Regarding the creative relationships of Artists, all Artist/management/record label deals and relationships are different, but because Adam has been so thoughtful, clear, and, most importantly, successful with his choices (songs, presentation, look, etc) he’ll be a dream player for his team.

Often very young Artists who don’t yet have strong internal direction and choices need to be guided (and that can be the best thing for them), but when an Artist who’s confident and knowledgeable has demonstrated creative success and acclaim, my experience is that the team wants to promote and exploit (and in entertainment, “exploitation” is not a negative work) that image. So I don’t think it will be a problem at all.

The key to breaking (introducing) Adam will be the right choices… maybe a duet with Celine Dion (international, same incredible passion and range, and coincidentally she’s a Sony artist :) or another superstar would be a way to introduce him to an even wider audience. His vocal range and talents are so unique and broad that he may have a varied repertoire on his first album to introduce all his different styles; on the other hand, by the end of the competition he’ll have nearly an album’s worth of material on iTunes so they may discover a listening pattern to focus on. There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be an important part of the creative process and his instincts will be well respected.

It was fun to have the Idols record with the original Motown backgrounds (and the first time it’s ever been permitted, Berry Gordy is the greatest and like Mr. Davis still absolutely in touch with the market). Singing along with legendary tracks is not easy because of the nostalgia and expectations; and it also requires the Artist to back up and pay tribute rather than create a unique version like Adam did on the live show. I wish they offered both versions on iTunes, a live studio version of his performance as well as the classic original. I think this week was a unique experience and we’ll be hearing his interpretations again soon.

Best, Michael

Posted in: Industry Perspective by nymichael / Tags: Adam Lambert