All through the kind of late '80s and '90s, every A&R…
“All through the kind of late '80s and '90s, every A&R record company man was saying, 'Now what we want is another record like 'Back in the High Life.' And, of course, that's not the way to make music at all. That's the tail wagging the dog.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Music industry trends chase past successes, stifling innovation and making the business chase its own hype.
In simple terms: Chasing past hits hinders new art.
Key Takeaway
Foster original creativity.
Themes
industry
trend‑following
creativity
Mood
critical
inspired
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- record labels
- marketing
- production
Key Concepts
business cycles
artistic integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance nostalgia with novelty?
- What supports authentic artistic growth?
A Different Perspective
Innovation can be risky.