Since I'm not in the business, I'm sure this post could be said better by someone who is. However, I think that freestyle can make a comeback. Certain conditions must apply.......
1) The artist must be in the forefront. The record must be under the artists name, so they appear to be the artist they are, instead of a puppet. If a song is recorded by "Stacey", the label on the record/cd should read "I Love You" by Stacey. IT SHOULD NOT BE: Joe Blow, producer, presents "I Love You" written, produced, and arranged by Joe Blow, performed by "Stacey".
2) As an music "artist", you better have some kind of talent for music. Learn your craft. Be able to write music and lyrics, and for God's sake, if you can't dance, take lessons. I'm so tired of seeing freestyle acts who just stand behind a mic and sing. MOVE AROUND THE STAGE!!!! If you can't afford dancers for choreographed moves, YOU can still dance.
3) Be original with your music/lyrics. Don't sample music and do remakes, and then complain you have no money because it went to the people who wrote the stuff originally. Think of other ways to say things, to make your lyrics more interresting.
4) Make sure you take some business courses, or invest in a lawyer to review any contracts you are presented. Be aware of fine print and percentages.
5) Go to labels with more than one or two songs. Have about 10, so they can see you're serious and not just in it for a quick buck. Make sure you express yourself to the label, and make it known that you have a brain, so they will think twice about attempting to screw you.
6) The squeaking wheel gets the most grease. Be very vocal at the label, make sure they are willing to spend the bucks on you to push you and your music to where you want it to go. Be pro-active in your career. Make dates to perform, create your own website, choregraph your stage show yourself, create storyboards and plots for videos.
7) If you're asked on a radio show, be vocal. Ask to speak to the listeners. Get to know your fans.
8) There's also the saying about "who you know". Make it your business to know the djs who are spinning your records on radio and in the clubs. Remember, Madonna got her break after convincing her dj boyfriend to play her record.
9) At the end of the day, when the record is done, ask yourself, "am I proud that my name is on that song?" and be honest. If the answer is no, then there's a problem somewhere.
From a fan point of view, we need to show support for the artists giving us what we want. Don't go to web pages and chat rooms talking how you wish there were shows going on, then when one comes to your area, talk about how "I had plans" or "My friends wouldn't go" or whatever. Go to the show and support. If the clubs are half empty, the clubs won't book acts. Oh yeah, and support means you DANCE when a freestyle song comes on! Bobbing your head doesn't count. If the dj sees an empty floor, you can be sure he'll change from freestyle to another genre. Don't download new music, or look for "free" givaways. If you love the music so much, you should have no problem buying the artist's newest release.
One more thing before I get off this soapbox. I agree with Rhoq, Nya. I will support your non freestyle releases. It will be nice to hear your voice on any music (by the way, whatever happened with "I Don't Want Your Love?) but I think you have AT LEAST ONE more kick ass freestyle song.
