Miles Copeland, founder of I.R.S. Records, explains to Guy Raz why independent record labels inevitably lose successful bands to larger competitors.
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“As somebody once said to me, if you want loyalty, get a dog, because there is no such thing in the record business, you know, because everybody has, starts whispering in their ear, you could make a lot more money if you were so-and-so.”
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More from Miles Copeland
AssertionNot checkable as stated
Jerry Moss refused to offer A&M equity to acquire I.R.S. Records
“Jerry Moss, I wanted to merge with A&M and get shares in A&M. And Jerry Moss had said initially, yes, we'll do that. Then when I went in to finally make the deal, he said, well, we can't give you shares in A&M, but we'll buy IRS. And he quoted a number which w…”
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Miles CopelandDec 26, 2022▶ 35:11I.R.S. Records: Miles Copeland
Opinion
Copeland: Escalating talent costs and bidding wars ultimately killed I.R.S. Records
“Yes, that is exactly what happened to IRS records, which meant that the money I had to offer to sign the act had to increase, which meant the risks increased, and I think in the end it finally killed IRS.”
Miles CopelandDec 26, 2022▶ 51:18I.R.S. Records: Miles Copeland
Insight
Copeland used his American accent to project authority when booking UK clubs
“I think one of the advantages that I had was I had an American accent. So when I'd call up a club, you know, it'd be, hi, my name is Miles Copeland, I've got this new band to book, you know, and They would not be quite so sure as to who this guy was. Well, may…”
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Insight
Copeland: Billing emerging artists with major headliners inflates their perceived status
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Miles CopelandDec 26, 2022▶ 14:38I.R.S. Records: Miles Copeland
AssertionSupported
Copeland: The Police originated as last-minute fill-ins for punk bands
“So the police ended up being a fill-in act for a lot of the punk groups.”
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