The Factors in the Relationship Between a Recording Artist and a Record Label That Influence the Quality of the Artist-Label Relationship.

Abstract

Since the inception of the recording industry, the relationships between record labels and the artists they sign have held huge significance. These relationships set the foundation for the development of new artists, and directly influence the conditions for building successful careers and bringing enduring music to the world. They vary considerably in their quality and success: numerous artists and labels have enjoyed successful long-term relationships, but in other cases, high profile careers have been derailed or compromised by a problematic relationship between label and artist. Certain factors that may influence the quality of these relationships are well documented, in both the academic literature and the popular media. However, the pertinent interpersonal dynamics and patterns of interaction between label and artist are rarely explored. This study draws upon over 30 interviews with recording artists, artist managers, and label personnel to explore these relational and interpersonal factors and dynamics. An analysis of the findings showed that the quality of the artist-label relationship was influenced by two key factors: 1. The extent to which artist and label personnel could develop healthy interpersonal relationships (as a result of certain key factors, dynamics, and contexts) and construct a healthy interpersonal framework for the artist-label relationship accordingly. 2. The extent to which artist and label could establish a mutual understanding within the relationship, particularly as it pertained to: a. their creative perspectives, and their capacity to navigate the necessary creative processes and challenges to produce creative work; and b. their commercial perspectives, and their capacity to navigate the necessary business imperatives, commercial processes, and challenges to monetise the creative work and generate commercial success. The study closes with a series of recommendations for how the artist-label relationship might therefore be improved.