Getting Signed: A Test Of Time

article contributed by Dante Caranto

“Some guys have all the luck” as the song goes. The other side of it is that no matter how hard you try, things don’t seem to work out for you. In the music industry (on the context of alternative bands to be specific), ability and determination are the most foundation. But the one thing you don’t have control of is that thing called luck.

I’ve heard of different stories among the bands that I know of by reading the stories of their lives. One that I chanced upon was about investing on demo and not having that ample experience of playing for a diverse crowd in small clubs. Yet, should we say in a stroke of luck got a deal with the knowledge that the band is obviously young.

I remember playing along or at least talking to members of several bands way back 5 years ago and finding out that it was only now that they have this legitimate record produced by a major label out in stores. Again not just one group but a couple . . . . or unconsciously a pack?

But success may not be a guarantee just as a record deal may not be a guarantee for a continued step towards your goal for stardom. Another plot is that after all expenses were disbursed, the record is not selling and yet the agony continues for the artist and the return of investment is blurry for the record label.

Luck doesn’t have a rule. Whether you are a promising group or an experienced bad ass for as long as your music is digested by the listening crowd chances are…you have the right music at the right time. Or if it happens that you are living with a generation that you are attuned with. For that others, a little waiting did not hurt. This kind of thing may be credited as sweet and glorious victory after restless nights of poetic dreams. At least it gave time for them to improve or even became religious. You may make it or not or make it and not really. Go figure. Among the situations cited, there is a common denominator - the music. I believe that masterpiece is determined by the test of time. For as long as your sound and lyrics is consumable all throughout then yours is a masterpiece.

Fad is obviously limited. But when eternity is your judge (not being too exaggerated but synonymous to that) hall of fame is one thing to look forward to and everything that goes along with it. Again, it may sound overstated but the simple point is the Beatles is still the Beatles and the music lives from then on up to now. It can be viewed as commerce since merchandise still continues to earn for each of the remaining or at least the one who receives their royalties.

Overnight sensation is overwhelming. It can be over after quite sometime or be as lasting as it can be. Reaping what you sow glorifies your determination to continue hence all you came across along the way. When you achieve that goal of yours, again it can be over after quite sometime or be as lasting as it can be. But for as long as the music plays and people pays or at least listens, it can be said that it’s all about the music.

About the Writer: Dante Caranto is a technical writer and a documentation team leader in one of the IT marketing firm in Makati City. He is also the vocalist and guitarist of the band called Arglas, an alternative pop-rock act that features the philosophy and values of the labor society in their music.