Andy Doe, the original force behind iTunes and a former COO of Naxos, has written the most sensible essay on the state of the recording industry I have read recently.
Doe chides anyone who claims to have a magic formula for success, and says anyone who tries to minimize risk — both artistic and financial — is also minimizing the quality of the end result.
He concludes with two thoughts that serve as inspirations across genres and well beyond the world of music.
“Just about everything seems like a bad idea until it is done well,” is my favourite.
The other is this: “If we’re going to create something wonderful, we must prepare where we can, make sure our shoelaces are tied and check that we can afford to fail, but at some point we have to take a leap of faith.”
The full essay is worth your time. You can find it here at New Music Box.