Don't Listen to Me
We need to start more Asian-owned/Asian-run record companies

N'Soul Phil
87% of sales are owned by the majors and only 23% by the "Indies"

Don't Listen to Me
Then we'll do it grass root style like Master P - the Master P of the old days, mind you.

AA Radio:
Marketing and distribution

N'Soul Phil
Isaac_Liu, "get heard" meaning what?

Interview Overview Section Descriptions Listed below is a breakdown of the various sections of this informative 2 ½ hour Internet Chat on people's views of the past, present and future of Asian Pacific American music artists. We hope that this transcript will provide thought-provoking insights of what it takes to achieve our goals. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by clicking HERE PART 1 - Past reviews PART 2 - Hip-hop - Good or bad? PART 3 - "Asiancentric" sound PART 4 - What hip-hop teaches PART 5 - Chicago scene PART 6 - AA filmmakers PART 7 - Artist support PART 8 - A new artist strugges PART 9 - Going "Indie" PART 10 - Achieving success PART 11 - Christian & other music PART 12 - What hip-hop teaches

Blue Audio:
Most of the albums developed on the major labels don't get heard, they get dropped after the first few weeks

N'Soul Phil
This is true, but they drop it only when it doesn't "scan" or there is something political going on.

Don't Listen to Me
We can't sell out to the major corporations. We also have to find a way to get national distribution for our artists. The Internet makes this possible.

Isaac_Liu
I was always under the impression that "Indies" pays out more, but the marketing aspects are limited due to cash.

N'Soul Phil
Very true

Isaac_Liu
Meaning the chances of another album (2nd album) might be low due to the lack of demand

N'Soul Phil
Certain people control certain markets

Isaac_Liu
For example - one hit wonders

N'Soul Phil
Yes, and that is all the label's option.

Isaac_Liu
PLUS, I would think indie hits would get picked up anyhow

N'Soul Phil
So you have to be willing to take that chance and go in knowing that you might have to walk away from the name and the band

Isaac_Liu
But as an artist, you want to be heard - right?

Don't Listen to Me
Practically speaking, we have to be very careful in selecting the first Asians who will be the superstars - who will be the old school, or else we we'll never create the Asian market.

Isaac_Liu
Not just sold to a limited demographic group

N'Soul Phil
Isaac_Liu, so you want to be heard on the radio or live - both, I guess?

Isaac_Liu
Both

N'Soul Phil
But radio is very controlled and there is little heard from "Indies"

Isaac_Liu
True

N'Soul Phil
Can do if you break in with a promoter

Blue Audio:
But a lot of bands built success with radio play.

N'Soul Phil
And political clout. So live where you've created your "buzz."

Isaac_Liu
"Indies" don't get a lot of airplay because they can't afford primetime slots which could lead to lower sales?

N'Soul Phil
You get out there to create the buzz.

RootsMusic:
I don't believe that a big record deal is important anymore.

N'Soul Phil
Right

Don't Listen to Me
Do we want band to be successful or bands that will be beneficial to the Asian community?

Isaac_Liu
Root, I disagree.

N'Soul Phil
Labels still control the market and "Indies" don't sell in the "Indie" market