Artfully Dodging The Jinx

Elysa Gardner of USA Today profiled the troubles young artists are facing today, including an ailing economy, corporate acquisitions and mergers of radio and record companies, piracy concerns, expanding entertainment and technology options, and increasingly thirsty and competitive media. Michelle Branch, who releases her ‘Hotel Paper’ album tomorrow, commented, “I feel like every little milestone buys me a little more time. If some song on this record sticks, hopefully, that will allow me to experience things that can take me to the next level. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed.” Her piano playing counterpart Vanessa Carlton added that she’s benefitted from less hype than her peers. “There’s a very delicate balance you have to maintain, and once society starts to feel badgered or bombarded with an artist’s image, a backlash is inevitable,” she said. Read more.