international news _ Jonty Skrufff _ 14th June 2005
Röyksopp's Rich Man Blues
Norwegian electronic stars Röyksopp started promo for their upcoming album The Understanding this week and admitted that they've become victims of the massive success of their million selling last album Melody AM.
"The money is a disturbing factor, when things get big, people just don't do favours any more," Svein Berge told the Guardian," You can't just pick up the phone and get someone to appear on your record. With that comes a lot of paperwork and solicitors."
His comments reflected the experiences of English electro pioneer Gary Numan who made millions of pounds in the 80's off hits including Are Friends Electric and Cars before plunging into poverty by the end of the decade.
"Whether you're a pop star or racing driver, without doubt, there are unexpected pressures that come with success that I would be surprised if many people are prepared for, or even aware of," Gary told Skrufff in a recent chat. "But then again, when you're doing very well, you earn a great deal of money so at least you can sit there worrying in a nice big house, rather than a little house," he added.
Narcotic Thrust mainman Stuart Crichton, who's also produced songs for pop stars including the Pet Shop Boys, Sugababes and Kylie pointed out an even worse scenario recently, relating to his friend Gary Clarke who scored a massive pop hit as Danny Wilson (Mary's Prayer).
"He said we walked into his local pub in Dundee the week after Mary's Prayer went to number 2 and everybody expected he was loaded, but not only did he not receive any money for a couple of years because of the accounting process within the music industry, he never actually got that much, but everybody automatically thought that he was a millionaire." Said Stuart.
"I've had that attitude whenever I go home to Scotland too because they know
I've done tracks with a whole load of different pop artists. I've got a nice house, don't get me wrong, but I'm anything but loaded," he complained.
(Jonty Skrufff/Skrufff.com)
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