Kara DioGuardi Has Words for the Music Business About Songwriting, TikTok Fame and Disruption From the Inside Out
variety.comShirley Halperin Executive Editor, Music“Care is a weird word in the music industry,” says Kara DioGuardi, who, in addition to being a Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer, also runs her own music publishing house and record label, Arthouse Entertainment.
As a former artist herself, she’s seen the business from all sides, and as an advocate for creators, she’s incensed that streaming giants like Spotify are under-compensating songwriters. “They care a little less about the songwriter?” she says incredulously on the March 2 episode of Variety‘s “Strictly Business” podcast. “What we really need to have is a mutual respect, because if you want creators to continue to deliver for you, there needs to be a level of respect.
And there is no respect when you’re not paying your songwriters.” DioGuardi has written a few smashes herself. Maybe you’ve heard of “Rich Girl” by Gwen Stefani, “Ain’t No Other Man” by Christina Aguilera, “Sober” by Pink or “Want You to Want Me” by Jason Derulo?
According to Arthouse, DioGuardi’s songs have appeared on albums totaling 160 million in sales.She’s a seasoned talent scout, too, with an impressive track record of having identified, and invested in, hit songs early on.
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