Welcome to the machine, it`s a term that refers to how most record companies and recording contracts are presented to and perceived by the artists, managers and all the others that are affected by these potentially life changing circumstances. It`s a term that conjures up images of drudgery and old thinking. It`s a term that is still widely used, even today. It`s a term that does not apply to subject of this feature.

So many times before here in the RKCNDY featured artist pages, we have brought the stories of success and agilation. Stories focusing on the artist/band experience. Stories that give highlights, stories that provide exclusive photos, stories that sometimes shamelessly promote.Maybe perhaps becoming part of the "machine" ourselves. So for this RKCNDY featured artist, we decided to tell the story a little differently. This featured artist is not a band or a performing artist. But by all means, is definitely an artist nonetheless. This month`s featured artist is a gentleman named Jeff Hanson. And his art, is the art of the music business.

Jeff Hanson is the President and Co-founder of the recording label the "Silent Majority Group". First off, it seems like everyone and their mother is starting a record label these days.So you might be asking yourself what`s the big deal?. Here is what the big deal is. We call it background and resume. Lets start with the fact that Jeff has already managed to discover some of the biggest bands in the world, maybe some of you have heard of Creed. Or maybe You have heard of Chris Daughtry of American Idol fame. With a $6000.00 loan from two little old ladies, Jeff financed Creed`s first album and went on to manage that band to like 30,000,000+ units sold and that`s just the start. Jeff also managed to help sell another couple of million units for Alter Bridge and Sevendust.

I could go on and on but I think you get the point. So when someone with Jeffs ear and level of previous accomplishment and experience, decides to start a record label, it got everyone here talking. Even more impressive is the way that Jeffs label "Silent Majority Group" does business. SMG as a company is a proponent of what is referred to as the"new model deal" These are recording contracts and other agreements which do not fall into the normal constraints of a typical recording contract. for example, some of your best conventional major label deals might find the artist receiving between 12-15% of the post production profits, with the record company taking around 85%. At SMG that`s not how they do things, at SMG, they do what is called a 50/50 joint venture recording and royalty split. they look at every dollar spent and every dollar earned on the recording side as "our money", meaning label and artist collectively, discussing expenditures and jointly working to determine what is most beneficial to everyone`s interest together. Which is a truly amazing concept for a company that works in the business called the "machine". When asked if this business model could actually allow for an artist to achieve widespread commercial success This is what Jeff had to say,

"I`m not all that shy about what I`m trying to do with SMG. I`m trying to build brands with my artists and a brand with SMG. Something that is greater than the sum of the parts. The value is not in the 50/50 split, it`s not even in being profitable on a day to day basis. it`s just about creating something that is valued".

That statement is a remarkable testament to a completely different way of thinking and working in the business of music.With this solid artistic vision, comes a wealth of experience and perspective, as SMG also retains the commercial focus to not only survive but flourish. As Jeff goes on to say that a big part of what SMG is looking for is a "larger company that has an interest in being part of something new and different that just might work. We ultimately want to take on a financial partner that allows us the freedom to both create new ideas that benefit these brands while also providing the financial partner access to the brands we are building. It all goes back to the vested partner thing."

So what does the Future hold for this most unique of music business enterprises?, "Our biggest task is to rebuild the mainstream/active rock brand. We need to continue to find old and new artists that are important to the format, keep the radio support we have enjoyed and continue to find effective third party partners that can help us reach the kids that are literally being bombarded with millions of media impressions every day. Looking at other successful indie music companies that have been successful in other genres like "Fueled by Ramen" has been to the indie/alternative world and "Tooth and Nail" has been to the emo/Christian world and trying to better their success because of the larger demographic we are trying to appeal to".

SMG is nationally distributed by Warner`s Independent Label Group and has 7 new releases coming in 2008. SMG artists Tantric, Vayden, Candlebox, Fosterchild, Course Of Nature, Signum and Framing Hanley will all be bringing new music to fans.While members of Woodale promote their new debut EP "Finish What You Start". With these new releases SMG adds to its already long and prestigious musical legacy by bringing out the next round of up and coming artists as well as an old favorite or two. Not too bad for a loudmouthed, brutally honest, t shirt wearing, budget airline flying music industry innovator. -

For more information on The Silent Majority Group and the artists on thier roster please visit them at WWW.SILENTMAJORITYGROUP.COM

RKCNDY Would like thank Fallon U.@ BMM without whose assistance this story would not have been possible. We would also like to thank Jeff Hanson and all at The Silent Majority Group for allowing us to tell their story. All images obtained with artist permission and are not available for sale/resale or any unauthorized duplication or distribution of any type in any type of media, conventional, electronic or otherwise.Photo Credits to Devon Ford and SakiPhotography.Com

©® 2008 RKCNDY
>>>> CLICK HERE TO RETURN HOME <<<<