Shining a light on how the music industry really works.
People not involved in the music industry know that there is some political game that goes on behind the scenes. From what artists get put on a pedestal by major labels as their next big star, to pulling strings to get certain names to win awards (cough cough, Beyoncé winning Best Country Album), it happens in all facets of the industry, not just country music.
One artist is speaking up on this matter, sharing the truth of how the music industry works and genuinely peeling back the curtain for the folks who don’t quite know how music ends up on country radio. During a recent show at the historic Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, Tennessee, Brett Sheroky gave fans some insight to how the corporate side of the music industry works, especially on the publishing side.
In the caption of his post he shares that he’s going to start saying some of the quiet parts of the industry out loud.
“I’m just gonna start saying the quiet parts out loud. The best songwriters in the world are here in Nashville, writing songs every day. I know a lot of these writers, and I hear a lot of their songs. Some of those songs are jaw dropping incredible. But those songs hardly ever get recorded by major artists, and almost never make it to radio. You as country music fans don’t get the best that this town has to offer. The best songs don’t win like you are led to believe. It’s a damn shame, but it’s the truth. Anyone that tells you differently is naive or just lying to you.”
The quiet part he spoke into existence during his set further solidifies his caption that we, the listeners, are being shielded from these hidden gems songwriters have penned.
“And I promise you this. I’d say the best 100 songs in Nashville you’re never going to hear. The publishers pass them around, the labels, the management, they’re like, ‘This is incredible.’ And then the artists won’t put them out because they’re too edgy or too not ‘girl beer truck.'”
Folks in the audience began to sound off in support of that statement.
And of course, that’s not to say that anyone who works in publishing or at a label is a bad actor, it’s just that a system built on making money often comes at the expense of good art. Kip Moore recently phased it this way on our Whiskey Riff Raff podcast… they are thinking from their head, not from their heart. I mean, we’ve all heard stories of labels using virality as leverage or not wanting artists to cut certain songs because they don’t think it will sell. Half of those songs that never see the light of day are the songs that avid country listeners are combing the internet to find a singular live performance of or are begging the artist to put out one day. It’s an unfortunate reality of the business…
“See, we’ve got the power of the people behind us!”
Sheroky says with excitement.
Sheroky is not the only person that feels this way. With many artists moving away from playing the label and radio game we are seeing some of these gems through independent artists who are writing and releasing songs as they please. Streaming services have also allowed fans to discover WAY more music than ever before, music that doesn’t rely on radio or labels for exposure. But for many of Nashville’s songwriters, some of the best in the business, their living depends on labels and big-name artists cutting their songs, and releasing them as singles… and even then, they’re getting fractions of pennies on the dollar for spins.
Country music is overall in a much better place than it was 10 years ago, but I think it’s time to hang up the girls, truck, and beer anthems for good, and let the heartbreak songs or taboo topics rise. Sheroky is shining a light on the music industry in a bold way, and many artists liked the post, and/or vocally agreed with him in the comments including Craig Campbell, Mae Estes, Maggie Rose and more.
“It’s sad that the best songs don’t always win!”
“I noticed that as soon as I moved here. The best songs aren’t on the radio but I’m thankful to live in Nashville to hear them.”
“Truth. Let the artists be artists. Create your art. Sing your song. Loudly.”
“PREACH.”
“Thank you for saying this.”
“You’re preaching the truth, sir!”
“Well said.”
I can’t wait to hear Sheroky’s next quiet insight spoken out loud… before you go, fire up some of Sheroky’s tunes.
“Every Now & Then”
“Everybody Wants”
