Ever notice how most popular novels are about compelling characters with exciting lives? We love those characters, love their lives. But what about the flawed characters with the depressing lives? They don’t pop up as often on the bestseller lists. Maybe we could learn more from a story of crushing failure than one of...

Artists and authors are talking about creative branding. But what exactly is a brand? And do you have to have one? As a label and publisher, we get a lot of questions about artist branding. After marketing nearly 100 releases, we understand the importance of branding to an artist’s success. The differences between good and...

Are you a perfectionist? As you navigate life as an artist, nobody you meet — in collaboration or in competition — is perfect. You know this, yet still set impossibly high standards for your own creative work. You expect to transcend your flaws and shortcomings. Every time. Why? Are you afraid you won’t “measure up”?...

The legend of the “great lost album” is one of the most enduring in rock ‘n’ roll. In the case of Uncle Green, fondly remembered from their major-label days in the early-to-mid ’90s, the legend is actually true. And the evidence — sometimes scarce with legends — can be found today at your favorite...

Seriously. Do you give your best to your art? Maybe you do creative work for yourself, maybe you do it for others. Maybe it’s a mix of the two. In any case, whatever you’re up to, if you’re not serious about it, it probably won’t amount to a hill of beans. Sound a bit...