The Black Keys "Selling Out" in Studio Q

[@JoJaDaRu]

I sell out every day when I walk into work. Most of us do.

[@danapuzzo2750]

+Jacob Russell This.

[@XxStonedKillerxX]

If they payed me minimum wage to do a shitty janitorial job, I would be okay with that. BUT, if they payed me 25 an hour, I would pick that shit up with my hands. We all love money, why should musicians be any different.

[@amandalively1]

I'm so glad you said that! True AF... If you need the money... Take it.👍🏻💩

[@bmcpsd31]

AbsoFUCKINlutely!

[@mkuc6951]

This exactly. I guess selling out would be say; you hate Hummer, but do the hummer ad.

[@Alex_Mac_]

Sell out isn't putting it in commercials or whatever. Once the music is made I have no problem with it being put in commercials, I mean why shouldn't they make money? Selling out is when you write the songs with making money in mind and going "I think this will get a lot of radio play" or "if I do this chord I think this could make a TV commercial". Make it like art, afterwards do what you gotta do to make money.

[@Starkride48]

Exactly.

[@Sharp_3yE]

What about the people who make jingles for products or companies?

[@royceeeful]

kooooolmatt that's different. thats not selling out. thats what you call a "job". a specific job for a specific person which is to write music for commercials.

[@Sharp_3yE]

Bieber Hater ok well if that is just a job, why can't someone who got successful (lets say bruno mars or paramore) make a song for commercials? That's just a job. Or what about an artist changing their style of music because this other one is very trendy right now and they like the trend and want to make music that will sell well cuz ultimately that is then end goal. So they would go along with a trend and making new songs that at the time people would like. Are any of these selling out?

[@royceeeful]

kooooolmatt if I were the artist, and a company would ask me to make music for them for a specific reason, I would gladly do it IF AND ONLY IF I use the product, or the service they offer me, and they let me do whatever type of music I want but still keeping the product/service in the spotlight. That is not selling out because you want to do it because YOU LIKE AND SUPPORT the cause. If you are forced to do a 1 minute commercial jingle selling adult diapers and with an accompanying music video of you wearing it because you need the money, then that is selling out.

[@nunyabusiness6691]

The last thing Carney said says it all. I'd rather be surrounded by good music constantly. If the bands make money off it that's awesome.It can only push the state of music further by surrounding us with good music. That way the artists are constantly pushed to create better and better songs. They win and the fans win. The Black Keys deserve every cent they can make.

[@newmangan]

they deserve it, they worked hard, same thing happened to nirvana, people accusing them of selling out, but they still stick with what they did before they were famous. I really dont get it when people just keep on saying "they are selling out" just because they are making good music and making money off of it.

[@darrylmata4025]

Nirvana had definitive punk roots and you could still tell with their sound during the grunge scene tho Kurt said he was thinking of bringing back new wave and break-dancing before his untimely death.

[@justinmiller8209]

My first exposure to the Black Keys was a result of licensing. "Your Touch" played at the end of Zombieland and I had to find out who was behind it. Now I have music from all but one of their albums on my phone, and three of them, complete albums. In the digital age of mix and match playlists , and for my listening habits, that's a rare thing. That kind of outreach is what got them the exposure they did and now more people can appreciate their music for it. It's win-win. Calls of 'sell-out' come from those who can only see issues in absolute terms. Not a very thoughtful examination.

[@Yano5151]

Tighten up on fifa

[@charlesnemily]

If the Black Keys didn't liscense their music, I would've never gotten into them. I heard Lonely Boy in the trailer for Warm Bodies, looked them up, and got hooked

[@RubbelisPro]

I say give in if you earned it. Like they've been working on this for like 12 years or so? They earned it, same with artists and other bands. Give in if you've earned it.

[@WillieWonka928D]

I love all their albums, but the last two are probably my favorites. I love the fuzzy bluesy earlier albums, but it's refreshing to hear them change and expand on their sound as they've been doing. And if El Camino and Turn Blue are considered "radio friendly" then I would much rather hear that on the radio.

[@redshark618]

So many haters upset with turn blue, like smh what the hell you expect that the keys were gonna keep making rubber factory over and over? Styles change, no one's blasting gangsta rap in the six four anymore

[@QwithTomPower]

@hugomeyer1991 Patrick and Dan were only in Studio to chat unfortunately, so we don't have a performance to post... this time.

[@dlogan12016]

"Music seems to be the only art form where this is an issue." So true.

[@PowerSuitNinja]

"I do love mayonnaise! Its true!"

[@TheBrendanio001]

These guys are real musicians, they get enough money to continue doing what they love and satisfying their fans. Legends!

[@TheEpicReach]

I love how enthusiastic these guys are all the time in interviews :)

[@TheCherryLimade]

I love dan's face, " I DO love mayonnaise; it's true." hahaha it's so candid

[@kllyrichwine]

OMG Are we not over this if not for the advertising i would have never really heard them my black keys story is i heard bits and pieces here and there had to find out who was laying down this music found them through their current work have now doven deep into their early work and i cant get enough THANK YOU for selling out and getting more money and twice the exposer so that i might find you XO

[@dannyh5937]

These guys need a reality show. I would pay to see the conversation they had about the mayonaise commercial.

[@QwithTomPower]

@hugomeyer1991 "El Camino" is being released this Tuesday, December 6th.

[@Meggg99]

So excited for the album. Love these guys! Especially their sense of humour haha

[@BJRhythm88]

I don't care who they sell the rights to thier music too, as long as they keep making it!! Thier music does something for me that few other musicians can accomplish.. it helps me escape from all the stresses of the modern world, makes me feel excited to be alive!! The Black Keys' are the definition of Rock and Roll!!

[@CPD0123a]

I bought El Camino now. Wanna know why? Because I was able to listen to it all on youtube and preveiw it enough to fall in love with it. KZbin, please quit taking down songs. It boosts people's love for them, and makes them want to buy the music. I'm considering buying a good number of CDs because of how I've been able to listen to it on here and preview it enough to love it. Same with my mom buying 21.

[@Armarcoarmagedon12]

These guys have been on the road for 10 years and even though they are really respected, respect doesn't fill the belly amigo... So yeah, they got a little bit commercial but it's still The Black Keys and they still sound cool and rock n' roll man! Give some respect...

[@OrcaStraightAhead]

i fucking love that the black keys defended it and argued it so well even though the person interviewing them was trying to take the stance that songs in commercials was bad.

[@crayyawn]

AWesome conversation, great questions bringing that up, and really cool answers. I'm a musician myself, and we can tend to get snobby about this, but I think the guys are right. I'm glad I watched this. All people like actors and stuff have to do commercials and stuff to get noticed at first, and do stuff later to make money

[@DanJanTube]

love these guys, they made the right call

[@hugomeyer1991]

@Qtv oh man that's a shame. can't wait until the album comes out. love what you guys are doing on youtube. hoping you guys keep growing, maybe you get a chance to get The Black keys to perform soon.

[@user_e]

one of my favorites of all time!

[@dvt1393]

Dan and Patrick are real musicians who write their own songs, play their own instruments, and play the music that they want to play. There is nothing wrong with letting people use your music in ads, as long as you never let your artistic integrity be compromised. As long as they write the music that they want to write, and never let anybody control their art, they are in no way sell outs.

[@trexdegenerate]

Knowing your self and having self-restraint is key. Large sums of money easily changes the attitudes and art of people.

[@murphf06]

I think a big difference between Radio and Commercials/Soundtracks is that the commercials and soundtracks pick out existing songs for the sound/atmosphere/emotion those song create. Its not as if they wrote songs for specific commercials or anything. The people producing the commercial/movie came and asked them for the song because of how good it is. I heard about them from commercials and have followed them for 5 years now. What got me hooked was Just Got To Be on NHL 08.

[@acandelaria]

Fuck that, take what you can get.

[@sesshomaru322]

So true. What you said reminds me of that great interview clip of "Thom Yorke on Principles".

[@strokes8771]

these dudes r opening up all these doors for good music to finally to b played on the radio

[@thevinyleclectic]

I completely agree with them. They are such respectable guys and a very talented band!

[@PeachSurebet]

Really good interview, and I'm glad to see so many people agreeing. If I had the opportunity to have my music featured in some form of entertainment for a decent amount of money, I'd be all for it, as long as I agreed with what's being promoted. When the Keys start altering their music to sound like Nickelback for large amounts of cash, that's when we can all agree that they "sold out."

[@tedatlas]

@hanneesh You said it perfectly.Take the ad money early on and it would probably have killed them early, or put them on one (minor) hit wonder status. Wait to get big, then grab the cash.

[@gaucoin13]

Jesus these guys are legit, really cool to hear them speak.

[@Guerrillablackdog]

I remember seeing that Cadillac commercial they were talking about.

[@hplax20]

maximum love for the black keys: reached

[@Dan0Dead0Or0Alive]

No one here should be surprised to learn how awesome they are.

[@Refpuck]

The force is strong with this one.

[@IzzyRock73]

I love these guys. I love their music & it let's other people hear it. I used to hate bands "selling out" until you realize bands don't make money like they used to. Also, a mortgage & bills make you realize you have to make a living.

[@tsvc2010]

I LOVE Pat's comment at the end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@pawibe]

what is this kurt vile thing? i from europe so i didn't see this advert(?). can someone please tell me what this thing is about or give me a link where i can see it? i totally love kurt vile and black keys.

[@JustSomeBoredGamer]

PATRICK IS MY IDOL!!!!!!

[@haleysunraes]

Sweet. Nicely done Patrick and Dan.

[@rad1k]

Someone offered them 200,000 pounds to use their song for a mayonnaise ad? WOW. You guys are awesome for not selling out. Rock and Roll.

[@BAHK24]

"If you're gonna have to be exposed to music randomly, I'd rather it be our music."

[@daletaylor4371]

LOVED SEEIN' 'EM IN COMMERCIALS ETC. I THOUGHT IT WAS PARAMOUNT FOR THEM LEADING UP TO THEY'RE RECENT LARGE VENUE SUCCESS! MORE POWER TO 'EM!!! ROCK ON BRO'S!!!!!!! >-)

[@blueshirtification]

I agree with most of what they said but I think if a song is associated with a particular product then that song when people hear it outside of the commercial context is going to remind them of the commercial. I feel it does change the perception of the song. I totally agree that it doesn't necessarily make anyone a sell-out.

[@GuitarToneFreak]

@TasOMW Yeah, I believe a few years ago they licensed out "Rock and Roll" to Cadillac.

[@Braytholomew]

oh my god what patrick said at the end is SO true.

[@135hadworms]

If I had to sell a few songs to allow my parents' to retire early, I would. Black Keys put in their dues and then some. A decade of work has paid off.

[@BlueRevolver]

@JimmyFatz What about all the artists that got promoted by all those Apple commercials? Feist immediately comes to mind, she even acknowledges what Apple did for her. I don't think anyone would say working with Apple equals selling out since they have historically always supported Indie/lesser known artists in their marketing (except for a few instances such as Bono's RED campaign for AIDS research).

[@corytaylorcox]

"If you're going to be exposed to music, I'd rather it be our music" Amen

[@bernlin2000]

Patrick actually convinced me right at the end that he's right: we have to watch shitty commercials regardless, might as well be with music that doesn't also sound shitty.

[@KidxAx]

At least they're honest. I don't think they care much anymore about what people think of them. They have a huge fan base already, and it's not getting smaller when they sell their music. They have the right idea.

[@Live4Ever329]

Did you even listen to them? They said they made a mistake by turning that down because they were so worried about their own image, now they have realised how advertising can be beneficial to them in terms of expanding their audience and the obvious financial benefits. You have basically agreed with them yet criticised them for making the same point you did.

[@formusicplaylist1]

the only thing that bothers me is that when i hear a song that i first heard in a commercial (sometimes even if i knew the song before the commercial) when i hear it again my mind snaps back to the commercial... i don't want good music to make me think of a commercial. its almost like branding the music.

[@johnowens5284]

Bottom line is that most successful musicians aren't principled enough to take a stand against corporate hegemony. They see dollar signs and that supersedes socio-political values. Most aren't smart enough to realize that it is possible to make a great standard of living without giving in to corporate forces. Take a look at a guy like Steve Albini. His band Big Black self managed, self promoted and self financed their records. They were successful, not Coldplay succesful, but enough to eat and live comfortably. For the next few years, he continued to record for a variety of different artists and went on to found electrical audio, a recording studio in Chicago. He doesn't take any royalties from the artists songs and simply takes a flat rate for his engineering services. He's definitely in the 1% tax bracket at this point in his life but he has vehemently opposed making his money by sacrificing his values. The point is it is possible to not sell out and become successful but most people are too lazy, scared or stupid to try it another way.

[@HitmanJenkins1]

True, I can see why people got so upset about their statements, but you look into it deeper and as a musician I can appreciate what Lars was saying now, when you put a lot of work into a record it can be disheartening. I personally blame the lack of innovation in the major labels at the time though, to me the fact that they didn't catch on to stuff like this signifies that they are the ones at fault for not taking advantage of the new technology.

[@Shifthappens11]

@Chillton I can agree with you there. It's not all based on myth though. A lot of people born in comfort will work to keep that comfort rather then just for the art. It helps to have been born without the comfort in some cases, but it isn't a deciding factor. It's just the way they've been trained to think.

[@tarelinda72]

Every time I here theyte songa by surprise in a movie our something I think its cool

[@stifmystyrbry]

"If you're good at something, never do it for free"

[@ImAllinDark]

I remember when these guys were just a good band that nobody had heard of..I also remember thinking " Man, I wish these guys would get popular so everytime I turn on the radio or television I dont get the urge to blow my brains out" They deserve to be heard! Their music is the closest thing to actual rock music in 10-15 years. I live in Ohio, where they are from and most people still dont know who they are. They make good money for making good music..thats not selling out. Black Keys keep rockin

[@TimeSpace1]

these guys have been jamming for like 9 years. let them make some money

[@BenjaminBochenek]

These guys are critically cool in my book

[@skyhookdom]

Wouldn't commercials be so much better if they all had black keys songs in them!

[@freeheelfreestyler]

My definition of selling out is giving in to popular music. Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto is a great example of selling out.

[@etsneroj]

Most people don't think the "sell out" issue all the way through. Professional musicians are involved in the commercial enterprise of selling their music. Why is it more noble to sell your music via iTunes than it is via a TV commercial? And as a consumer, don't you prefer hearing good music on a commercial, as opposed to bad music? If so, you have to be ok with good musicians licensing their stuff for commercials.

[@MINONELSE]

If they're making money means good music. Do what you got to do!

[@DavidNGYN]

Their view on "selling out" is probably the most respectable standpoint on the case that I've ever heard. Also, if you look on The Black Keys wikipedia page, like 90% of it is about which songs of theirs are in which movie, commercial, or game. Who gives a shit? I wanna know more about the band!

[@hugomeyer1991]

@Qtv wow you guys reply to comments! cool! are you going to release some black keys live material on youtube soon?

[@paintballing489]

The only problem have with this is that sometimes the ad puts me off the song. Because all I might think of when I hear that song now is mayonnaise.

[@JJmerc1993]

what could that mayonnaise commercial possibly be about, for it to need a black keys song?

[@unreal513]

"if you're going to be exposed to music randomly, I'd rather it be our music." AMEN

[@FlakyShaky]

I might have never heard of them if not for GTA IV. I am so thankful the music director for that game picked such good songs and artists. Frankly, most of the really good music I've heard the past few years have been in commercials, video games, and movies, and NOT the radio.

[@hugomeyer1991]

@Meggg99 you know when its coming out? I love these guys :)

[@cityofwhat]

@Egggbutt some can maneuver both, I have followed the band Portugal the man from their start releasing all records indie and building such a base that they now signed to Atlantic yet retain creative control because the already established fan base was their bargaining power, it would take a lot of poverty/ sacrifice to reach that point though. The black keys strike me as the same way they seem to grow organically compared to many artists where it's obvious unseen forces are pulling the strings.

[@FairMindedWatcher]

It's one thing to license your music to a sitcom, it's another to play live at a Microsoft store opening.

[@hplax20]

@theforch no your not alone. I mean, I still love the new stuff, but i still totally understand what you mean. Thickfreakness through attack and release were just so raw and awesome. I mean, it was actually just a guitar and drums and singing, which just goes to show how you dont need like 6 people with guitars drowned in effects and autotune and shit to make good music.

[@Bogmired]

@ironuckles henry rollins quote on selling out is a thing i can agree with

[@whitebare7]

@trumpet90909 no, that's pretty much been my experience with major labels as well.

[@MarkGoodwin09]

such a cool pair of guys

[@theshmcc]

Good interview!

[@xPreTzeL]

good, informal, entertaining interview

[@jackman00110101]

I think you made a typo dude the black keys were formed in like 2002

[@blueovaltrucks]

thats not selling out. thats making money and supporting your family.

[@oldmoviemusic]

Totally agree with them - as an indie music fan I come across people calling really good musicians "sellouts" just because they have a few more fans! I'm going to bring up some of the Black Keys' compelling points next time. It's unfair that even a hardworking musician like Kurt Viles, who is FANTASTIC and an artist who has a small fanbase and, (and I can't believe how low an amount what they said he makes was), makes like a grand per show, gets called a sellout just for making ends meet.

[@thedeadflag]

These guys are spot on. The whole notion of selling out is an attempt to push musicians into, or keep musicians within, the starving artist category. If I learn one of my favourite bands got a song licensed for a commercial. I'm real happy. That means they get some financial help. Musicians don't have a pension. They need all the help they can get financially, and if it helps them make art, I don't see the issue

[@RichieHickman123]

Does selling out not only apply to bands who change their style (usually for the worse) to make more money? If the ad companies genuinely like their music the way it is and they don't have to change their style to accommodate the interests of these companies or a different audience then I wouldn't call it selling out.

[@54nick54]

They are making their own music and not churning out some label's formulaic trash. I could not care less if Dora the Explorer picked up one of their songs for an episode. These guys are flat out good and I love it!

[@formusicplaylist1]

no. i don't want to think of a video by anyone else. i want to enjoy and be into the song enough that i can think of my own video in my mind. i feel that is more worthy in my mind than replaying something i have seen before. if i can drift away to music than i enjoy it more. music has that power, not many art forms that i am aware of at least has such an ability... i won't take rise to your attempts at insulting me and i hope that this particular interaction will be better off for it : )

[@jfts09]

Selling out isn't making money off the success of your music. Selling out is changing your music to make money. Im not a huge fan of these guys music, but I have no problem with them getting paid, especially in the state the music industry is in now.

[@sakowihe75]

2:08 since when do school teachers work all year???

[@added23]

this was a great interview. i dont really care about artists endorsing products they agree with but i hate when artists mellow out their music or compromise their art in any way just for some money.

[@MorganJones33]

'let me tell you something right now, you can print this in stone and don't you ever forget it, any performer who ever sells a product on television is for now and all eternity removed from the artistic world'.

[@psychosis420]

To me, selling out is when you are willing to change the way you make music to reach a larger audience and sacrifice your artistic integrity in the process. What they are discussing is not selling out. That's just making money. ( I seen the post below me is stating something similar to this, but I'm posting anyway. ..and yeah, Nickelback did exactly what I am talking about. :P)

[@HitmanJenkins1]

St Anger was the opposite of selling out in my opinion, they wanted to go and sound like they were in a garage, if anything Load and Reload are the "sell out" albums.

[@TheCzikk]

Independent or not, a person needs to make money to survive in the music industry, let alone in any career. Despite how Patrick's "some blogger" remark was worded, the message was that how they make their livelihood is no more the concern of the passive fan than the passive fan's livelihood is to the Black Keys. Sure, some fans aren't going to agree for various reasons, but so long as they broaden their fanbase and can afford to keep performing and writing, this shouldn't be an issue.

[@splattsplattsplatt]

@samisyosam With all do respect I have to disagree. Musicians who do what they love, and play what they love, RARELY do well in the music. Jazz musicians are among some of the most musically trained and talented musicians in the business, HOWEVER, there is a small following of listeners who seek out authentic styles of Jazz. The term 'selling out' in this context refers to bands attempting to appeal to the popular music culture and flourish in the music business. The Black Keys are not sellouts