Q: What services do you provide as a consultant?
Don: I make myself available to a limited number of clients on a highly selective basis; to offer my experience, knowledge and the lessons I’ve learned from being in positions of responsibility, on how this business works and how it’s changing. I can provide focus for artists and companies who need direction and a better idea of how to present who they are. Information about where to go, what to do, what to spend money on, or not spend money on - these are all a part of what I can offer to aspiring talent / companies. My area of expertise is helping someone reach a bigger audience, and be SUCCESSFUL!
Q: What criteria do you use in selecting potential clients?
Don: It could be an unknown artist, singer / songwriter or band that may not know much about the business but has talent. I’m open to artists of most styles, ideally, those who wish to take the steps necessary to reach the next level. Major labels don’t take the time to develop artists these days and I understand it, although I don't agree with that philosophy! But, a lot of artists need time to grow and often need someone who believes in them, who can help them move to wherever their centers of greatness can be. If labels are not going to do this in the traditional sense then there’s a place for an experienced, independent A&R / executive person to be that objective voice. Often artists are good singers but are not writers. I know how to seek strong material. I often take the role of Executive Producer, overseeing a project from start to finish, which I enjoy. For independent production, management companies or labels I encourage thinking outside the box in marketing and promotion but using what’s real in business as a backdrop. Music and people change, but the business basics, in most respects, don’t.
Q: What are some key points specific to emerging artists?
Don: The great ones take no prisoners. If you don’t have the passion and the dedication to do whatever it takes, it isn’t going to work. I truly respect the artist / talent; without them I wouldn’t ever had a gig. Many people in our business forget that. With whomever I work, I want to make sure there are no clashes. I’m not, for example, going to work with a number of female singers who are in need of great songs at the same time. Each situation is individual and treated as unique and I’m not going to overload my system. I don’t tell artists how to do what they’re doing but can help them focus or refocus, give them the guidance to make fewer mistakes and enhance their potential.
Q: What are the positive changes you’re witnessing in the industry?
Don: There’s a world out there that’s very different now from the world I grew up in, and it’s fantastic. It’s no longer locked into one system. For people who have determination, smarts and willingness to work hard, it may take longer, but the opportunities are there. In the "old days", the majors and perhaps a few independent labels controlled the industry. Today, you have the internet where, if used cleverly and you have patience, you never have to deal with a major label if you don’t want to. There are now ways for music to be discovered that didn't exist before. You can control your destiny, own everything you do, and make a much higher return on what you sell. Remember, people don’t download just because it may be free; they download because they like and want what they hear!
Q: What hasn’t changed?
Don: Even though there are more people making music than ever before, the key question is, how do they get it to an audience? And if it gets to an audience, is it good enough? It all comes back to that. I spent many years in the EMI / Capitol system before we started EMI-America Records from scratch, doing promotion, merchandising / advertising, marketing and international. I’ve seen companies big and small from within. It’s not etched in black and white or how many dollars are spent; it’s a great deal to do with understanding the basics. There is a valuable lesson to be learned from yesterday. Use knowledge along with fresh, creative thinking today and it can bring great results tomorrow!
Q: What would you consider your most singular attribute?
Don: My A&R successes have always been because I’ve been A listener, basically playing the role of the public, evaluating how and why a song, track or singer might connect with that public. I came from the bush country of Australia. I just loved music, not as a musician, but as a listener, a fan! I was infatuated with the songs and the sounds of records. I can’t sing or play an instrument and I didn’t go to college. I bought a one-way ticket to America and fortunately things worked. I’ve taken nothing for granted, always worked very hard, never lost my passion, and treated people with the respect. For a fair price I can give something back. I offer serious honesty - if I can’t do anything to help someone I’m not going to say I can. I keep my reputation as a straight shooter intact.
Interview by Dan Kimpel
www.dankimpel.com
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