Passengers have to stay alert, careful not to miss their stop. Riders wittingly sidestep others, jumping off the car just in time. When I stepped off the underground and climbed the steps to Market Street on my way to Ubiquity records I was reminded of the window of opportunity so many musicians and record labels must subscribe to if they wish to succeed. Similar to being prepared to catch my stop, so is the immediacy in jazz. When an opportunity arises, one has to be quick witted to grab the chalice.
Truth be told, record labels, bands, and solo artists come and go.
Persistence, tenacity, and honest music that sounds good is the only way someone can survive. Independent labels have it a lot tougher than the majors, and in fact, have to buck up against the industry's heaviest hitters. That is to say, a major label has larger budgets. After visiting San Francisco on their honeymoon, Jody and Michael packed up a U-haul and left their southern California clime for the city by the bay, intrigued by the vibrant club scene. We had talked about it, especially after watching indie labels succeed.