Matthew Sweet Quotes

So it was out of necessity that Blackheart was born. I think it's great that now, 25 years later, we're not only putting out our own music, but are able to put out music by other bands. That's really exciting for us.

The reason I never wanted to sign with a big label was because I didn't want no one telling me how to make my music.

The problem that I have is with the music business. For some reason it seems almost impossible to get anything, any music, released which includes improvisation or soloing.

I did not start IC and Inteam to have control over my music. I had control before and after.

I never had many problems to do my music and to give it to a record company. Rarely do they try to argue with me about my music, probably because it's still too far-out.

A lot of big whoever producers, they come with a song and they say, 'Sing this,' and I'm not that girl.

I wanted to stay independent because I figured there was no way I was going to be able to have control to create the type of music I want. I was basically ignoring a lot of labels.

Mostly I've never let record companies become involved with my music, which was a very smart thing that my first manager Dave Robinson did, to keep them out of it.

I think we have to bottom out. When the studios jump out of the ring, perhaps the artist can get back in.

I have just enough people paying attention that I have the freedom to be in charge. And I have a great record company - Nonesuch understands what I'm about.

You make music to change the radio, not make music for the radio.

The music industry is such a different world from the acting world. Everything is really last minute, but I love the challenge, and I love owning my material and being able to put out what I want.

The people who are making money are the ones who are writing and singing their own songs.

I left the entertainment industry part of my life behind in 1983, when we decided not to work with major record companies anymore.

The new independent spirit at Warner Music is a perfect fit for a stand-alone label like Maverick.

In a sense, the music business and I haven't always been the best of bedfellows. Artists often have to fight their corner. Your music goes through these filters of record labels and media, and you're hoping you'll find someone who'll help you get your work into the world.

Do not let any record company disturb your creative flow. You are not writing for the record company. You're writing for the public.

The record company stay out of my way. Whenever the record is finished, they take it.

I certainly don't want to be a record label guy.

I've never worried about how a new release will be received. I simply try to do the best I can and leave the rest to the gods. The music industry in those terms is something I loathe and detest. It conjures up images of a gigantic factory spewing out parts of the machine.

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.

Music is my living. I enjoy selling my music.

It's time for artists to take their music back.

I'm just focusing on 'Let's Stay Together' and slowly building my production company. I'm trying to get into writing as well.

I don't think they should regulate the music field. I don't see how they can regulate the arts.