Freestyle Blogs

Okay, now that I have your attention. Let’s begin with a little math.  Freestyle began to sizzle around, let’s say, 1987. At that time, the “Average Age” of the artist were around 18 years old.. With exceptions of maybe Lil’ Suzy who was very young and a few of the acts that were already in their 20′s.   So here we go, a little math. 2008 – 1986 = 22 years ago.

22 Years + 18 Years = 40 Years Old!  There you go, the average age of today’s established Freestyle Artist. Again, these numbers are just my best estimate and don’t apply to everyone.

Now tell me, who are our record buying audience?
Well since this is my blog, let me initiate my opinion. “They Don’t Exist”!
To all the artist and producers, sorry, but we gotta be real here.
Yea, a few people will buy a download or CD here and there, but the number of sales will NEVER again be as significant as they were during said artist’s Sizzle.

This might seem crazy coming from me, maybe even a bit contrary to my actions in the market, but in order to try and find a solution, we must understand the problem, then admit it.

Many people within the last few years have released new material. Most, if not all of it we’ve supported within our organization, namely La’ Radio Live.

So what’s the problem?
First off, many of us don’t buy music anymore. One of the reasons is, it is so easy to get for free. Am I lying? No! Should we expect the Freestyle audience to go out and support us by buying our music? No we shouldn’t! Very few people will pay for something they could get for free, I wouldn’t! Would you? Don’t lie!

This is really not a bad thing. It is just evolution within the music industry.  Think of all the top Pop acts from back in the day. Do you think they could still sell records as they did during their sizzle? Sorry, they can’t either!

You see, the “Average” audience of an act is usually the same age as the acts themselves. Now note, I use the word average for all you analytical asses. When Freestyle artist in their teens grew into their 20′s, so did their audience. Many of the fans began college or entering the work force during this time or earlier. This was still a great time for the market.

When the acts got into their 30′s, again, so did their audience. At this time, most were either done with school and working or were married with children. At this point, the audience begins to conserve, and as much as they would have loved to support us with all they had, it just wasn’t feasible.

Record sales begin to slow down and the clubs weren’t packing like they use to. Radio at this point switches format to a more popular brand of music, why? Not because they don’t like the music anymore, but because they are always after the majority of the listeners.

So here we are, 2008. Can we ever see Freestyle peak again? yes, I think we can, but it will not be with any of the artist who’s sizzle has already passed. We will need new artist, young artist, young producers and then will come the new audience.  I have been saying this for years. Should our established act ever stop recording new music? Absolutely not, and whenever they do, be sure the La’ Org will support it.

But keep in mind and don’t be disappointed when the reaction to your new release is less than desired. Doesn’t mean it sucks, it’s probably better than some of your more classic stuff, it’s just the record buying audience is at a different level as to what they are looking for. Their ears are fresh, and sounds that we hear are not the same sounds they hear. Think about Grandpa when he wants to play you some old 33′s that he claims is the best music ever. You’ll be doing the same when you sit your grandchildren down to listen to your Classic Cover Girl records. They’ll look at you like you’ve lost it and try to sneak out the room when you are busy trying to demonstrate to them that times popular dance.

So what was the point of this blog? You see, even-though “our” record buying audience isn’t buying anymore, and the clubs are starting to attract our children and grandchildren. The Freestyle audience still wants to be entertained, but at a slower and more conservative setting. Say a nice outdoor concert, cruise ship or casino. Yes, eventhough it may seem a bit scary, that’s where we’re heading people!