05 Mar 2024
The Gibson Guitar ‘Artist Contract’ – the ultimate recognition of excellence.
In 2013, Lindsey Boullt received one of the rarest and most prestigious honors in the music industry: the Gibson Artist Contract. Reserved for only the most exceptional artists, this distinction places him in the lineage of guitarists who have redefined the instrument on the world stage.
“It is extremely rare†as one industry giant stated. True story: On the day of my contract signing, Todd Money/GibsonNashville sent me a text…that he had submitted the artist contract to the Gibson execs. Ten minutes later the contract was drafted. Todd wrote back stating that it was the fastest agreement Gibson has ever done. Quite humbling.
1. Recognition of Mastery
- Gold Medal (Sports): Winning one means you’re recognized as being the very best among the competition — you’ve proven your skill at the highest level.
- Gibson Artist Contract (Music): Being offered this contract means Gibson, one of the most iconic guitar brands in history, has recognized you as a guitarist of exceptional talent. It’s not something given casually — it signals that you’ve reached a world-class level in your field.
2. Symbol of Achievement
- Gold Medal: It’s a physical, universally understood symbol of peak accomplishment.
- Artist Contract: In the guitar world, being officially endorsed by Gibson is a status symbol that says, “This musician has made it.†It’s essentially the guitar-world equivalent of wearing the medal around your neck.
3. Validation & Prestige
- Gold Medal: Validates years of training and sacrifice, elevating an athlete’s reputation
- Artist Contract: Validates a guitarist’s artistry and career, offering them prestige and credibility in the eyes of peers, fans, and the industry.
4. Exclusive Opportunities
- Gold Medal: Brings sponsorships, speaking gigs, brand deals, and elite invitations.
- Artist Contract: Brings access to top-tier instruments, marketing support, exposure through Gibson’s global platform, and connections within the music industry.
5. Rarity
- Gold Medal: Few people in the world ever win one.
- Artist Contract: Only a select roster of guitarists — often legends and rising stars — ever receive the honor. It’s just as rare, and equally career-defining.
👉 So the analogy:
Receiving a Gibson Guitar Artist Contract is to a guitarist what winning a gold medal is to an athlete: the ultimate recognition of excellence, a rare and prestigious honor that validates years of dedication, and a career milestone that elevates them into an elite circle of professionals.
Lindsey Boullt GO!
Video highlights from the relentless whirlwind years. From one incredible art scene to another. NYC, the center of the art world, late 80’s & 90’s – massive learning curve on how to survive as an artist. Houston metal scene honed the chops. The potent culture of San Francisco of the 2000’s launched a multitude of projects, players, collaborations, and ‘scenes’. Didn’t slow down until @ 2017. It was exciting, all the time. And very tiring. Thrilled to have been there.