Real Talk with Louis Logic
Louis Logic guides us through rap’s recession
With CD sales slowly declining, the record industry is becoming softer than a baby’s bottom. Partly due to Mr. S-dot-Jobs and file sharing networks, the once popular plastic circular discs are becoming more and more a thing of yesteryear. In turn, more and more artists are looking at touring to make bank. Independent artist, Louis Logic, has been around the world and back again–touring over 20 countries and every mainland state in the US all without selling his soul to the majors. Using his tour stops to finagle projects, he wrapped up his latest opus with his Danish group, Spork Kills, getting them ready for their US invasion. Fresh off his Eurotrip, LL gives us his top tips on touring, groupies and collecting that currency. Hit the road, Jack.
What do you think about the record selling business compared to the touring industry?
LL: There isn’t much of a record business anymore because you can do it all yourself online. The record companies are realizing that they’re not making much money so they are changing their game plan and strategizing to make money off an artist’s career.
So do you think record companies are going to cut their way into live performances?
LL: They are trying to make contracts stipulating that a live performance of a song constitutes a usage of the master. It’s scary because touring has always been the safe house for the artist.
Do you recommend booking agent?
LL: With the internet you don’t need a booking agent. One way to go about doing that is to find artists that have good booking contacts that want to open shows for you. Let them route the tour for you and promote it. My booking agent will kill me for this.
How do you handle all the groupie love?
LL: My first real big tour I drank and partied all night and chased girls. Within a week I had no voice and caught the flu. Touring isn’t a traveling party and if you treat it that way you will pay for it dearly. Let’s see how glamorous you feel when you go back home and your girlfriend gets a urinary tract infection. But lately I have been a good boy.
Collecting money is a tricky situation, how do you handle it yourself?
LL: Instead of trying to convince people that they should be intimidated because I might go crazy if they don’t pay me, I try to use the lure of long-term value to protect me. I build relationships and install a certain sense of necessity to stay in touch with me. You have to make yourself a commodity; its one of the safest protections. People don’t screw you over because they recognize the value in that.
What’s the soundest investment a new act can make?
LL: Buy a tour van! The first thing I did was get a Dodge Caravan. One day we were driving through Iowa and the transmission gave out. We went to a 7-11 and this kid was like, “You guys ain’t from ‘round here. What are you here for?” once I told him we were rappers he said, “I love rap… I love rappers.” He turned out to be a really nice kid. He called a bunch of friends and they fixed the van for thirty bucks.
Is there anything you can leave home without?
LL: A serious DVD collection. I write to really dark movies. I wrote most of the Misery Loves Comedy album to The Count of Monte Christo. I also bring my own mic because the ones at the venue s are all dinged up and have everybody else’s residue all over them. It’s the same mic that Steven Tyler from Aerosmith uses. That guy lost his voice years ago and he’s still belting.
Do you travel with an entourage?
LL: I’m on an indie label. Sometimes I find myself selling my own merchandise, counting money, shaking babies and kissing hands… I mean kissing babies and… you know what I mean. In one tour I was also the tour manager and the DJ. As an indie artist it behooves you to be totally self sufficient.
What advice do you have for new acts trying to get their show on the road?
LL: Get tour support money. I had it worked into my last deal. That money will pay for hotels, gas, etc. You keep your earnings and you’ll make more money because you aren’t spending your nightly show money. Some contracts even come with that installed.
