hmmmmmm... sorta changing the subject here (sorry - I won't weigh in on the grumbly stuff)
sometimes i find myself wishing JZ, and others in his position, would not make the suggestions to the artists but let them come in with their own ideas (i know, this does indeed happen alot).
vs.
If the label is an outgrowth of John's specific vision -- AND HE'S THE ONE WRITING THE CHECKS....
as a label owner - the guy writing the checks - I definitely reserve the right to - if not make suggestions, then at least to write checks towards projects that fit 'my specific vision' and to 'put my money where my vision is' by doing so. Since there are always MORE projects being offered than there is time or money to do, I always figure that I might as well lose money on the ones that strike my fancy the most.... For better or worse, little labels generally DO reflect the owners 'vision', otherwise there wouldn't be any reason to HAVE a label. As Herb, myself, and a few others here can say with GREAT authority, running a label is NOT a good way to make money. It never has been, and I think it's a little worse now. If you like what Cuneiform does, then I am a genius. If you don't like what Cuneiform does, then I am a dope with bad taste who wastes everyone's time with my pathetic releases. Take your pick. True for me, true for Tzadik, true for (fill in the blank). I'll conclude with a joke the big boss of our U.S.distributor once told me: "How do you get a million dollars in the music biz?" Start with 10 million. Steve Cuneiform Records