Throughout the second half of the 20th century, the typical dream for songwriters and musicians alike was to write and perform amazing music, get signed to a major record label, and make millions of dollars. Unfortunately, even platinum selling records and lavish worldwide touring rarely puts a million dollars into the pockets of the lucky 1% (of major label signed artists) who accomplish this feat.
The music industry has shifted to an entirely different business model in the last five years. The digital revolution has increased the competition for the entertainment dollar. DVD's, video games, and the Internet are just a few that can be held accountable. As major labels and the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) attempted to fight off the digital revolution, they should have joined the opponent in the onset. And thus the downfall of the major labels began.
What does this mean for the songwriter and/or musician? One must enter the industry with a completely different mindset. Do it yourself. Look to achieving success through your own business strategy, rather than being at the mercy of one of the five major recording labels
Maintain a dual-focus, "Be a great musician and a street-smart entrepreneur at the same time." There is no need to live up to the "starving artist" image when there is money to be made. Besides, it's easier to write songs without a growling stomach.
What if you still desire the fame and worldwide distribution a major label can bring to an artist's act? Still seriously develop your music business independently. Most majors aren't picking up acts unless they have already proved themselves. If you have developed your own image and audiences have really taken to your music, then you are less of a gamble, and thus more attractive to a major label. The cheaper your act is to develop, the more money you make.
One article is not nearly long enough to outline all the necessities of promoting your own music. However, I hope it has encouraged you to seek other resources to learn more about developing "your business."
Friday, January 25, 2008
Music Sales Hit Sour Note
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is blaming online piracy and CD burning as the major culprits for a 10.3 percent slide in 2001 music sales. According to RIAA data, total U.S. shipments dropped from 1.08 billion units shipped in 2000 to 968.58 million in 2001. The dollar value of all music product shipments decreased from $14.3 billion in 2000 to $13.7 billion in 2001 -- a 4.1 percent decrease.
The Washington, D.C.-based RIAA, the principal trade association for the music industry, also released recent survey findings that showed 23 percent of music consumers said that they did not buy more music in 2001 because they downloaded or copied most of their music for free.
Commissioned by the RIAA and conducted by Peter Hart Research Associates, the survey contacted 2,225 music consumers between the ages of 12-54.
In the 2001 survey, over 50 percent of those music fans that have downloaded music for free have made copies of it. Just two years ago, only 13 percent copied it onto a portable device or a CD burner.
Coinciding with the increase in copying music, the study found that ownership of CD burners has nearly tripled since 1999: in 2001, two in five music consumers owned a CD burner compared to 14 percent who owned one in 1999.
"This past year was a difficult year in the recording industry, and there is no simple explanation for the decrease in sales. The economy was slow and 9/11 interrupted the fourth quarter plans, but, a large factor contributing to the decrease in overall shipments last year is online piracy and CD-burning," said Hilary Rosen, president and chief executive officer of the RIAA. "When 23 percent of surveyed music consumers say they are not buying more music because they are downloading or copying their music for free, we cannot ignore the impact on the marketplace."
Other RIAA findings included:
Full-length CD units dropped 6.4 percent in 2001, representing a $12.9 billion dollar value within the market and a 2.3 percent decrease in dollar value from 2000. Additionally, CDs continue to be the format of choice among consumers. Whereas CDs represented 87 percent of units shipped to U.S. markets in 2000, CDs represented 91 percent of all units shipped in 2001 ;
The DVD music video has shown its continued popularity with a 138 percent increase to 7.9 million units shipped in 2001. DVD music video represented a $190 million market in 2001, an increase of 137 percent from $80.9 million market in 2000;
Cassette units shipped to U.S. markets decreased by 40 percent in 2001, representing a $363 million dollar value. This represents a 41.9 percent decrease from 2000; and
In 2001, close to 2.3 million LP units were shipped to U.S. markets, an increase of 3.7 percent over the 2.2 million units shipped in 2000. In 2001, the LP format represented a $27.4 million dollar value.
The RIAAs year-end numbers, which are compiled quarterly by the accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, represent direct data from companies that distribute approximately 90 percent of the pre-recorded music in the United States. To calculate unit shipments and dollar values for the remainder of the market, PricewaterhouseCoopers utilizes retail sales data from SoundScan to estimate shipments by non-reporting companies.
The Washington, D.C.-based RIAA, the principal trade association for the music industry, also released recent survey findings that showed 23 percent of music consumers said that they did not buy more music in 2001 because they downloaded or copied most of their music for free.
Commissioned by the RIAA and conducted by Peter Hart Research Associates, the survey contacted 2,225 music consumers between the ages of 12-54.
In the 2001 survey, over 50 percent of those music fans that have downloaded music for free have made copies of it. Just two years ago, only 13 percent copied it onto a portable device or a CD burner.
Coinciding with the increase in copying music, the study found that ownership of CD burners has nearly tripled since 1999: in 2001, two in five music consumers owned a CD burner compared to 14 percent who owned one in 1999.
"This past year was a difficult year in the recording industry, and there is no simple explanation for the decrease in sales. The economy was slow and 9/11 interrupted the fourth quarter plans, but, a large factor contributing to the decrease in overall shipments last year is online piracy and CD-burning," said Hilary Rosen, president and chief executive officer of the RIAA. "When 23 percent of surveyed music consumers say they are not buying more music because they are downloading or copying their music for free, we cannot ignore the impact on the marketplace."
Other RIAA findings included:
Full-length CD units dropped 6.4 percent in 2001, representing a $12.9 billion dollar value within the market and a 2.3 percent decrease in dollar value from 2000. Additionally, CDs continue to be the format of choice among consumers. Whereas CDs represented 87 percent of units shipped to U.S. markets in 2000, CDs represented 91 percent of all units shipped in 2001 ;
The DVD music video has shown its continued popularity with a 138 percent increase to 7.9 million units shipped in 2001. DVD music video represented a $190 million market in 2001, an increase of 137 percent from $80.9 million market in 2000;
Cassette units shipped to U.S. markets decreased by 40 percent in 2001, representing a $363 million dollar value. This represents a 41.9 percent decrease from 2000; and
In 2001, close to 2.3 million LP units were shipped to U.S. markets, an increase of 3.7 percent over the 2.2 million units shipped in 2000. In 2001, the LP format represented a $27.4 million dollar value.
The RIAAs year-end numbers, which are compiled quarterly by the accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, represent direct data from companies that distribute approximately 90 percent of the pre-recorded music in the United States. To calculate unit shipments and dollar values for the remainder of the market, PricewaterhouseCoopers utilizes retail sales data from SoundScan to estimate shipments by non-reporting companies.
Become A Member
Eligibility for corporate membership in the Recording Industry Association of America, as described in the association's bylaws, is open to legitimate record companies with main offices in the United States that are engaged in the production and sale, under their own brand label, of recordings of performances for home use. Eligibility is not extended to companies that are currently engaged in, have within five years of application been engaged in, or are controlled by any person, firm or corporation which has within 5 years of application been engaged in the unauthorized creation, duplication, sale, importation, or other use of sound recordings in violation of state or federal law.
The RIAA does not offer individual or associate memberships.
Information about RIAA membership application process is available on this web site or by telephoning the RIAA and asking for the membership applications voicemail.
All requests for a membership application must be submitted in writing on company letterhead and sent to:
RIAA Member Services1025 F ST NW 10th FloorWashington, D.C. 20004(202) 775-0101
Submit the signed, completed application, a signed confidentiality agreement, and a product sample (one or two pieces of finished product, already in, or ready to enter, the distribution chain). Product must comply with applicable "true name and address" guidelines, as noted on the membership application.
The application process takes approximately 45 days. Your application will be reviewed by various operating units within the RIAA to assure your company's eligibility for membership.
If you are approved for membership, you will receive an approval letter and a sales declaration form, to be returned to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). PWC will calculate your dues based on your gross revenues/market share. Dues payments are to be submitted in confidence to PWC, not the RIAA. You will officially be an RIAA member once you've submitted the sales declaration form, are billed by PWC, and have paid your dues.
If approved, you will also receive a committee participation form, describing the RIAA committee structure and asking you to designate representatives to committees of interest to your company.
Once you are a member, your designated contact will receive a range of association informational mailings. Your committee representatives will be able to begin participating in the association's committee activities. Our anti-piracy staff will act on your company's behalf as they pursue the association's anti-piracy program. Most importantly, your company will be part of the RIAA effort to grow our industry and to protect our artists and product.
The RIAA does not offer individual or associate memberships.
Information about RIAA membership application process is available on this web site or by telephoning the RIAA and asking for the membership applications voicemail.
All requests for a membership application must be submitted in writing on company letterhead and sent to:
RIAA Member Services1025 F ST NW 10th FloorWashington, D.C. 20004(202) 775-0101
Submit the signed, completed application, a signed confidentiality agreement, and a product sample (one or two pieces of finished product, already in, or ready to enter, the distribution chain). Product must comply with applicable "true name and address" guidelines, as noted on the membership application.
The application process takes approximately 45 days. Your application will be reviewed by various operating units within the RIAA to assure your company's eligibility for membership.
If you are approved for membership, you will receive an approval letter and a sales declaration form, to be returned to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC). PWC will calculate your dues based on your gross revenues/market share. Dues payments are to be submitted in confidence to PWC, not the RIAA. You will officially be an RIAA member once you've submitted the sales declaration form, are billed by PWC, and have paid your dues.
If approved, you will also receive a committee participation form, describing the RIAA committee structure and asking you to designate representatives to committees of interest to your company.
Once you are a member, your designated contact will receive a range of association informational mailings. Your committee representatives will be able to begin participating in the association's committee activities. Our anti-piracy staff will act on your company's behalf as they pursue the association's anti-piracy program. Most importantly, your company will be part of the RIAA effort to grow our industry and to protect our artists and product.
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
http://www.riaa.com/aboutus.php
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade group that represents the U.S. recording industry. Its mission is to foster a business and legal climate that supports and promotes our members' creative and financial vitality. Its members are the record companies that comprise the most vibrant national music industry in the world. RIAA members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 90% of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States.
In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect intellectual property rights worldwide and the First Amendment rights of artists; conducts consumer, industry and technical research; and monitors and reviews state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi-Platinum™, and Diamond sales awards, as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade group that represents the U.S. recording industry. Its mission is to foster a business and legal climate that supports and promotes our members' creative and financial vitality. Its members are the record companies that comprise the most vibrant national music industry in the world. RIAA members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 90% of all legitimate sound recordings produced and sold in the United States.
In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect intellectual property rights worldwide and the First Amendment rights of artists; conducts consumer, industry and technical research; and monitors and reviews state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi-Platinum™, and Diamond sales awards, as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.
How do A&R people look for talent?
The internet is becoming a great way for record label A&R people to find new talent because artists are becoming savvy enough to get sites up with MP3 samples of their music. Technology is making the job of finding new talent easier and easier. As I have said before I like it when a successful music manager or producer recommends an act because I trust their judgment but I would never rely on this alone. There are a lot of magazines out there that offer demo reviews for artists, my favorite would have to be music connection magazine. I like to associate with people who program college radio stations because they usually know exactly what is new and hot. Just like it’s a stock broker’s job to research potentially profitable stock, it’s an A&R person’s job to research potentially profitable artists. I tend to like artists that are already selling albums locally and are having those records counted by sound scan. The first and most important thing that an A&R person is looking for is hit songs. The second thing record label A&R people are looking for is a star quality front person that looks good, has style and charisma. The third thing record companies are looking for is an artist or band that has a great powerful stage presence and performance. One of the main reasons why Brittany Spears sells so many records is because she is sexy and shows off her body. Let’s face it sex sells and will sell until the end of humanity.
How can you contact a record label A&R?
There are a lot of record label A&R people that accept unsolicited material. The ones that accept unsolicited material may ask you to put a certain code on your package so that they know you have permission to submit. Whenever I find time I usually sort through everything because you never know what you are going to hear. Most A&RS know exactly what they are looking for in an artist & if they see it in you they will more than likely sign you without any hesitation. If you get your act together & promote yourself aggressively there is a chance that a record label A&R will come to you. For Example; some bands didn’t really have to look for a record deal. All they did was become a local hit & sell a good amount of CDs on their own, next thing that you know a majority of the major record labels wanted to sign them. It is always a great idea to do as much as you can on your own.
These days record companies spend less time developing acts, it’s almost like they are looking for artists that are already polished and ready to go. Your package should include 3 of your greatest songs with the best one first because most A&R people will not keep listening unless the first song gets their attention. At times I get a full complete CD from artists that did not include a note telling me which song or songs I should check out. I didn’t have time to listen to the whole CD and didn’t feel like searching around for a great song. In the package you must also include a quality 8x10 photo, a biography that tells the A&R a story about the artist and how much local or regional success he / she has. Make sure that you leave your contact information home address, email address, home phone cell phone, etc. Make sure that your demo CD is clearly and neatly labeled.
If an A&R is interested they may ask for more songs, when your next show is, etc. Since successful music managers, music producers and music publishers act as filters for the A&R people you may want to get them to shop your demo for you. Your demo may have a better chance of someone listening to it if the person who sends it is well known or has a track record in the music industry. You can use music industry resource like All Music Industry Contacts to find a successful music manager, producer or publisher to shop your music. This music business is all about being professional and persistent so work hard at getting your music to the people who can make things happen. Record label A&R people hate when representatives call them or leave messages that are full of hype like I have the best new artist, you better sign us quick or we’ll be with universal records or my artists are hotter than the ones out. The only thing this does is make me never want to meet you.
These days record companies spend less time developing acts, it’s almost like they are looking for artists that are already polished and ready to go. Your package should include 3 of your greatest songs with the best one first because most A&R people will not keep listening unless the first song gets their attention. At times I get a full complete CD from artists that did not include a note telling me which song or songs I should check out. I didn’t have time to listen to the whole CD and didn’t feel like searching around for a great song. In the package you must also include a quality 8x10 photo, a biography that tells the A&R a story about the artist and how much local or regional success he / she has. Make sure that you leave your contact information home address, email address, home phone cell phone, etc. Make sure that your demo CD is clearly and neatly labeled.
If an A&R is interested they may ask for more songs, when your next show is, etc. Since successful music managers, music producers and music publishers act as filters for the A&R people you may want to get them to shop your demo for you. Your demo may have a better chance of someone listening to it if the person who sends it is well known or has a track record in the music industry. You can use music industry resource like All Music Industry Contacts to find a successful music manager, producer or publisher to shop your music. This music business is all about being professional and persistent so work hard at getting your music to the people who can make things happen. Record label A&R people hate when representatives call them or leave messages that are full of hype like I have the best new artist, you better sign us quick or we’ll be with universal records or my artists are hotter than the ones out. The only thing this does is make me never want to meet you.
What does a Record Label A&R do?
The record label A&R position is probably one of the most hectic jobs in the music business. A&R stands for Artists & Repertoire. The main function of a record label A&R is to help their artists creatively while helping the record company financially by signing hit acts and developing them. They are usually music industry professionals that are hired to oversee the entire recording process which includes finding the right songs for their artist, working with the right music producers, finding the right recording studio, etc. A major record label or Independent Label A&R must stay on top of current music industry trends in order to create acts that will do well for the record labels that employs them. Even if a record company A&R really likes a band they still may not be able to sign them. Usually it is the head record label A&R that makes the final decisions. The reason why being an A&R can be extremely stressful is because with every act that you sign your job is on the line. Since there is a high rate of failure in the music industry A&R people try to sign artists that are already somewhat established. If an A&R does not prove to the record label that they can generate hit acts they will be let go from the company.
Most A&R people were producers, promoters or artists themselves. Basically record label A&R people are hired to present a trustworthy face to artists and musicians. Usually record company A&R people are in their thirties because they are old enough to know what they are doing & young enough to know what the new trend is. If you get signed you better believe that it is just the beginning, there are still a lot of things that could go wrong. Someone at the record label may drop the ball or your record label A&R person may have to deal with flaky or unhappy music producers that aren’t really into the project and are too busy to put their heart in it. You’re A&R must also fight for you to get the attention of the record labels publicity, sales and promotion departments. It definitely takes a lot of work on an A&R person’s part to get a recording artist from signing to being added to radio play lists and having a video on MTV. The recording process for a record label A&R is very intense because they must make sure that there are enough radio friendly songs on the release. If the A&R feels like there are not enough quality songs he / she will have the artist write and record more.
Most A&R people were producers, promoters or artists themselves. Basically record label A&R people are hired to present a trustworthy face to artists and musicians. Usually record company A&R people are in their thirties because they are old enough to know what they are doing & young enough to know what the new trend is. If you get signed you better believe that it is just the beginning, there are still a lot of things that could go wrong. Someone at the record label may drop the ball or your record label A&R person may have to deal with flaky or unhappy music producers that aren’t really into the project and are too busy to put their heart in it. You’re A&R must also fight for you to get the attention of the record labels publicity, sales and promotion departments. It definitely takes a lot of work on an A&R person’s part to get a recording artist from signing to being added to radio play lists and having a video on MTV. The recording process for a record label A&R is very intense because they must make sure that there are enough radio friendly songs on the release. If the A&R feels like there are not enough quality songs he / she will have the artist write and record more.
Most A&R people were producers, promoters or artists themselves. Basically record label A&R people are hired to present a trustworthy face to artists and musicians. Usually record company A&R people are in their thirties because they are old enough to know what they are doing & young enough to know what the new trend is. If you get signed you better believe that it is just the beginning, there are still a lot of things that could go wrong. Someone at the record label may drop the ball or your record label A&R person may have to deal with flaky or unhappy music producers that aren’t really into the project and are too busy to put their heart in it. You’re A&R must also fight for you to get the attention of the record labels publicity, sales and promotion departments. It definitely takes a lot of work on an A&R person’s part to get a recording artist from signing to being added to radio play lists and having a video on MTV. The recording process for a record label A&R is very intense because they must make sure that there are enough radio friendly songs on the release. If the A&R feels like there are not enough quality songs he / she will have the artist write and record more.
Most A&R people were producers, promoters or artists themselves. Basically record label A&R people are hired to present a trustworthy face to artists and musicians. Usually record company A&R people are in their thirties because they are old enough to know what they are doing & young enough to know what the new trend is. If you get signed you better believe that it is just the beginning, there are still a lot of things that could go wrong. Someone at the record label may drop the ball or your record label A&R person may have to deal with flaky or unhappy music producers that aren’t really into the project and are too busy to put their heart in it. You’re A&R must also fight for you to get the attention of the record labels publicity, sales and promotion departments. It definitely takes a lot of work on an A&R person’s part to get a recording artist from signing to being added to radio play lists and having a video on MTV. The recording process for a record label A&R is very intense because they must make sure that there are enough radio friendly songs on the release. If the A&R feels like there are not enough quality songs he / she will have the artist write and record more.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Listening Do Make Since
I really do not understand why so many local artists are poor, they want a career in the music business and can't seem to recognize the amount of money its needed to invest. I question myself to a point asking myself why are they so able to dress according to the lastest style, from head to toe, there clothes and the shoes are super tight. Matching, most of them are wear $3000.00 worth of gear. They would rather pay someone else then to support my time and effort. Let me tell all of you'll its not going to happen. Take it for what it worth, this is 2008,I am not falling into your trap. I do not care how good you are. Can you go into the store and ask for free food, Can you get your drugs for free, its not going to happen, there is a price on everything. My time will cost you tremdously, and if you want the services I do provide lets do business.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
You Deserve To Be Respected
It's not always fun having to follow instructions and directions but they are important because they help things to turn out better. They also help to keep us safe, and they help us to make and do some really cool things. That will give you as an artist respect in this game.
Team Strategic Planning Facilitation
TBA..(The Jap Out Compilation) will be turn in to discmakers when everyone is done with there business plan. maintain a clearly stated and focused business strategy. And that, any business strategy is far more likely to be successfully implemented if the leaders and managers of the team develop the plan THEMSELVES, NOT an external advisor or strategy.
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When the passion of music is real
