Starting to write music in 2021, Oliver Anthony used his passion for folk music to release songs like “Ain’t Gotta Dollar” and “Rich Man’s Gold.” Not worrying about riches or fame, the country singer only wanted to share his songs with fans. But fate had other plans when he uploaded his song “Rich Men North of Richmond.” Released in August 2023, the song took over the music industry and charts. And now, over a year later, Anthony decided to share his thoughts on the music industry after seeing what it had to offer.
Videos by American Songwriter
Releasing a video on YouTube titled “What I’ve Learned From The Music Industry So Far”, Anthony held nothing back about the current state of music. With many wondering what happened to all the great music that once filled the airwaves, the singer explained, “At the very beginning, our focus was just trying to figure out what we felt like God’s purpose was for our lives and trying to figure out how to pursue that. I think it was just being around all those people that weren’t of that mindset.” He continued, “There’s no way to create something that’s focused around God when you’re working with people who are just focused around making money. And just using you for whatever they can.”
With Anthony getting a chance to see behind the curtain of the music industry, the singer went on to note how labels will build a story around a person. “Find some guy that you can build a character around. Prop him up through your label. Give him a bunch of songs that some kids over at The Hick in Nashville wrote while they were wearing their Crocs and drinking White Claws and hitting golf balls.”
Oliver Anthony Not A Fan Of The “Rinse And Repeat Model”
While not bashing writers for playing the game, Anthony wanted songs that didn’t fit a model. “ It sounds like every other big song that’s been out in the last five years. It’s just a rinse and repeat model. It serves no purpose, other than it’s just a business.”
And if creating a persona around a singer wasn’t enough, according to Anthony, companies pay big money when it comes to landing on the charts. “A lot of the music that goes on the charts, the companies actually buy their own song however many times. They’ll spend a million dollars just to jump it up the charts a certain amount where people start to see it.”
Not wanting to play the game of the music industry, Anthony also didn’t want to be part of the system. “It’s just a business model that they’ve followed and adapted to. It was evident talking to all these people, and every time I go to town and talk to people in Nashville, I realize how scary this new era is.”
(Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.