I'll say it again. Performers perform. Singers sing. Musicians play music.
There has been a sharp decline in the work ethic of the contemporary musicians. They want record sells and ringtones downloaded. They want easy britney spears money. but forget that she tours.
What's the formula followed by BB King, Chuck Berry, James Brown or Bob Marley? Doing live shows.
If you have a band then you are looking for the next stage to perform on. Ask Earth Wind and Fire. Ask Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. Ask the Dave Matthews Band.
Record companies care about record sales. Musicians care about the next venue to perform.
Sheila E is paid, but it is not from record sales.
I hear Yung Joc say he was getting $85k a single show. Do you know how many units would have to sell to put $85k in his bank account?
These new performers are too busy trying to get sign to a record label instead of trying to perform.
Morris Day and the Time are still on the grind. My wife saw them recently. Live music ain't going anywhere.
Live rap is so lame. A bunch of lurking and inaudible voices talking over each other.
I have seen Chuck Brown, Teena Marie, Mint Condition, En Vogue, the SOS Band, Troop, Will Downing, Ready for the World and many others recently. They are all still in the game and making dollars. You don't need a #1 song or the Source Magazine or Billboard to do your thing.