Record Companies: Selling Image or Talent?

I suppose it is safe to say there is not an exact formula that guarantees record sales. However the music industry does follow certain protocol to enhance the marketability of an artist. Another variable in this process is of course an unpredictable and/or trendy consumer. Music taste is just as much varied as it is subjective.

In my experience and in my keeping up with the industry I find a bit of a tilt toward image rather than musical value. Of course I am not saying I am the authority on what is good music and what isn’t. What I am saying is that record companies put a higher value on “the look” than seems necessary.

I am now 44 years old and I have been a musician and a songwriter for over 20 years. I have had some limited success selling my own vanity CD’s. Also I have had interest in the music I have submitted to record companies. I’ve had songs considered for film and television.

However every time I have gotten a positive response it came like this. “We really liked the music you submitted and would like to discuss further options with you”. Then phrases like “Please send us photographs of you. Or what is your look? Or we”re looking for a certain image.’ would follow.

Okay I understand that a record company does more than sell music. So a scantily clad pretty woman or a young buff handsome man would bring other potential forms of revenue. Posters, calendars etc. I always thought that selling music came first for a record label for some reason. Silly me.

As a result I recently looked through the thousands of albums, cassettes, and cd’s I have purchased. I have to say I did not see a pattern of more beautiful artists over the ugly ones. In fact I cannot ever recall hearing a new artist on the radio and saying “I have to get that record. Well only if they have an image of course”. And I don’t recollect having a conversation with a friend and saying or hearing “hey this band is great but I would never buy there stuff. They are just so unattractive”. For that matter I never have been swayed by a clever “cool” album cover either.

Maybe it is sub-conscious? Maybe cause I look like a linebacker (meaning I’m fat), that I want to be judged by my skill only? Maybe the artists I think are ugly really are attractive to everyone else? Maybe good looking artists are dumber and therefore are willing to give the record company more?

What about you? Do you find yourself a sucker for “the look”? Do you honestly buy records because a band or solo artist looks great? Is image even a factor for you and your record purchases?

I sure hope that most of us are interested in quality entertaining music more than image. I’d hate to think my next career move is plastic surgery.