Season 1 Voice winner, Javier Colon has parted ways with Universal Republic Records after only 1 album. His post-Voice debut, Come Through For You, suffered from low sales and very little promotion. Here is his statement via Buddy TV:
“After much thought and deliberation, I have parted ways with my record label, Universal Republic Records,” he said in a statement. “While this may appear to be bad news on the surface, I truly believe that this is exactly the move I need to make in order to continue forward progression in my career.
“The best thing about winning season one of The Voice was the show introduced me to my fans and allowed them to see and hear who I am as a person and what I do as an artist. The unfortunate part of the situation, however, was the unforeseen bad marriage between the label and I. I went into it with high hopes, as I believe everyone did.
“But when you pour your heart and soul into a new album that you think is really great, and your label who is supposed to support, market and promote your music does neither, it’s really hard not to be upset. The truth is, we are all better off going our separate ways. “I believe what’s meant to be is meant to be and that’s just how it goes.” I’ve always believed that and still do.
“Fortunately, that is now behind me and I am now free to explore a more mutually beneficial relationship. I’m looking forward to staying connected to my fans by touring a lot over the next year which will include singing at The White House’s ‘A Capitol Fourth Concert’ on July 4th, touring with Maroon 5, and touring with Colbie Caillat and Gavin DeGraw this summer.”
Javier is pretty upfront about how Universal failed to promote him. The thing is, the people who produce The Voice are folks who have NO experience in the music business. Mark Burnett’s claim to fame is “Survivor”. He’s an expert on fame whores who will do anything for a little TV time. I can’t imagine he cares at all if Voice alums succeed or not. American Idol’s Simon Fuller and X Factor’s Simon Cowell are music men and are truly vested in making the alums of their respective shows music stars. Plus, they’ve got the infrastructure in place to achieve it.
Especially now, with The Voice airing twice a year, I can’t see anybody heading off the show to a successful career, unless it happens by accident. Season 2 winner, Jermaine Paul, will quietly put out an album that sells poorly and then we’ll never hear from him again.
Would be singers who audition for The Voice need to keep in mind that they only thing they’ll get from their time on the show is a little TV exposure and a few fans who will go by the wayside when their first album fails.
Poor Javier. This is the 2nd major label that’s dropped him. (He had a major deal prior to The Voice) Good luck to him, but he’s got the stink of failure all over him. It’s tough out there.
