Movie spotlight
Slave Trade: How Prince Remade the Music Business
In the mid-1990s reports emerged that Prince had fallen into dispute with his record company. Having signed what was ostensibly a new, 100 million dollar contract just a couple of years before, Prince was now demanding - not unreasonably to most commentators - control of his masters and the freedom to release what he wanted when he wanted. After a bitter war of words, during which the star scrawled Slave across his cheek whenever he appeared in public and routinely dissed his label, the parties finally settled and Prince henceforth was free to take full control of his music and the way it was sold to consumers. Prince approached this task with devastating foresight as he routinely created new marketing concepts which, with time, became the norm across the music world.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary explores Prince's radical 1993 decision to change his name to an unpronounceable symbol and his subsequent battle with Warner Bros. Records. It details his fight for artistic freedom and ownership of his masters, highlighting how his actions significantly impacted the music industry's power structures and artist rights.
Critical Reception
The documentary was generally well-received for its insightful examination of Prince's business acumen and his pioneering stance against major record labels. Critics praised its exploration of a pivotal moment in music history and its relevance to ongoing debates about artist compensation and control.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its detailed look at Prince's business battles.
Highlights Prince's ahead-of-his-time fight for artist rights.
Explores the lasting impact of his independent approach.
Google audience: N/A
Fun Fact
Prince's decision to change his name was a symbolic act of rebellion against his record label, Warner Bros., as he felt they were treating him like a slave to their contractual obligations and financial interests.
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