The scene with manager Phil Horace (wearing shorts and tall black socks) in the camper, where he offers to be The Oneders manager and have them sign the paper work. Amazing.
Phil Horace: I’ve found that a hit record is like a stew. All the ingredients have to cook together just right. Otherwise it’s just soup.
(skip some lines)
Jimmy: I’m not sure about this.
Phil: It’s a standard management contract. It says if I do my job, you guys make money.
(skip some lines)
Jimmy: I don’t know. I’m reluctant to sign anything that has to do with my music.
Lenny: What! Are you crazy?! A man in a really nice camper wants to put our song on the radio! Give me a pen, I’m signing, you’re signing, we’re all signing.
I love this entire scene so much, so many subtle music business-isms creep in. And it’s hilarious.
But just a couple things.
If you find yourself in a “really nice camper” (or the equivalent) being offered a deal, and the crazy aloof guitar player (or the equivalent) is spear heading the charge , slow down. Wise council is worth every penny and worth the extra time it takes to get it.
Whether it’s a lawyer, manager, business manager, get trusted, wise direction. Even if you have to pay for it.
The Wonders lucked out. But if a guy from Eerie, PA (or the equivalent) shows up at your next gig promising you the moon, you probably won’t be so lucky.
“I’m reluctant to sign anything that has to do with my music.” This is a fear-based, overly general attitude to adopt.
Why be reluctant if it’s a good deal? Why be reluctant if you get what you want? What’s the point to holding on to 100% ownership if you’re making zero dollars? Better to own 1% of something making $100.
And when you succeed, you want others to be succeeding with you. Because in life, you don’t want to be lonely (even in success), that’s one of our deep fears.
You don’t need to be reluctant, you need to be educated. You need to be interested and intentional.
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I’m always interested in your perspective, whether affirming or dissenting. Continue the conversation anytime: gabethebassplayer@gmail.com