[Editor’s Note: The man above IS NOT Robin Davey]

10 Simple Truths?

Robin Davey, VP of Film and Music Development at GROWvision Studios, clearly is having a bad week. He took the time to develop a short, concise manifesto for what is wrong with the industry in form of “simple truths.” We broke down every “truth” from our point of view.

1. If you want to earn even minimum wage selling records as part of a band, you are going to need to sell at the very least - 7,000 to 10,000 records.

Not when you’re DIY, but alright, fair point. Under a label, selling only 10,000 records can be a lot tighter than you think. Under a good label, however, this is pretty attainable.

2. Even very well known artists struggle to sell 10,000 albums these days.

Define “very well known.” This is speculation, and needs some hard facts to back it up.

3. You don’t sell records by gaining Facebook likes.

Not directly, but building a community and turning your band into a digital experience is fundamental to gaining exposure and rallying your base. Indirectly, it’s absolutely vital. 

4. You don’t sell records by being on Spotify.

Well, you don’t sell anything on Spotify, you stream it and collect royalties. But yes, Spotify is a fickle beast when it comes to producing fair cuts and profits. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t make money for labels. 

5. You don’t sell records because you have previously sold records.

And just because I got free ice cream yesterday, doesn’t mean I’ll get it today. This is an arbitrary point.

6. If you are in a band get used to not selling records.

We’re going to ignore the cynical sentiment for now, and just point out that being in a band is no longer just about selling records. It’s about engaging your fans in a new way in which they’ll pay it forward. It’s a community experience now. The rules changed.

7. If you are in a band get used to not making minimum wage.

No ever said being in a band was a high-paying gig. It’s an artform. However, there are other ways to make money other than selling records: licensing, merchandising, etc. 

8. If you are in a band be fucking amazing live so people pay to see you.

No comment.

9. If you are in a band and not fucking amazing live, you better have rich parents.

Again, no comment.

10. If anyone tells you they are making a living selling records, they are lying, they probably have rich parents.

I think we’re done here.