Comments on: Single Review: Joey+Rory (feat. Zac Brown Band), “This Song’s for You”

By: Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 10:57:09 +0000

Well K, that was just a bit of hyperbole and somehwhat overstated on my part. I just mean they’re a breath of fresh air with their Traditional sound, and hopefully THEY will become the trendsetters, as opposed to those who now dominate the charts with what I consider to be extreme pop-diluted country, or bombastic, overproduced cliches masquarading as music.

I also see Jamey Johnson and Miranda Lambert as torch-bearers for what I consider to be the good stuff, and they give me hope for the future of the genre, though Miranda is not strictly a Traditionalist.

By: K

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:08:11 +0000

The positives:
Love the production-so many country artists should take note.
Joey+Rory sound excellent together.
The negative:
The lyrics leave much to be desired-the base is too reliant on cliches and it’s painfully unoriginal.

“…Having said that, I still see Joey + Rory and the ZBB as bright lights and beacons for the salvation of real Country music!”

What makes you say that, Steve? I’m always skeptical of anyone who says a certain artist is “the savior of country music.” One or two artists cannot change an entire genre of music. Joey +Rory/ZBB/Jamey Johonson and the like may be less pop-oriented and have stronger song lyrics than the typical artists and songs pandering to radio, but that mean they’re hollier than thou.

“

By: Matt Bjorke

Matt Bjorke — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:08:24 +0000

I should clarify that when I said J+R are in an even better position, it is because their costs aren’t nearly as high (for promo or recording) as majors or even big indies like BBR or Big Machine.

Now, to get at an answer for the digital sales thing. Lets say a somewhat popular single sells 100,000 copies at 99 cents per unit. That nets the label about $70,000. An artist on a smaller label like Joey+Rory will see some of that money come their way. Now if the artist is on a bigger label, they’re likely gonna need to sell 500k-1 million singles to see any money as it takes about that much to promote ONE single to radio.

So, the short answer is, yes, they make money. It just depends on how much a single sells and what kind of contract the artist is signed to.

By: Matt Bjorke

Matt Bjorke — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:22:36 +0000

Leeann,

Yes, they do – if they’re on smaller labels (or in 360 deals now). An artist like Joey+Rory is in even better situation because of their smaller label and success. So, to give away a song may help gain momentum but it’s also going to lose them money – at least at first- because many people who want the song will get it, especially because it’s for free.

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:37:27 +0000

Matt,

I appreciate you sticking up for them, as someone who thinks they do seem sincere, but I figure I might as well answer your question before somebody else does. I’m sure you already know this, but giving the track away for free is a pretty common strategy in order to gain momentum for a single. Of course, if a single does well, it typically translates to better record and ticket sales. A question I have is: Do artists make any money off the digital downloads of singles?

By: Tara Seetharam

Tara Seetharam — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:31:43 +0000

Music is inherently subjective but to state what the motivation of any artist is when they record/release a tune, is just silly, unless there’s a track record of an artist (IE Stated) doing stuff purely for $$ reasons. Amen brother!

By: Matt Bjorke

Matt Bjorke — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 05:38:11 +0000

How is the performance on the song fake? Who can even quantify this? Music is inherently subjective but to state what the motivation of any artist is when they record/release a tune, is just silly, unless there’s a track record of an artist (IE Stated) doing stuff purely for $$ reasons. IF J+R were releasing this song purely for $ or to ‘piggyback’ why would they have decided to give it away for free?

By: plain_jo

plain_jo — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 19:37:29 +0000

Just bought this song on itunes. Included w/ it is a cover “You Ain’t Woman Enough.” Well worth the .99!

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:54:03 +0000

Yup, it’s formulaic; I’d even say very formulaic. I’m not against songs that are formulaic as a principle though, as long as it somehow works. Of course, most people here don’t think it does, but I can live with that.

Kathy Mattea’s “Where’ve You Been”, Conway Twitty’s “That’s My Job” and Patty Loveless’ “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye” are all as formulaic as you can get, but they’re all wonderful songs. I think there’s a difference between formulaic, which is okay, and generic, which isn’t. Of course, this is all in the world according to Leeann.

By: Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:39:20 +0000

I have no doubt it’s sincere in that the song was composed and performed from the heart, I guess what I mean is that it comes accross as a bit formulaic.