Interview with Universal Records Exec Marc Nathan
to get to the masses. There will be more of everything, and we will have to look a little harder at the different avenues some of these acts may take to come to us, but I still think it comes down to keeping your eyes and ears open, and being willing to accept the research in determining what will make the most money for your company.
What advice would you give a band that wants to get signed?
MN: Write great songs. Play live. Develop a fan base. Make people aware of who you are. Establish a local identity, and then try to spread it out accordingly. If you live in South Carolina, and you can get a gig in North Carolina -- do it... make people aware of the fact that you are willing to go to any lengths to assure your own success. Don't be impatient. Use sunscreen. (uh... wait, I was kidding...)
Any closing comments?
MN: It all comes down to a great song. So much of the music in the past few years has been disposable. Listen to the radio. Accept what is selling as good... on SOME level... even if you THINK it's CRAP. It has to be good enough for someone to care enough to walk into a store and plunk money down on the counter and say "I WANT THIS." This could be your music someday, and if you have a great song that connects with the consumer, I will be right there trying to bring you to Universal Records and give you the national visibility that will hopefully start your career.
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