Quotable

Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda on whether musicians will benefit from being on a major label these days: “if you want to make a living making music, and you don’t need the ‘fame’ aspect (you don’t need to ‘blow up’), then you don’t need to go with a major. it’s more complex than “avoiding majors” though. AND, to be perfectly clear, i’m also not saying the ONLY other option is an indie label (you could distribute it and promote it yourself, for example). i’m saying that there are many ways to be a self-sustaining musician these days. recording is easier and cheaper than ever, distribution can be nearly as simple as setting up a paypal account, and online fanbases are out there for you to find and connect with. the key still is, and will always be: is your music good? do i, as a fan, like it? to what degree am i interested in being a part of what you have to offer through your recordings, shows, or merchandise?” Yes, yes, the arguments over whether or not Linkin Park’s music is “good” are still wide open for debate, but his perspective on signing to majors–and how the climate for musicians has changed since the ’90s–is pretty interesting nonetheless. [mikeshinoda.com]