1960s Quote by Tom Silverman
“The record business is an oxymoron. In the 1960s, there was an upside to selling plastic discs so labels took the risk - they paid for the record, for marketing, promotion, publicity, everything it took to make the artist a star. But now we have to go back to the venture capital model. The business is stopping and everyone's complaining but you can't blame labels. It's a shitty business. You do it because you're passionate, or because it's what you've always known. But if you lived through the nineties, nobody is thinking this is great compared to what it used to be.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Music Industry Panel, 2015
The record industry has shifted from a label‑driven model to a venture‑capital‑like risk model, making it harder and less profitable.
In simple terms: Music business now works like venture capital, with high risk and low reward.
Key Takeaway
Adapt to new funding and distribution strategies.
Themes
industry change
risk
profitability
music business
Mood
cautious
optimistic
Type
analysis
advice
When to use this quote
- label negotiations
- crowdfunding
- streaming platform deals
- artist contracts
Key Concepts
venture capital
digital distribution
artist development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can artists sustain themselves financially?
- What alternative models could support musicians?
A Different Perspective
May overlook the creative value amid financial focus.