The Music Industry's Obsession With the Past is Stifling the Future of New Talent

The music industry has long been a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, marked by innovation, shifts in consumer behavior, and the rise and fall of countless artists.

Today, however, we're witnessing a trend that has profound implications for the future of music: major record labels are increasingly cutting back on frontline labels that focus on new music and emerging artists.

Instead, these industry giants are directing their resources towards exploiting their existing catalogs and acquiring historic music rights.

This shift represents a stark contrast to the industry's traditional role of nurturing and developing new talent.

Major labels like Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music have historically played pivotal roles in discovering and promoting new artists.

However, the recent focus on securing rights to classic hits and established catalogs reveals a troubling trend.

A prime example of this is the news that Sony Music are poised to acquire Queen's music catalog for a staggering $1.27 billion.

While no one can deny Queen's legendary status and their immense contribution to music, this move underscores a significant pivot from investing in the future to capitalizing on the past.

The allure of these historic catalogs is clear: they offer a more predictable and steady revenue stream compared to the uncertain and often high-risk investment in new artists.

Classic hits have a proven track record, and their value continues to appreciate, driven by enduring fanbases and the resurgence of interest through streaming platforms.

In contrast, new artists require significant investment in marketing, production, and promotion, with no guarantee of success.

Yet, this strategy comes with a heavy cost.

By prioritizing the acquisition and management of historic catalogs, major labels are not only sidelining the development of new talent but are also making redundancies among staff dedicated to frontline labels.

This shift is not just a loss for the music industry but a loss for society as a whole.

New music and fresh voices are essential for cultural growth and innovation.

They reflect contemporary issues, inspire change, and push artistic boundaries.

The decision to focus on the past rather than the future raises critical questions about the role and responsibility of major record labels.

Music has always been a powerful medium for storytelling, connection, and social commentary.

By neglecting new artists, the industry risks stagnation, losing the diverse perspectives and sounds that drive evolution and relevance.

In this context, my mission with High Time takes on an even greater significance.

High Time is committed to building and breaking new artists, focusing exclusively on those who have the potential to shape the future of music and, by extension, the world.

Our vision is clear: to connect with every human on earth through music, lifting individual consciousness and solving global problems through art.

At High Time, we believe in the transformative power of new music.

We recognize that every artist has a unique voice and a story that deserves to be heard.

Our goal is to create a platform where these voices can thrive, breaking the traditional mold and offering fairer, more sustainable opportunities for artists.

We are not just building a music company; we are fostering a movement that prioritizes artistic integrity, innovation, and the genuine connection between artists and their audiences.

The world needs new music, from artists who have been striving for years without the opportunity for their voices to reach the masses.

We need fresh perspectives and new stories that can inspire, challenge, and transform.

By supporting new artists, we are investing in the future, ensuring that the cultural landscape continues to evolve and reflect the complexities of our times.

As we witness major labels retreating into the safety of historic catalogs, it becomes even more crucial for independent companies like High Time to step up.

We must champion the next generation of artists, providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to succeed.

This is not just a business imperative but a cultural one.

The future of music depends on our ability to foster and nurture new talent, ensuring that the industry remains vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive.

-The Baker

It's High Time for change | #thetimetodoisnow