12/19/2025
In Grammy season, it's a seemingly artistic to say 'a musician should not be in music to win awards - they should do it for the love of music.' This obvious 'PC' statement may sound like it takes a moral high ground, but it's more moralistic to suggest that musicians deserve to eat. In 2025 it has never been harder for musicians to attain a professional career. Performers often have to pay-to-play, getting paying gigs is difficult, and even then, it is rare that they can make a living income. Getting music on the radio or into media such as commercials or film is very difficult without a strong agent or publisher, and getting a strong agent or publisher is as close to impossible for an unknown musician as getting decently paying gigs. Of course any musician who has gone to the expense of making a recording wants awards. A Grammy has a profound effect on a career, allowing them to get a real record deal instead of self releasing, or, even worse, releasing through an indie company who gives the musician nothing except a small percentage if the record sells. And let's not forget that unless you're Taylor Swift, record sales and Spotify plays mean nothing. So, hell yeah, musicians who want a professional career are right to want a Grammy. But getting a Grammy for the artists who need them will require a large outlay of money, while having to compete with an artist signed to Universal who can easily spend $100K to compete with them. For those who want to laugh about this subject, try this:
Dr. Richard Niles examines the current grave crisis facing musicians today – and finds the answer!!!****Warning****:This video is comedy. It is also satire. ...
