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:
“When I say artist I don’t mean in the narrow sense of the word—but the man who is building things—creating molding the earth—whether it be the plains of the west—or the iron ore of Penn. It’s all a big game of construction—some with a brush—some with a shovel—some choose a pen.”
—Jackson Pollock (1912–1956)
“Ultimately, it is the receiving of the child and hearing what he or she has to say that develops the child’s mind and personhood.... Parents who enter into a dialogue with their children, who draw out and respect their opinions, are more likely to have children whose intellectual and ethical development proceeds rapidly and surely.”
—Mary Field Belenky (20th century)
“White people really deal more with God and black people with Jesus.”
—Nikki Giovanni (b. 1943)