Music opinion: Record labels - The birth of a career and the death of autonomy

In 1993, O(+>, more famously known as Prince, appeared in public after having changed his stage name to an unpronounceable code and with the word ‘SLAVE’ drawn on his cheek.

This was not one of the pop star’s many artistic statements. Rather, it was a calculated effort to draw attention to the predatory relationship between him and his record label, Warner Bros.

More than three decades later, this dismal tale has unfortunately not stayed an anomaly.

It has become emblematic of the music industry at large and how record labels continue to create 'slaves' out of musicians.

Artists continue to sign their rights away, one exploitative contract at a time, writes Music News Blitz’s Arwen Lehmann.