An artist development deal is often the first of a recording artist's contracts with a major record label. In lieu of high royalties or other desirable rights, the label will promise to develop the skills and public profile of the artist. These types of deals are sometimes most helpful to the artist, but the label often takes control of the artist's management and publishing rights (dubious practices that have been compared to having a mini-monopoly with respect to the artist). Historically, such deals have been abused by both record labels and managers. Motown records made extensive use of this type of contract, and many argue that it was the sole reason for the massive success of the label in the 1960s. Berry Gordy, Motown founder, likened his approach to digging for oil and discovering a field full of gushers. Later, Motown was accused by some of its artists of practicing professional extortion.
After departing Motown's roster in less-than-favorable circumstances, Florence Ballard was unable to refer to her reputation as part of the Supremes in any future professional ventures.
Famous quotes containing the words artist, development and/or deal:
“That is an artist as I would have an artist be, modest in his needs: he really wants only two things, his bread and his art—panem et Circen.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)
“To be sure, we have inherited abilities, but our development we owe to thousands of influences coming from the world around us from which we appropriate what we can and what is suitable to us.”
—Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749–1832)
“I am too easily contented with a slight and almost animal happiness. My happiness is a good deal like that of the woodchucks.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)