The Music Industry Conspiracy: How Major Labels Turned Artists into Their Playthings

Over a century ago, Jelly Roll Morton was kicked out by his grandmother for playing “the Devil’s music”¹. Jazz was seen as dangerous, often linked to brothels or drinking dens. Saxophones were especially suspect, causing alarm and moral outrage when used in jazz music that led to lewd dancing¹.

Even in concert halls, big-band music raised concerns about the “scandalous” saxophone. It had been banned by Pope Pius X in 1903¹. In the 20s, jazz was banned in hundreds of public dance halls¹.

The Devil has long been linked to music. From classical composer Tartini claiming Satan inspired his “Devil’s Trill” sonata¹, to the legend of Robert Johnson selling his soul to the Devil to become a guitar virtuoso¹. This connection has also applied to rock stars like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Led Zeppelin, who all explored Satanic imagery and themes.

Key Takeaways

The music industry has a long history of corruption and control over artists.
Major labels have manipulated charts, engaged in payola scandals, and favored radio airplay for commercially-driven artists.
Talented artists have been suppressed in favor of manufactured pop stars, leading to a lack of genuine artistic expression.
Industry gatekeepers and monopolies have stifled the growth of underground and independent music.
The link between music and the occult, including Satanism, has been a recurring theme throughout history.

The Devil’s Music: A History of Music and Satanism

Music and the occult have always sparked interest and debate. Jazz was once called “the Devil’s music.” Today, some pop culture is accused of having Satanic themes². This history shows how art, faith, and fear have mixed over time.

Jazz: The Original “Devil’s Music”

In the 1920s, jazz in America caused a big stir. People thought its rhythms and saxophone sounds were evil. Jazz was banned in many places². Even famous composers believed the Devil inspired their music, like Tartini’s “Devil’s Trill” sonata.

The Devilish Tritone and Musical Intervals

The tritone, or “Diabolus in Musica,” was known as the Devil’s Interval². It’s used in heavy metal and other occult music. This makes the music sound dark and ominous.

Robert Johnson’s Faustian Pact

Robert Johnson’s story of selling his soul for guitar skills is famous². This tale of a Faustian bargain has linked music and the occult for many years. It has captured the public’s interest for generations.

Satan and music, especially in rock and metal, are common in today’s culture². Movies, games, and TV shows often show musicians making deals with the Devil. This shows our ongoing interest in music and the occult.

“The Devil didn’t make me do it. I did it for the money.”
– Robert Johnson, legendary blues musician

The Rolling Stones: “Sympathy for the Devil”

The Rolling Stones’ 1968 hit “Sympathy for the Devil” is a key moment in their exploration of dark themes³. Mick Jagger played the Devil, performing shirtless with devil tattoos³. The song, once called “The Devil Is My Name,” imagines Satan at key historical moments³.

Jagger’s girlfriend said he didn’t really think he was Lucifer³.

The song’s inspiration comes from Mikhail Bulgakov’s “The Master and Margarita”⁴. Keith Richards suggested a bongo-driven samba beat, which they used⁴. The lyrics are bold and boastful, causing controversy and accusations of devil worship⁴.

The Rolling Stones continued exploring dark themes with “Their Satanic Majesties Request”³. The band’s fascination with the dark side was highlighted by the tragic Altamont Speedway event³. After that, they didn’t play “Sympathy for the Devil” live for years³.

“Sympathy for the Devil” has had a lasting impact⁴. It has inspired many covers and cultural references⁴. From Guns N’ Roses to the Microsoft antitrust trial, it continues to captivate and inspire⁴.

Key Facts about “Sympathy for the Devil”	Details
Release Date	The song was released in 1968 as the opening track on the Rolling Stones’ album “Beggars Banquet”³.
Inspiration	The song was inspired by the novel “The Master and Margarita” by Mikhail Bulgakov, as well as potential influences from French writer Baudelaire⁴.
Recording Process	The recording of “Sympathy for the Devil” took place over five days, during which a fire caused by a film lamp destroyed much of the Stones’ equipment⁴. Only two takes were used, with the first considered a disaster and the second being the final version⁴.
Controversy	The song sparked controversy, with religious groups accusing the band of devil worship⁴. It also influenced the fascination of heavy metal bands with Satanic themes⁴.
Live Performance	The Stones did not play “Sympathy for the Devil” live for several years after the tragic incident at the Altamont Speedway where a fan was killed³.

“Sympathy for the Devil” has had a lasting impact on popular culture⁴. It has influenced heavy metal music and been referenced in court and TV⁴. The Rolling Stones’ use of Satanic imagery in this song is a key part of their legacy³.

David Bowie and Jimmy Page’s Occult Fascinations

David Bowie and Jimmy Page, two legendary musicians, were deeply drawn to the occult⁵. Bowie’s fascination with the esoteric started in his teenage years. He paid tribute to Aleister Crowley in his 1971 song “Quicksand”⁶. In a 1976 interview, Bowie said, “Rock has always been the Devil’s music”.

Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” and the Dying God Archetype

Bowie’s alter-ego, “Ziggy Stardust,” was a symbol of the “dying god” archetype⁵. This character, known for its androgynous look and otherworldly charm, captivated many in the 1970s. It became a cultural icon of that era.

Jimmy Page’s Séances and Occult Artifacts

Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin’s guitarist, took his occult interests to new heights⁵. He attended séances and collected occult artifacts, some believed to be cursed. His deep interest in the esoteric has fueled rumors of Satanic associations with the band.

The connection between music and the occult is complex and deep. Bowie and Page’s exploration of these realms has left a lasting impact on culture. Their fascination with the esoteric has influenced their art and captured the hearts of many fans and critics.

The music industry conspiracy: How Labels Control Artists

The music industry is accused of controlling artists for profit. Major labels are thought to create⁷ pop stars while hiding real talent. Accusations have been made against Lana Del Rey⁷, Raury⁷, Chance the Rapper⁷, Clairo⁷, Billie Eilish⁷, Iann Dior⁷, Phoebe Bridgers⁷, Tramp Stamps⁷, H.E.R⁷., Olivia Rodrigo⁷, Wet Leg⁷, and Gayle⁷. The term “industry plant” is used to describe artists whose success seems fake.

Manufactured Pop Stars and Suppressed Talent

The music industry favors certain acts over independent artists⁸. Billie Eilish’s fame has raised questions about its authenticity. The term “industry plant” started in the early 2010s on hip-hop forums⁸.

This has led to criticism of the industry’s methods. Many believe it stifles true talent.

Payola Scandals and Rigged Charts

Payola scandals involve record labels bribing radio stations⁸. The Federal Communications Commission started regulating this in 1934⁸. This has helped major labels control the charts, giving their artists more airtime.

Radio Airplay Favoritism and Industry Gatekeepers

Radio airplay is controlled by industry gatekeepers⁸. In 2021, musicians criticized Spotify’s “Discovery Mode” as unfair⁸. This makes it hard for independent artists to get noticed.

“The music industry is a corrupt system that serves the interests of the major labels rather than musicians and fans.”

The music industry’s control, payola scandals, and airplay manipulation are major issues⁷⁸. This system has harmed real talent and damaged the industry’s reputation.

Conclusion

The music industry has a long history tied to the occult and Satanism. This shows deeper issues of control and exploitation. From demonizing jazz and blues to the Satanic panics around rock music, the industry has seen music as the “Devil’s” domain. This mirrors how major labels control and manipulate artists, making pop stars while hiding real talent⁹.

The payola scandals and favoritism in radio airplay show the corrupt systems. These systems serve the labels more than musicians and fans¹⁰. The music industry’s link to the occult reveals its dark side. It turns artists into corporate tools, leading to music industry corruption, artist exploitation, and pop music manipulation¹⁰.

While conspiracy theories might seem far-fetched, the industry’s shady practices are real. It has always pushed aside certain genres and artists. As the industry grows, it’s key for musicians, fans, and the public to demand transparency and accountability. Only then can music’s true power be celebrated, not just for profit and control⁹.

FAQ

What is the history of the association between music and the occult?

Over a century ago, jazz was called “Devil’s music” and banned in many places. This was because of worries about the “scandalous” saxophone. Even the Pope banned it once. The tritone, known as “Diabolus in Musica” or “The Devil’s Interval”, is key in heavy metal. The story of blues legend Robert Johnson selling his soul to the Devil at a crossroads is famous. It shows how music and the occult are linked.

How have major music acts like The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Led Zeppelin been associated with Satanism and the occult?

The Rolling Stones’ 1968 song “Sympathy for the Devil” is a key moment in music’s Devil connection. Mick Jagger performed it shirtless, with devil tattoos. This made a big impact. David Bowie was into the occult since he was a teenager. He paid tribute to Aleister Crowley in his songs. Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page took his interest even further. He attended séances and collected occult items, some said to be cursed.

How has the music industry been accused of conspiring to control and manipulate artists for profit?

The music industry is accused of making pop stars and hiding real talent. Payola scandals showed how labels bribe radio stations for airtime. This rigs the charts. Radio airplay is controlled by industry gatekeepers. This means independent and underground artists are often left out. Many believe the music industry is corrupt, serving major labels more than musicians and fans.