New artists and bands are popping up everywhere. One of the people who likes to keep an eye out for these new artists is Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy. Wentz started the record label Decaydance records five years ago and according to him he his promoting his “second generation” of artists. The first generation included bands such as Panic at the Disco, Cobra Starship, and The Cab. Now bands such as Four Year Strong, Hey Monday and Black Cards are becoming the new wave of alternative music or second generation on the label. “The second gen of bands has become interested in Decaydance in general because of the first generation’s success and can see and learn from the first gen,” says Wentz. Everyone on the label is close with one another. He likes to have the personal connection with them. They are not just his clients but also his friends. Travie McCoy from Gym Class Hero is the godfather of Wentz’s son.
The company does not subscribe to any labels that the media says about them. Wentz says he likes to see the longevity of the band. He saw something in Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship after his first band fell through. A similar situation occurred with McCoy and his solo album. The groups on label grow together as a band and really develop into the kind of artist they would like to be in the future. Decaydance backs up the artist to help them express themselves. Also on different labels such as Universal or Island, Wentz has stated that he will stick up for them, “Whether it’s for a bigger video budget or maybe bringing in outside money; we’re constantly fighting for our bands.”
One of the biggest accomplishments of the label was that Wentz stayed true to his friends. When the first generation was so successful other companies offered to buy them out but Wentz told them no. He is very passionate about his work and developing the artists on the label. Wentz keeps in the touch with everyone on a weekly basis. He also works on different projects with different bands. For example, he will A&R songs for one and others he is just spreading the word about the artist.
The advice Wentz gives to people who want to start a record label is that you need to look for the future. Today people are just trying to get by. In a few years they will be looking for fresh ideas. The ones that are futuristic and understanding are the ones that will survive.
No comments:
Post a Comment