Letter to The Consumer
Dear Consumer,
Do you have any idea how important you are to the life of The Artist? You’re half the reason we exist.
Here’s the point- The art and entertainment you love are created by people who love it too, and they created it for you to love it. They should get love back, not just in the form of words, but by tangible money, so that they can keep making what you love.
That intangible feeling that happens when you see a beautiful photo, painting, or hear your favorite song had to be created with work. The least they can get is some money to keep giving you what you love.
Maybe you should read my Letter to The Artist to get a little context; but basically, the things that entertain you exist so that you, Consumer, can be happy.
Question- Why is Art/Entertainment even important?
Can you imagine a world with no music? No painting? No movies? No books? No sense of art or creativity to take your mind to another place?
Think of your favorite brands. Think of their logos. Those were made by Artists.
Think back to Obama’s campaign. Remember the posters? That iconic layout? That was all created by an Artist, Shepard Fairey. You probably don’t even know just how often you’ve seen his work in other places.
Movies. Books. Songs. Those were created by people. And in most cases not just one person, TEAMS of people.
Of course the biggest discussion that comes to mind in Artist vs Consumer talk is with the pirating and downloading of music.
I’m definitely no saint on this issue. Let’s just say, I’m probably… no I AM the RIAA’s worst nightmare. Even still, I’ve checked myself and bought albums of those who I want to succeed (check the P.S.) I’ve seen just how many artist are independent, and may never get a record deal or large sponsor. The only sponsor they can get are fans of their work.
Do you know how expensive it is to create art?
I took a drawing class. I had to get a large drawing board, pencils, paper, some oil paints, case, and a few other items. It wasn’t all that much. The cost: $200. Imagine if I did that for a living? Let’s not start on how expensive recording equipment is, or how much it costs to rent hours at a studio, or to rent an artist space, or rent a location to film a project…
I hear a lot of Consumers complaining about the lack of good music, music videos, movies, etc. Well, it’s your dollars that effect those results. If you think another singer, dancer, or actor is more talented, put money behind them. That’s what The Industry responds to. You’re broke? Just save up $10. That’s the same as getting a lunch. And it’s a one time buy, you don’t have to buy it again. Or just pay the $.99 for the songs you like. Hell, download the free copy, and if you see the whole album is good, then buy the regular one. Go to their shows. Whatever the case, the money talks, not just your props.
Think about it: Happiness from a piece of art that you can afford. That’s fair, right?
If you want to see more of what you like in the mainstream, then you have to put the money where you feel it belongs, and tell others to do the same. Recommend artists you love to other people.
I’m not just talking about high-brow, extra fancy stuff. If it makes you feel good, give The Artist some dough. I don’t care if it’s Common or Soulja Boy, a surrealist painter or a someone who draws stick figures.
I’ll never forget when I was in 9th grade and heard “Elevators” by Outkast…
True I’ve got more fans than the average man, but not enough loot to last me til the end of the week.
I live by the beat like you live check to check.
If you don’t move your feet than I don’t eat, so we like neck to neck.
I had never heard any artist (rapper especially) admit how broke they were, even though they were famous. It was clear- He lives by each beat like the average person lives each hour with a 9-5. And if you, Consumer, don’t move your feet (either by dancing, or getting to the store to buy their product) then they can’t keep going.
Imagine if that was the last you heard from them because they didn’t sell enough albums?
That’s how much you matter, Consumer.
P.S.
3 albums I spent money on recently, and didn’t look back…
Owusu & Hannibal- Living With Owusu & Hannibal
I heard some of their stuff years ago. Searched all over for a free copy. I heard 5 songs from it and said forget it, I’ll buy it. Best $10 I ever spent. Get it!
Camp Lo- Another Heist
Camp Lo has been around for almost 15 years, and still underground; but, Luchini, Coolie High, and other songs from their first album, Uptown Saturday Night, are classics. I had downloaded their mix-tapes. I heard just a snippet of Another Heist before it came out, and when I heard Ski Beatz produced it all, I knew the production was going to be seamless. The day it was released I couldn’t wait, so I downloaded it right off iTunes to my phone. Why? Because for 15 years they’ve stayed true to their style and made dope product. I got enough of it free. Haven’t looked back since. Get it!
Shafiq Husayn- Shafiq ‘En A-Free-Ka
Imagine George Clinton, J Dilla, Afrika Bambaataa, and Fela Kuti sat in a studio and made an album. That’s this album. A few of my friends are on it too. I told Shafiq ” Your album should win a Grammy.” Get it!
P.P.S.
RIP Guru.
Tags: art, Barack Obama, Camp Lo, Common, download, Film, Gangstarr, Guru, Music, Musings, open letter, Outkast, Owusu & Hannibal, Shafiq Husayn, Shepard Fairey, Soulja Boy
YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
*that was my excitement about Camp Lo creeping out…excuse me*
I’m trying to do better to support those artists that I hold so dearly. Going to shows and getting the product at shows are my main contributions. I could do more as much as I complain about the lack of (or suppression of) better music. Thank you for the reminder. =)
It’s really sad that the trust between artist and consumer has been broken to such a degree. That’s my biggest issue here. For every great artist who works hard to make each and every expression the best work they have done, there are ten more who are trying to hit the musical lottery with some tired song with the same tired beats talking about the same tired things.
It may not be fair but oh well… that’s the game. However… if an artist builds trust then they will get paid. Last year a friend brought up Jose James and told me that I had to get on it. She played some of his music and I was sold… Now I have both CDs and just went to his show.
I paid my hard earned money for it because he’s dope; not out of some romanticized notion of supporting him as an artist.
It’s that simple.
The upside to this revolution in music that we are going through is that the internet has lowered the barrier of entry to so many artists. Sure it does cost a lot of money to get studio time, instruments etc but distribution is free. An artist just has to be willing to put in the work to get their name out there.
Also on the investment of money issue… maybe I’m harsh but I don’t really feel too bad for artists on this. As you have said in other posts this is a business. Every business requires capital investment. Either you can try to go the record label route and get charged back to infinity and not see any money after multiple hit records, or you can bust your ass and invest in your own equipment, instruments, and training and do it on your own.
This is what people do all around the world when they embark on the journey of entrepreneurship. I know that many artists don’t like to deal with business… but if they don’t, the business will deal with them
for better or worse… most likely worse.
Great post.
I agree with Clarence – I buy the things that I know I want and that I will enjoy having. The things I have a weaker relationship with I tend to let pass me by. A great artist with mass appeal should still be OK.
That said, you’re not helping any time you rip an album or burn a CD you should have purchased instead…