The "startups are like bands" analogy actually implies a different, more interesting model: what about a startup incubator for bands?
Pick the most promising unsigned bands out of a set of applicants, and give them access to smart folks who have experience with being successful in the music industry along with other promising bands?
Bands don't IPO or get bought out, but a deal for percentage of revenue might still be viable, sort of like a manager/agent contract. I have no idea what the potential upside of a successful band is, so I don't have a clue whether the numbers add up to make the financial aspects of this work the way an incubator does, but it seems like it's worth exploring.
The band would still be in charge of their destiny, unlike with a major label or some more onerous types of management contracts. They would just have a access to a lot of insight and help toward achieving that destiny.
Pick the most promising unsigned bands out of a set of applicants, and give them access to smart folks who have experience with being successful in the music industry along with other promising bands?
Bands don't IPO or get bought out, but a deal for percentage of revenue might still be viable, sort of like a manager/agent contract. I have no idea what the potential upside of a successful band is, so I don't have a clue whether the numbers add up to make the financial aspects of this work the way an incubator does, but it seems like it's worth exploring.
The band would still be in charge of their destiny, unlike with a major label or some more onerous types of management contracts. They would just have a access to a lot of insight and help toward achieving that destiny.