Comment

Comment by David Schober on November 28, 2007 at 12:52pm

A good friend of mine described the muscician's union as "It's like having a guard dog that bites only you!" Maybe it's just me, but the only people I can imagine who think that's a good idea are those who haven't been in the business long enough to see why they'd never want it I can tell you stories of days in LA where guys were holed up in a studio, late for their next gig because a union guy was out in the parking lot. And just a few years ago here, there was a very nasty scene with the players. The fact is the only way a union works is if everyone joins and works only with signatory labes. With the industry as bad as it is, and the rise of independant labels and artists, as I see it there is no way you can get everyone on board...even if the guard dog would bite the bad guy! I think this late payment situation sucks...but can you imagine getting EMI to sign on as a engineer's union signatory? They don't care...they'll hire any lackey they can to record and get the usual guys to mix.,,neither of whom would be a part of this.

Sorry to be so blunt. Bottom line....this might have been possible back in the 70's...but not now. Besides....herding cats just don't work!

Comment by George Cumbee on November 24, 2007 at 6:27pm

I think before this we need union studios or some method where legitimate companies will only work at legitimate studios. That is business licensed, tax paying business establishments. Not some garage studio in a residental zone. It amazes me now the number of companies Chistian and secular that don't seem to care to deal with real studios. It is just about 'the deal' they get or who they are doing it with. Doctors, lawyers, CPA's and other professionals, for the most part, operate this way. Why have we cheapened our business and dumbed it down so much? Again, I apologize to my good friends who operate this way. If you were in my shoes, I think you would understand...I know you are doing what you feel you have to do...

Comment by Bret Teegarden on November 18, 2007 at 12:41pm

I should add that an association could include studios and rental companies.

Comment by Bret Teegarden on November 18, 2007 at 12:37pm

I don't know so much about a union but my thoughts toward the end of the "Paid On Spot - 30 days - 60 days" discussion was this:

What about an association of music professionals that could collectively be a subscriber to Dunn & Bradstreet and report slow paying corporations (record labels and such) who choose to use contractors as creditors. These companies depend on their credit ratings to function and if they new we were members of an association that could legally report to D&B then we might get paid (as a group) in a more timely manner. The association would also provide legal help to members in chasing deadbeat producers, artists, and labels.

In essence we offer credit terms to the companies we do business with without ever checking their credit and without the ability to report them should they drag their heals...

What do you think?