That’s my favorite subject because it really levels the playing field for artists these days. You don’t have to sell out to the record company. You don’t have to get a five hundred thousand dollars, or whatever, and pay them back for the rest of your life to record a record.
Meaning of the quote
The quote from American musician Roger McGuinn suggests that digital technology has made it easier for artists to create and release music without having to make major financial deals with record companies. In the past, artists often had to borrow large sums of money from record labels to produce an album, and then had to pay back those loans for many years. But now, with digital tools and platforms, artists can record and share their music without needing that kind of financial backing from a record company. This allows artists more creative freedom and control over their work.
About Roger McGuinn
Roger McGuinn is best known as the frontman and leader of the influential rock band The Byrds. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with the group and is known for his distinctive 12-string Rickenbacker guitar sound. McGuinn has also released 10 solo albums and collaborated with other legendary artists like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty.
More quotes from Roger McGuinn
Leadbelly’s guitar is in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
American musician
That’s my favorite subject because it really levels the playing field for artists these days. You don’t have to sell out to the record company. You don’t have to get a five hundred thousand dollars, or whatever, and pay them back for the rest of your life to record a record.
American musician
I play a couple basic folks songs and break them down. I did that on a six string. I can’t recall all the songs on it. There’s some finger picking on it.
American musician
Yes, basically, like you said, I’ll work out a chord pattern and work out the lyrics over that.
American musician
The first 12-string guitar I bought was probably around 1957.
American musician
I don’t really collect guitars.
American musician
I always got a kick out of it when they called it the California Sound because it really came out of Liverpool and Greenwich Village.
American musician
Well, I guess that early 12 string. The first Martin I bought. I bought it around 1957 with money I earned as a janitor assistant. I bought brand new. I still have that.
American musician
Now, you can just get a laptop, get some software, put a microphone on it and make a record. You have to know how to do it. It does help if you’ve had 35 or 40 years of experience in the studio. But, it still levels the playing field so artists can record their own stuff.
American musician
But in my imagination this whole thing developed and I started mixing up old folk songs with the Beatles beat and taking them down to Greenwich Village and playing them for the people there.
American musician
Once I’ve written a song, I sometimes refine them.
American musician