Actually they still do just not the extent that they did back in the day. That is essentially what a record deal is. It is much like a bank loan. To pay for touring, promotion, recording and pressing CDs. Record companies have to advance money to bands other wise you would never hear about any of these bands. What most bands don't understand is that this money must be paid back and the record company has to retain a profit from your band after the money is advanced. Basically these days if your album goes gold you have made enough money to pay back the record company. Majors have to dish out advances or they would not reap any benefits (regardless of what musicweek claims)In other words you have to spend money to make money. This has been and always will be true. Musicweek is also a business and has to make thier articles interesting for people to read them. This really is a sleazy, deceptive business all the way around. The reward is the reaction you get from your fans when they like your music and buy your albums.
KEEP IT LOUD DARKWORLD
-TIMM