Derek Sivers

If I had a record label, would you be signed to it?

2008-04-24

I never liked the idea of having a record label, because you’re too deeply invested into something you don’t control.

So if I were to have a label, my decision of who to sign wouldn’t be decided just by the quality of the music. There are plenty of people with great music but destructive work-habits or an unsustainable approach to their career.

To confidently invest in an artist (as a label), I’d want to see:

And so you see why I’ll never have a label. Who could possibly fit this list?

Jim Morrison mug shot