Derek Sutton, a road manager, explains the issues with radio stations and record companies, the pros and cons of the Internet, the current barriers artists face, and his hopes for the future. Sutton also talks about what makes a great artist and performance today. His current projects and the Canadian music business are mentioned as well.
Derek Sutton, a seasoned road manager, talks about how he became experienced in all aspects of the music business, where to begin as a musician, branding, management styles, issues with being on the road, and his unfinished dream.
Derek Sutton, a seasoned road manager, explains the importance of passion. An artist must believe in the music they're representing. Sutton also emphasizes the significance of trust. He talks about the two types of managers as well. One type is the manager that manages one band for their entire career. The other type is a group of managers that manages a lot of individuals. Sutton points out that either can be done. However, the one-man one band approach calls for extra persistence. The manager has to educate himself and learn the art of cold calling. Also in this segment, Sutton discusses the importance of knowing the basic numbers in contracts. He recommends Don Passman's book, "All You Need to Know About the Music Business," and stresses the value of a competent attorney. The value of friends and family is covered as well.
Derek Sutton, a seasoned road manager, talks about concept albums. He focuses on Styx's concept album, Paradise Theatre. Sutton explains the background of the concept album. Howard Bloom, a press agent, created Paradise Theatre�s concept. Sutton explains that it was good for Styx since it made them look like an intellectual band. However, he also shares his viewpoint on the majority of concept albums. Sutton feels that they are a bit pretentious. He believes that the writers should simply write and then the best songs should be pulled for the album. On the other hand, he points out that if a concept album is created successfully, it deserves attention. However, Sutton claims that there are very few of those in the catalog.
Derek Sutton, a seasoned road manager, talks about what it takes to survive as an artist, such as a continual streak of creativity throughout your career. He also explains the issue of friction between band members.
