chance of earning any money off it.
@@ClosetoHumanMusic Jeris could pull a Taylor Swift if he really wants the album released
@@apoplexiamusic If he didn't sign away his publishing (the actual songwriting), he could 100% pull a Swift.
You good... Just keep it 100.. ain't going nowhere 🤘
During Beethoven's time, there were no record labels, and although he is no longer with us, he is now famous. The moral of the story is that the more timeless your music is, the more popular it will become. I aspire to be signed by Musical Freedom, but I believe in releasing my own music. Even if you start with just 20 streams in the first month, don't be discouraged. Keep pushing your music out there and let it find its audience.
This is why ill have my band be completely independent with my co owned label. Band :Product Of Humanity. Keep a eye out in the future,we are coming and thank you for this video Jeris. Will save alot of good bands from falling into horseshit.
I bet a lot of artists are scared to be real with their fanbase like that. We love you, brother.
You can do it perfectly well by yourself, which you have proven already. F the record labels man, the FUTURE is to be free of them. Keep up the awesome work Jeris x
Reach out to Tom MacDonald! He might have some advice for u!! Glad to see ur back and hopefully in a better position!! Can’t wait to c u on tour again 🤘
Great vid Jeris, i've shared it on a forum I run as i'm sure that most new artists dream of being signed with no clue as to why they shouldn't
I feel like we are starting to see a massive shift to artists becoming independent. Everyone is tired of the record labels.
Bro I love when you do videos like this. You are such a real ass person. You should do more, just doing like an update on how things are going.
check in with Upchurch and Tom MacDonald, they might could give you some advice.
You have come so far off your own back NOT any record company, you have grown and matured into the genius you are you havein fact grown up 😊
You should reach out to Tom MacDonald
gross. And do redneck grifting with 100 American flags and conspiracy theories? Hell no
Thanks for sharing this. It amazes me how many obstacles we have to deal with before even getting a chance to share our music. ✌️
There's a shocking amount of crossover with the video game industry... Thanks for sharing Jeris!
Thank you for posting this, it will help so many.
Kind of reminds me of what Evanescence went through, I know they had an insanely rough time with record labels.
Jeris you are a class act! I am proud to say I'm a fan and this video belongs in the alltime top 5 videos of 2023 ❤❤
As an avid fan of music I thoroughly enjoy helping musicians spread their message. I’d love to be a good guy in the industry. I’ve did everything from artist hospitality at festivals to waste at venues and festivals
Remember street teams? I’ve posted so many flyers
Good luck with future endeavours
Super proud of you!! You are becoming the change that you want to see ❤🎉
Keeping it real, love it! Looking forward to your new songs Jeris! ☝🔥
I'm so happy you are back!! I can't wait to see what you come out with!!
So psyched to hear new material from ya
I just discovered your new song "when Darkness comes" absolutely legendary, you got a new fan.
Gonna thank the algo for sending me here. Been following your career since Damn! went viral. Glad you made it out. I’ve heard 300 ent is pretty terrible for years now.
Dope can’t wait to hear the good shit again at a steady pace this time 🗡️💜
Aw man really sad to hear about all that but glad to have you back! Can't wait to see what you'll do now that you can decide everything! You deserved so much better, Jeris. 💜
Genuinely really informative and cool video. I don’t even release music and loved it. Very impressive and well thought out, Jeris!
I was a musician back in the 90s. Back then, I think it was easier to do an independent release than it is now. Hear me out here, back then you could release an album and sell 250,000 to 500,000 copies of a CD, LP, cassette tape, and you would make a decent living off of that. Fast forward to today, your audience is infinite, but you probably won't get heard because there is so much music out there. This is where labels have and always will have the control. "Who" gets heard has always been the labels thing. The biggest artists are still getting heard, but because of the 360 deals that labels are signing they are still making money. They get a piece of everything that you do. An independent artist does not have the time of resources to make a splash in music today. That is where the corporate music business is still striving. What artist is generating live revenue?
Thanks so much for this video brother. Stoked to see where you run without the chains around your feet!
I feel like in the modern day, distros should only be taking a 30% cut like every other digital industry. That’s basically the standard for most app stores and game stores. There needs to be a music store that pushes music the same way the Apple App Store pushes apps, or the Steam Store pushes games.
Saw you live in concert and you killed it! Keep your head up and know your on the right path!!
Dude tht was one of the best nutshells I've ever heard....🎉🎉🎉 great advice and strong point of view