SUNDANCE, Can You Hear me?

[Red_Dog_Dan]

Originally Posted by lday

I would LOVE to run out and buy fifty of them and disperse them to all of my friends! :mpd:

Can I be your friend?

The BIG record company's will put thier money into a for sure thing. Has been that way for a while. That is why the independent labels are having a "Coming Out" of sorts. They give the artist freedom to do it their way.

Many known and accomplished musicans are going indie to have musical freedom of their work and business freedom of their, well, business. (advertising, promotion, etc)

The indies give them the freedom "To do it their way" as Frankie (Sinatra) sang about

[Anita]

Why would the BIG record companys sign on an artist they had no plan of promoting? Could it be to keep the competition away from their "stars"? Sign 'em on and keep them tucked away?
I can understand why the well know, accomplished musicans would want to 'do it their way' since they are better prepared to take the risk. That the new emerging talent is determining that it's better to take the risk than sign on with the big boys is a bit surprising.
I love what Universal Motown did with Sundance's 'Someone Like You'. I hope it turns out to be a positive experience for both parties and we get a CD soon.

[Red_Dog_Dan]

Yea, you got the general idea. Put the money where it will make money, have a backup for later.

It is not so much of taking a risk where you sign. Musicans are artists. You want your art presented the way you formed it. You do not want some money hungry exec telling you how YOUR art should be. Some years ago, there was not much choice, these days are much different.

I think most artists would rather have their material presented the way they created it, even if it means no global presence, less fans and little money. The independent music labels for musicans, will let the artist have free reign of their music, which gives their music a personal, not corporate, feel.

That is why the accomplished musicans, as well as the up and coming, are going indie. Not a risk, but an expression.

Just my take on things. Maybe an "insider" can confrim this.

[Anita]

R.D.D., I can understand the need for self expression. I guess It just needs to be weighed with consumer appeal if the artist is to make a living from it during their life time.
Do you (OR ANYONE) know how to contact Universal Motown? I would like to inquire of them about the CD we are all waiting for.

[Anita]

A short search online this morning turned up some bitter/sweet news. The Head family has lost a family member. The sweet part is that 83 is a very respectable age and he is being remembered and sent along in an outstanding way by his friends and family.
My condolences to the family

Roy Head

June, 22 2008 at JESSE HEAD MEMORIAL
Old Country Cabaret, 839 FM 467, Seguin, TX,
Cost :

Jesse B. Head, at the age of 83, passed away June 7, 2008, in San Antonio. A Memorial Benefit in his honor will be held on June 22, from 2-8 p.m. at the Old Country Cabaret, 839 FM 467 in Seguin with performance by Two Way Street, the Traits and guests Roy, Don, and Sundance Head and Natalie Rose Capparelli. Memorial tributes can be made online at www.treshewell.com . A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at First United Methodist Church in Prairie Lea. Arrangements under the direction of Tres Hewell Mortuary, 165 Tor Dr, Seguin, Texas 78155 or (830) 549-5912.

[Red_Dog_Dan]

That is a bummer. Never know what to say. Anita said it well.


As for Motown, here is a short list I found quickly

Motown Records
1755 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
NY Tel. 212-373-0750
Fax 212-489-9096

Chairman and CEO: Mel Lewinter
President: Sylvia Rhone
EVP Marketing and Artist Development: Shanti Das

Hope this helps a little.

I know some musicans who make a living without a record deal. Mostly bars and clubs, but it makes them happy.

[Anita]

Thanks, I'll try and send off a letter. Can't hurt.
Everybody has their own way of doing things and I applaud the difference. I wonder though, is it easy to make a good living and raise a family without a residual income coming in? I'm thinking the CD sells might do that for a musician. Along with the live performances it could only help, plus more people get to enjoy the music.

[Red_Dog_Dan]

When you find out about the new CD, let us all know.

Well, is it easy making a living with a residual income? An old saying (joke) goes something like this, " What do you call a musican without a [girl] [boy] friend? Homeless. Just to say that their way of life may not be the white picket fence, dog in yard, 2.5 children, etc.

Sure, what you say about CDs, big live venues, expanding fan base, is always good, but where do you make the balance? It is not easy being famous. Some handle it better than others, some don't want to try.

[neusch]

Happy belated 4th July - hope everyone had a good holiday - no news anywhere? I noticed that there is still nothing from Russ, our english buddy - hope he is ok and just too busy to check in. Seems like it's busy for everyone.
Maybe when the summer is over, things pick up again?
No Sundance news? Well, I'll keep on sweating here in the "dry heat" -
I'll keep checking back and see what's up!

[Anita]

Hi Neusch, I'm still checking in too. My family & I did have a good 4th weekend - thank you. Hope you did as well.
Some day I hope we hear from Sundance that his CD is done and ready for us to purchase. I am so nosy and would love to hear an update.

[neusch]

Hi Anita - Glad to hear from you - Our 4th was quiet - had dinner with friends, didn't even barbecue. My Dad passed away in May, so I was in my "preferring quiet gathering" mood that day.
It's a beautiful cloudy day after a rainy and stormy night - what a change from the heat!
Read in the paper yesterday that Jordin Sparks is starting a tour with Sean (already forgot his last name) - what is interesting, the concert will be at one of our smaller venues and they are using a smaller hall for the concert yet. ??? Things must not be so good or they are very cautious to avoid embarrassment?
Now, on the other hand, I am having trouble getting James Taylor tickets, unless I choose to sit away from my husband in an somewhat obstructed seat - the big names seem to have no problem selling to a huge crowd.
No word from Sundance - and I am sure Misty is not being on top of the world being so close to giving birth, to be online alot.
Maybe we will hear something soon. Did you have a chance to contact Universal Records? Somebody talked to Sundance lately?
I will keep checking as well - sooner or later we will hear something!
Have a great weekend!

[Russ]

Hey guys. Sorry it's been so long since I've been online. Been pretty busy trying to sort my life out (and not getting very far! ) Anyway, it's really nice to see you haven't forgotten about me and it was nice to read your comments. So thanks for that. I'll try and catch up properly real soon.

It was great to hear Sundance & Misty are expecting again. Congrats guys!

Now, some Sundance news for you all...

I got an e-mail the other day from our guy at the Houston Chronicle. He's written a new article on Sundance and got to spend some time with him this week. He says Motown have decided not to release the solo album he submitted to them. He is free from his contract with them on August 24th I think he said so he may be able to put more music online after that. The good news is his lawyer has done a great job apparently because Sundance wont have to pay back half of the advance the record company gave him to make the album. He is doing his first headline solo gig on the 18th of this month too! Not sure where just yet, but will find out for you all. I do have more info but can't think right now. I'll try to get back online in the next day or two and post the e-mail I received and also to let you know more about Sundance's live show and where you can find the new article.

Sundance, don't be too down-hearted about things not working out with Universal. Your fans are still 100% behind you and excited to hear more from you. Keep your head up buddy, I'm confident things will work out just fine.

Sorry again to everyone for my absence from the board. I've missed chatting with you all. Hope everyone is well.

Speak soon!

[Anita]

Hi Russ, good to hear from you. Monday morning and no time to write just now but wanted to let you know I appreciate the information and was happy to see you had posted.
I hope all is well with you too and that you will have time to write again soon. Thanks

[neusch]

Glad to hear from you again - wishing you the Best! Thanks for the update on Sundance. Read Misty's info as well.
Looking forward to more info.

[Russ]

Hey guys, it's good to be back amongst fellow Sundance fans. Will try to keep the news coming as I find it.

[neusch]

You are a real pro finding news on our man Sundance - we sure appreciate this.
One of my family members tried out for AI here in Phoenix, she ended up getting a newspaper interview, that was about it - she was ok with it - says it was a good experience. I was kind of hoping she'd go a bit further so we could get some more inside scoop on AI. she is young, I told her to try again - we'll see. After hearing what is happening to some contestants, maybe it's better to use different routes.
No matter how much griping goes on, it is still an addicting show - but nobody has been able to match Sundance - unless you have that "something special" - it doesn't matter where you land. Well, that's my five cents worth for the day.

[Russ]

You're welcome.