Last week I received an email from Seattle-based manager David Meinert with the subject line “Duck Down Signs to Blue Scholars”. Knowing that Blue Scholars is a band and Duck Down is a label, I thought David fat-fingered it in a big way and made a mistake. Until I read the release.
The release outlined a unique setup Blue Scholars have put together between Seattle’s Caffe Vita Coffee Co. and the excellent hip hop label Duck Down (the label bringing you a collaboration between KRS-One and Buckshot in September — I’m stoked — and known for Boot Camp Clik, Black Moon, Smif n Wesson, and my personal favorite, Sean Price). Simply put, Caffe Vita is providing the cash flow, and they’re hiring Duck Down to run point on marketing.
Just another sign of what we’ve been saying for two years: the business is changing, artists have choice, and artists will find partners to help them get done what they need to — the mantra is no longer: “I’ve gotta get signed I’ve gotta get signed…” Congrats to Blue Scholars, Duck Down, Caffe Vita, and Dave. Thanks for having us along for the ride.
Speaking of two years, just wanted to give a shout out to my Topspin crew as we cross the two year mark. Thanks for all the hard work, late nights, long weekends, and taking care of business, everyone. Y’all are the best team in the world, and I appreciate everything you do. Looking forward to celebrating with you Thursday and Friday after the release goes out. Let’s get it on.
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Dumb ass move – most artists are stupid and have no marketing expertise in the real world, they are all great at selling things for free. Obviously the label is desparate but then again they’d have to be to be working up with washed up acts like KRS-One -
Andy
The boot has been on the other foot for two long. Prince has led the way for years now NIN, Beck, Moby et all follow. After an nightmare experience at the incapeable hands of a major I’m determined to own what I do, to keep my rights. I’ll still look for experienced people like the ones the majors are laying off to help reach goals. We want to be our own Spotify and iTunes & iPhone app. We will guaruntee our music to our users for life and once we’ve established an ongoing & direct relationship with them there is no limit to what collectively can be acheived. Thank you Top Spin for opening my eyes (And Bob Lefsetz) hope to meet yous on Wed nite here in London. Peace.
Pete
@Andy
Wow, bro, you are short on facts and long on opinion, huh? Duck Down is one of the best indie hip hop labels out right now and they’re having a great run these past 2 years. I’m not the biggest KRS fan in the world, but Duck Down’s CEO, Dru Ha, is a business legend who you could probably learn a lot from. Check out his recent interview with Moe Arara on “Making the Mogul” — it’s full of gems.
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