Do Record Labels Provide Artists with Songs to Record: Insights and Examples

Songs are the lifeline of musicians, and the process of selecting and recording songs plays a crucial role in the success of an album. While the general consensus is that artists typically write their own music, there are instances where record labels influence song selection. This article explores the historical context and modern practices of record labels providing songs to artists, with a focus on rock music and specific examples from various bands.

Historical Context: The Role of Record Labels in the Past

The era before 1958 was a time when record labels played a more significant role in the song selection process. Artists were often signed to labels, and these entities had AR (Artist and Repertoire) managers whose job was to find and recommend songs that fit their artists.

One notable example is Elvis Presley, who left Sun Records around 1961 to record what he wanted. In Nashville, AR managers like Chet Atkins at RCA, who was a studio musician, would listen to demos and find songs that matched an artist's style. Similarly, in Detroit, Phil Spector acted as an AR for many of his artists, including The Supremes, The Cherills, and Smokey Robinson.

Modern Practices: Artists Writing Their Own Music

For rock bands, especially, songwriting remains a fundamental aspect of their identity and performance. Rock bands typically write their own music, partly because it is a crucial part of what makes them unique. Jannführer notes:

"Rock bands write their own music. That is a huge part of what makes a rock band unique! If you're any kind of serious musician, you enjoy the challenge of writing songs."

However, there are exceptions. For instance, the rock band Judas Priest recorded "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" by a professional songwriter, which became their biggest hit ever. This example illustrates that while rock bands usually write their own songs, they might occasionally opt to record someone else's composition for a hit single or cover songs.

Working with Select Published Songs: Unique Opportunities for Musicians

These days, record labels often provide unrecorded songs that artists can review and potentially choose from. This practice is especially prevalent in the indie and singer-songwriter communities, where artists can benefit from a wide range of songs that may not have been released yet.

For example, Shiva Burlesque, signed to Paisley Park Records, had access to thousands of songs written by Prince for their record. They chose to record "Neon Telephone." Similarly, The Bangles selected "Manic Monday" for their album, which was a far better choice for a hit song. These instances demonstrate that sometimes, record labels provide artists with songs to record that might become their biggest hits.

Moreover, during my time at Motown, an accountant shared a story about a singer who was looking for songs. She was going through the catalog of tapes the label had, which further illustrates the available resources artists have to choose from.

The Transition: From Independent Selection to Label Influence

The shift from artists writing their own songs to record labels providing options had a significant impact on the creative process. As heart vocalist Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson mentioned in an interview, their early albums were primarily their own compositions. However, over time, record labels began to influence the process by introducing AR managers who suggested hit songs for artists to record.

"But then the studio brought in an AR man to put them on to singing all their biggest hits."

While this provided financial benefits, it often meant that the artists didn't fully embody the persona their songs represented. This change highlights the tension between artistic control and commercial success.

Conclusion

The relationship between record labels and artists in song selection is complex and multifaceted. While artists typically write their own music, there are instances where record labels provide options, often through AR managers. This practice has evolved over time, reflecting changes in the music industry's landscape. Whether artists choose to write their own songs or consider unrecorded options, the selection of recordings remains a crucial aspect of an album's success.

Understanding the dynamics between record labels and artists can provide valuable insights into the music industry, benefiting both aspiring and established musicians.