watch & take a listen:
StreetLevel.com Presents: On The Level Ep. 6 with Damon Dash from streetxlevel on Vimeo.
as someone who is currently working in what damon dash coins the 'wackworld' (aka corporate world), it's hard not to get worked up about the blunt realities that are laid out in his comments. however, it's true. companies...let's make it specific, record companies, are clearly crumbling not only in the business aspect but in identifying, developing and launching artists to the mainstream world. sometimes i really trip out on how much GOOD music is out there...and how there is such a small window of opportunity for any of those artists to deserve their real shine (in the traditional sense of signing a deal & releasing an album with a major record label). there's a clear disconnect btwn record labels and all the creativity/talent that is bubbling underneath the mainstream surface. before, A&Rs would go to bars to find talent; now, the labels expect the whole package before they even think about signing an artist (and then proceed to 'direct' what they perceive the artist should release to the public).
but dash also takes a legit stab at a tv network (the industry i'm currently working in) who, to their defense, is still a small (read: meager ad sales revenue) network trying to create a real music network in a tv world that really doesn't embrace quality music programming (FUSEtv). don't agree? check what that other 'Music' TeleVision network is airing these days. it's disappointing to hear that even fuse doesn't 'get' their demographic nor understand how to market to their target audience BUT it's not rocket science why that is. Unfortunately, networks are tied to ad dollars where risk is kept at a minimum.
although i do agree with damon dash and his outlook on the 'wackworld,' i also think he's in a unique position to say/think so. with his financial AND personal capital, he is able to make his new 'organic' business ventures possible. but what about all the people i know (not in this 'wackworld') who are BROKE and still living at home b/c making music and being in a creative space doesn't pay the bills? i'm not saying this in a negative light...it's reality. i'm not talking about meager shows here and there, i'm talking legit money that will pay your rent (in NY), your utilities, food to eat, clothes to wear, etc.
i recognize that damon dash is providing an outlet for artists on the come-up (and as a consumer/enthusiast of good music i definitely appreciate the content) but i think he also needs to recognize that this 'wackworld' is unfortunately how the consumer and artist still feel can get them to a place where music can be their career/profession. it also helps that he's recruited people like mos def and raekwon who are already known and have a following in the mainstream world b/c the 'wackworld' and its structures have allowed them to release music and be heard by the general public. even though he is resistant to this 'wackworld,' damon dash is also a (by)product of this 'wackworld.' granted, he may have clashed with its 'structure' all the time, but he still saw it as a viable way to make money and live his life.
with ALL that said (that was prolly the longest blog post written thus far), i'm wayyyyy excited to see BLAKROC and Creative Control blossom and i will definitely be supporting this movement! :)
www.blakroc.com
www.creativecontrol.tv
FRIDAY THE 13th: A NIGHT WITH THE COOL KIDS and MOS DEF from Creative Control on Vimeo.
