Mind Coffee: Artist ‘development’ has become something of a relic

Take well-known bands and artists from the ’60s and ’70s, turn them back into newcomers just entering the music industry and what do you have?

A lot of music you’ll probably never hear because it’ll never get made.

For the past couple of decades, the idea of “developing” an artist has become something of a relic, jettisoned for “Make a hit now!” Sure, the music industry has always pushed for hit singles; that’s nothing new. But it also gave certain artists – ones that didn’t fit snugly into the mainstream whether they were rock, country, R&B, etc. – a little leeway to establish their sound and, hopefully, their audience.

There are many bands in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, for instance, that would not be there if they hadn’t been given time.

Shawn Ryan

After two albums that stiffed like crazy, Bruce Springsteen was almost certain to be dropped if he hadn’t come up with “Born to Run.” Aerosmith’s first two albums barely raised any ripples sales-wise, but they led to “Toys in the Attic,” which skyrocketed the band into fame with “Sweet Emotion” and “Walk This Way.”