Editorial

Let's face it, folks. The music business is tough. There are no easy routes to follow. Every road you travel in this business is like a toll road. There is always a price to pay whether or not you reach the destination you are seeking. The amount of competition is mindboggling, and on your journey toward trying to make your dream become a reality you will encounter a large number of alligators and sharks along the way. The music business is a modern day jungle. Many promoters will promise you the moon in order to get into your wallet. Once your money is gone you are no longer the great singer they first said you were. I really hate to say this, but if you have already been turned down by major labels it would be to your benefit to not open your wallet to any independent promoter or label without first checking out their reputation and accomplishments from someone other than themselves. They might have an impressive looking website, an internet radio show, or some type of an award given to them that most have never heard of. Keep in mind they are in the business to impress singers and make money off of them. How many labels and promoters do you know who charge artists to sing on their shows? How many mediocre television shows have you heard of that ask for money to appear on their shows? Check it out. There are many. Ask yourself this question. Are you into the music business to make money from your songs and your singing talent, or are you into it to pay the sharks money to let you sing? If you're inexperienced enough to open your wallet to anyone who says you're great, then I wish you well. How many dollars have you already spent? How far has it took you up the ladder to success? If simply seeing your name on a playlist or chart that's put together by labels and promoters pleases you and makes you feel prosperous, then I am happy for you. Keep in mind that every mile you travel in this business toward your dream will require money one way or another. Even the major artists have to pay their labels for their recording sessions, promotion costs, etc., before they make a penny. It's all held out of their record sales. Most all top name artists make the bulk of their money from concerts, not from the labels themselves. And you have no control over anything much other than that. You will never find a free ride in this wonderful world of music. If you really feel you are a good singer, keep in mind there are hundreds of others who are as good or better than you. But if you're good, and you have a dream, don't give up. No quitter has ever accomplished much. Just make sure you are careful and never believe everything you're told by any promoter who charges for their services. It's best to check them out before believing what they tell you. It's even better to promote yourself and save those hard earned dollars you will need farther down the road. Most promoters do nothing more than send out emails and post messages on boards the music fans never see. How many music fans do you see posting messages on the playlist boards? You will find only independent DJs and artists posting there. The artists run competition with one another to see who makes the so-called "charts" and who doesn't. It's a fact the artists do not buy CDs or albums released by other artists. Selling CDs is the bottom line. It's why you are in the business, right? You want to make money. Do you see any music fans leaving messages on the boards? The fans are the ones who buy the CDs, and most all buy them either at your personal peformances or in music stores. You must first get the stores to sell them. If you are not well known you will have trouble selling your music in stores.

MMG Records does not believe in misleading the struggling artists. We tell it the way it is and try very hard to do what we promise to do. Our label is owned and operated by writers and artists who have paid their dues through thousands and thousands of miles of travel across the United States and Canada. We have performed on stages many others have yet to see. We have worked with top stars, been associated with state governors, senators, mayors, unions, and big business owners. Our roots go back to the late 1940s, and our doors are still open. We invite you to check us out. Should you later decide to discuss your talent and dreams with us, we would enjoy hearing from you. We do not promise stardom. What we do promise is a strong effort to get your music heard. We understand the struggles many artists face in the music business. If we can't help you, it's possible we might be able to suggest some detours for you that lead around the swamp that's filled with hundreds of alligators and sharks. It's your journey, and your choice.