Damn the Man (All 50,000)

Ever think you could run your own record label?

God knows with how things have been going lately, some of us have considered it. I know that my goal is to work from the inside out, then start my own, but god knows that I don't have the knowhow at 21. However, a 26 year old man in Florida has managed to take that pipe dream and find a way to ease into it.

Karol Gajda has decided to recruit 50,000 people for a mere $25 a pop to contribute to his new record label. It's almost like a perverted Save the Children campaign, only the children probably wear girl pants and ironic cowboy boots. Gadja will take that money and start up the business, using the funds to find an office, produce the records and take the proper measures in marketing and distributing it. Now, I've read 'This Business of Music' too, but who is this guy that he thinks 50,000 will trust his know how? Ultimately all members will be able to make suggestions, but considering you're competing against 49,999 other members who all want their boyfriend's band to be signed, it seems to be a little too good to be true.

Now, far be it for me to only be a cynic about this whole think. Ideally it sounds great, 200,000 dollars each for the first 5 bands signed and input on tours and booking? Sweet. But there's a reason people are hired and put into these positions : they know their shit. They've made these industry contacts and at least know the difference between The Academy Is and Fall Out Boy (oh yes, there is one) Whos to say you'll have smart business men and women on your staff, let alone just music fans? I'd be worried that I'd be overstepped, that at least a thousand other people want to sign the same other band and as a band, that'd freak me the fuck out. God knows Randy in Kentucky is all about promotional belt buckles, but sometimes that quality control is necessary, and beneficial. There is no means in which this man is going to sift through his members to make sure they're legit, no more than these members know if he's legit. To me, it all seems a little sketch.

But good luck, Karol. I bet you'll find the new Circa Survive and have total control on how their lives are run. You and 50,000 of your closest colleagues.