Could Steely Dan exist in today's music business as a new act?

I can't remember who said it, but I remember reading a book on the recording industry several years ago that said, "Everyone wants to be Steely Dan, but no one else can pull it off."

They'd probably make about $32,000 a year.

 

They'd probably make about $32,000 a year.

 
Yeah, but wouldn't they have to tour to do that? I guess they could write and produce the songs and get some other poor schumck to record and tour... seriously, I don't know the answer.
 
J

Hmm...how much does one get paid to have one's music available on Spotify these days?

I really like Steely Dan, but their latest studio album, from 2003, didn't even go Silver.

I'd say they face the same challenges as every other group of great musicians.

The market is flooded and a level of recognition is determined, to a large extent, by how much push advertising someone is willing to expend on your brand.

It's always good to hear about a true ground swell of some particular band that makes it through and breaks out on it's own merit, but it seems very rare these days.

It's a good time to play music because it makes you happy and makes you feel good.

best regards,
mike

It's a good time to play music because it makes you happy and makes you feel good.

 
That is my only option...
 
J
 
 

In the past, artists required the sponsorship and/or financial backing of a patron in order to survive.  In the era of pop music, we saw the record labels assume the role of patron.  During this time, some artists seemed to transcend their role and assume mastery of their own fortunes.  The industry changed again, and new artists flooded the marketplace.  Labels are no longer seen as benevolent patrons.  In the new music economy, many musicians are no longer able to earn a living as performers/recording artists.  Instead, artists are working as hobbiests unless they are sponsored in some way by another person or entity.  I'm wondering if we're seeing a gradual return to a more traditional artist/patron scenario.

I don't know.  I'm just wondering.

UbiquitousBubba

I'm wondering if we're seeing a gradual return to a more traditional artist/patron scenario.

I feel like Mooch's patron.

Beepster


This'll probably get me in trouble with bapu but I've never much cared for Steely Dan.

I'm of the philosophy that we all grow up one day. 

Could Donald and Walter make it today...starting fresh.  Maybe.  But in their early days they were quirky songwriters and sidemen for other bands.  Then, when they actually formed a band and played their own material, Donald wasn't even the lead singer.  If it had not been for the success of a couple of tunes (read Do It Again) they would never have had the wherewithall to hire the best session guys in LA and for all intents and purposes "try them out" on their tunes in the studio till they got what they wanted.  I don't think that paradigm would work today at all.  Unless they had a verly wealthy sugardaddy who couldn't give a rats behind what they did with his or her money.  I believe if they were a "today" band they would be like hundreds of other "cult following" bands.  They would have a vociferously loyal (but relatively small) group of fans that thought they hung the moon.  But the kind of widespread, charismatic, ultra-cool, hip cachet that they've garnered over the course of their existing career would be very problematic. 

And, yes, I love them dearly.

I don't know...I'm to far out of touch to do anything but guess....I know
they'd probably still make me get that drop-jaw, staring of into space look
while I tried to imagine how much fun it would be to try and play with them while
wondering what in the hell kinda chord was that.
Moo major?

what in the hell kinda chord was that.

 
Dude... it was Am.
 
J

Old55

bapu


I think The Jan (Old55) likes The Dan too, IIRC

You're not just reeling in the years. 

Oh no, are we gonna Do It Again?

Drink your big black cow and get out of here!

If by "today" you mean 1978 ... I would say yes.

But if you are talking about a literal interpretation of "today" (i.e., 10/1/12) ... then I would say no.