Define "Selling Out"?

[SimonomiS]

Theres alot of talk about different bands "selling out" but Ive heard alot of different views on what exactly "selling out" is. So whats your views on "selling out"?

 

[IonizeMyAtoms]

Selling out is when a band blatantly alters its sound to sound like the flavour of the week. Example: No Doubt
It has nothing to do with getting famous or signing with a big label, as long as they stay true to their original sound (not including maturing as a band, example Brand New, who changed their sound, but not to sound "popular"). A good example of a band today who people think is selling out because they signed to a big label and are popular: Arcade Fire. Still sound the same, still amazing

 

[DeusExMachina]

People think Arcade Fire sold out ? The hell is wrong with them...

 

[Direwolf]

I'd say anyone who actively changes their music/actions with intention of making themselves more popular or profitable.

 

[IonizeMyAtoms]

Thanks for re-stating what I said...

Yeah Machinia, I don't know if you live around Ontario/Quebec, where they started out, but up to the month preceeding the release of Funeral they were local favourites who weren't really known except around Canada in small circles, and they got very popular, very fast. Which I think is awesome, since they're amazing and they still sound the same as when I first saw them two years ago (well, their demo sounds a bit different [I can email it to you if you don't have it or can't find it online], but like I said earlier, it's like they matured their sound rather than changed it).
/rant

 

[KagePrototype]

I would say "selling out" is when a band puts profit over everything else, whereas previously they didn't.