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You must have heard all the stories of artists exiting record labels and that has been dealt with broadly in the media.
Let’s take a look at the real causes why Many Cameroonian record labels fail.
We choose to see the Confrontations between artists and labels as a sign of the failure of the record label.
However, the million francs question to ask is why do Numerous Cameroonian record labels fail despite the opportunities for a thriving business?
In this case, We have decided to list 5 Common Reasons why Cameroonian Record Labels fail.
CAPITAL INTENSIVE:
It is difficult for Banks and Micro Finances to fund record labels because of their structure, particularly at early phases, as revenues are lean and theirs isn’t really an insured plan for recouping capital borrowed other than placing a physical asset collateral for the debt.
The equipment required is relatively cheap.
Today, you can make music with a laptop, a microphone, a keyboard, and some software. Everything else is an extra.
Some of the best classic albums that sparked the rebirth of the Cameroonian music scene.
Jamais Jamais by Mr. Leo was made in Akwandor’s house with just his Computer. It will be hard getting anybody to confess to that though.
2.EGOs:
Every successful artist is eventually going to be bigger than the record label sooner than later when endorsement money starts rolling in.
It becomes obvious to the artist that he is actually bankrolling the record label’s operations as well as the costs of new projects.
Anybody ”half smart” will recognize that you can take your destiny into your hands and boycott the label and I most times the label always wants to still profit from the artist and this causes a lot of clash between both parties.
3. LEAN ROASTER:
You have seen them all, those one or two artists record labels. When one artist walks, the label closes shop.
And when the artist finally leaves, the label is left in a huge mess as there isn’t anyone who can be monetized as much as the artist It is called a ’key man insurance risk’.
Keep your label on top of its game and always be o the look for new blood.
4. EXPENSIVE RECORD CONTRACTS:
The art of negotiating the advance is a compulsory course for all new label execs. For those who don’t know the ”advance” is what a record label gives an artist he hopes to sign and promote.
Maybe you have heard of a record label buying the artist a house, car, paying some bills, giving them salaries, wardrobe allowance, pocket money, club privileges, etc. that is the advance.
CEO of Dej Jam Music (Russel Simmonds) says:
“This is a major way to set an artist up for failure — by giving them illusions that they’re on the road to success when their brand still hasn’t matured.
My philosophy for most of these record labels is don’t box yourself in for the talent, regardless of how talented he or she is, especially when the talent is fresh and has no record of attracting revenue streams to you or previous label.”
What a label owes an artist most is a structure or plan on how to succeed in their joint venture.
Plus, all that money spent on buying cars and picking tabs at the club will be of better use in finding good music producers, video directors, publicists, etc.
5. UNNECESSARY AND EXPENSIVE SUPPLIERS:
We believe there is a bubble somewhere in here. Everybody agrees artists need to have the best suppliers; stylists, video directors, producers to succeed in this business but at what cost should be the driving question.
Most of these artists and labels will be indebted for the rest of their lives if they can’t deliver a smash hit or sizeable performance or endorsement fee.
There is little to no reason to buy an artist a car when the label can’t afford to easily promote his songs (You get the point?). How will a label not fail if it has misplaced priorities?!
So there you have it, 5 Motives why many Cameroonian record labels fail.
Feel free to tell us which motive you think should have been also mentioned on the list in the comments section below.
