Just what is "Selling Out"?

[ekahob]

And what 80's artists do you think fall under this category and why?

[i_like_lectric_motors]

I'd define it as intentionally changing for no other reason than to
achieve commercial success. The key being "for no other reason". I
don't have a problem with any band getting airplay and sales and lots of good bands have done it without compromising themselves artistically. I wouldn't say U2 or REM sold out, but I would definitely put Metallica or Goo Goo Dolls in that category. Can't really think of any new wave bands at the moment that I feel sold out although I'm sure there are some.

[schwenko]

[quote]Originally posted by ekahob
[br]And what 80's artists do you think fall under this category and why?
[/quote]

OMD-from "If You Leave" on.

[ExRat]

Exactly. There is a big difference in bands musically evlolving into some interesting permutations because they simply FELT like it and changing course to make a buck. I have my own ideas as to who's a new wave sellout, as does everyone else I'm sure.

[THECHAMPIONGENE]

I wouldn't say U2 or REM sold out, but I would definitely put Metallica or Goo Goo Dolls in that category. Can't really think of any new wave bands at the moment that I feel sold out although I'm sure there are some.

U2 is the biggest sellout on the planet! They have consistantly allowed there last 2 albums songs as well as some early songs to be used in commercials for car companies, iPod etc.etc. And the worst part is the fact that they dont need the money and thats what makes them the ultimate sell out artist. Anyone who owns his music and still allows it to be prostituted for cheap financial gain is so not rock n roll. Most bands dont own their publishing and have no control over what it is used for, but the ones that do own there publishing are commiting the ultimate sin as artists now being reduced to jingle pimps (the ultimate jingle pimp is my neighbor Moby) I like what Bjork said recently about Beyonce being a pop prostitute.[:0]

[phillyidol]

Although not new wave, I'm pretty sure the rolling stones were the first to sell out. They were the first that I know of to have a corp. spons. their concert. "thank you, that was satasfaction brought to you by visa card, I really like visa"

[i_like_lectric_motors]

Shit, I forgot about commercials! You're absolutely right! I guess we can add Iggy Pop, The Cure and The Buzzcocks to the sellout list too.

[Bitter Almonds]

Oh for the love of optimus prime! Who cares about who sells out and who doesn't? The bigger question is: "Do you still like the music?" If the answer's "yes," then what does it matter if they made the decision purely based on money? Most everyone has their price. Shoot! I WISH I could sell out for the truckloads of money they can sell their works for. Idealism isn't gonna get me that mansion in the Bahamas complete with that enormous yatch [:D]

Btw, the Stones sold out when they cut that Disco record... so did KISS [xx(] Hehe [8D]

If I were to go by this notion, then these are the artists who "sold out":

T. Rex
KISS
Ozzy
The Stones
David Bowie
The Sex Pistols
Duran Duran
Culture Club
Depeche Mode
Madonna
Yello
Alphaville
Crowded House
The Human League
Gary Numan
The Clash
U2
Metallica
The Police/Sting
Bauhaus
Gene Loves Jezebel

The list could go on and on, but, really, that whole "sell out" thing is such elitist bullshit, I don't take it seriously.

[phillyidol]

True xxx, i guess everyone has to make a buck. Its just back then it was new. Now everyone does it. I guess what is selling out is when someone comes off as a rebel and then tries to play it off like they really believe in the product. I'm not a stones fan but I do remember them having their own clothing line. And MicK said on tv its really well made.AHHH. But now I see nothing wrong with it because you cant go without money. Its more of a way of life. If you can get a sponsor to flip the bill you are lucky!

[Panorama]

[quote]U2 is the biggest sellout on the planet! They have consistantly allowed thier last 2 albums songs as well as some early songs to be used in commercials for car companies, iPod etc.etc.[/quote]What car comercials did U2 allow their music to use with? I don't recall any.

Currently The Cars - Just what I needed is being used in the Circut City TV ads.

[SwampThing]

Another part of selling out is signing to a big corporate label for the big bucks, then allow said label too...
1) Choose the producer.
2) Make personnel decisions with regard to band members.
3) Decide what songs from recording sessions get released.
4) Decide track order
5) Have final say on album art.
6) Influence bands image, for example change hair style, or attire to fit desired image.
7) Market an image, treat band like a product, etc
Force band to make lame music videos

In defense of U2 and REM, I think they maintained a fair amount of control and have used their success to support various causes. But still their music began to suffer right after they gained so much fame.

[Bitter Almonds]

Devo was used for Target commercials. Devo are a buncha sell outs! [:D]

[THECHAMPIONGENE]

[quote][i]Originally posted by Dan Coogan[/i]
<br>[quote]U2 is the biggest sellout on the planet! They have consistantly allowed thier last 2 albums songs as well as some early songs to be used in commercials for car companies, iPod etc.etc.[/quote]What car comercials did U2 allow their music to use with? I don't recall any.

Currently The Cars - Just what I needed is being used in the Circut City TV ads.
[/quote]

There is a toyota commercial running right now with a loop of the begining of "where the streets have no name" over and over.

[Bitter Almonds]

Speaking of "sell out" muzak used for commercials. Anyone know who sang the "Windsong" jingle? That was a pretty sweet tune [:)]

[ekahob]

So far, with the exception of U2 and the Rolling Stones there hasn't been any hard evidence of "Selling Out". You should forgive U2 of their "sins" since they give a lot of time and money to helping many causes. They put their money where their mouths are. The Stones are well, The Stones. They are an ego driven band (corporation) and making money is what they are all about.

And why is selling out considered such a bad thing? Who does is hurt? As XXX states who cares? We all wish we could make the kind of money successful bands do. I don't consider having a bands music used in a car commercial a bad thing. It's promotion of their music. It's making a living. All bands want to be successful. They work hard and most are lucky to achieve even a minor level of success.

Is Metallica considered a sell out because they went in a more commercial direction? Are they guilty of trying to be successful? What's wrong with that? Do they owe it to their fans to only make enough money to survive and remain unknown to the masses? I don't think so. Good for Metallica. I'm happy for their success. I didn't know their music until the the black album and I liked that record. If that's selling out then thank you Metallica. As XXX said it's all about the music. Is U2's new record worth listening to? I think so, so promote away guys, it doesn't matter to me.

So, my conclusion is that the term "selling out" is, to use XXX words, "elitist bullshit" that comes from selfish, cynical fans who want to keep an artist as their own special thing, and jealous artists that wish they could achieve the level of success of their peers. And I'm sure you could include the rock critic media for fanning the selling out flames since in the end the media are only fans too.