You wrote the songs, got your CD wrapped up in a pretty plastic-wrapped package with your picture on it, got it on iTunes, and all the digital audio stores. Now you're sitting at home, waiting by the mail box for the checks to start rollin' in. It's been three months and you're wondering if they have the right address. You're thinking, "Am I going to have to cancel the order on my new SUV, my trip to the Caymans, my season tickets and my pedicure?" I would say if this is all you've done to get your project out, the answer is Yes: cancel everything and apply for food stamps, start looking for a job and go to work on your music career.
Misconception number one is believing your project will be successful on it's own volition. I'm not going to spend a lot of time on all the things that need to take place for your project to be successful, because that would take hours of explanation and planning, and there are too many variables for a one case fits all scenario. What I am going to try to do is give you a few suggestions to help you get started, and pull no punches while doing so.
Here are the facts. It takes money, hard work, a team, planning, passion, perseverance and a good product. If any of these are missing you are doomed to fail. You may be thinking, money, oh no!! I've spent every dime I have! You see, that's why we have a plan. The one mistake that most commonly destroys Newbies is lack of planning. Get a plan, invite your friends and find a pro to help guide you. There are many qualified industry specialists that will get you started for a reasonable fee. Caveat, do your due diligence before you work with anyone. There are many wolves in sheeps clothing that will take advantage of you.
This is my business and I love working with upcoming talent. Find some one with a passion and heart for new Artists. I would like to keep going, but this is a blog, not a book. Remember the quickest way to success is to help someone else be successful!
January 6, 2012
December 9, 2011
Is the record industry hurting? What is their attitude?
With the recording industry already reeling from plummeting sales, termination rights claims could be another serious financial blow. Sales plunged from $14.6 billion to about $6.3 billion over the decade ending in 2009, in large part because of unauthorized downloading of music on the Internet. This has affected new releases especially, which has left record labels disproportionately dependent on sales of older recordings in their catalogs.
“This is a life-threatening change for them, the legal equivalent of Internet technology,” said Kenneth J. Abdo, a lawyer who leads a termination rights working group for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and has filed claims for some of his clients, who include Kool and the Gang. As a result the four major record companies — Universal, Sony BMG, EMI and Warner — have made it clear that they will not relinquish recordings they consider their property without a fight.
“We believe the termination right doesn’t apply to most sound recordings,” said Steven Marks, general counsel for the Recording Industry Association of America, a lobbying group in Washington that represents the interests of record labels. As the record companies see it, the master recordings belong to them in perpetuity, rather than to the artists who wrote and recorded the songs, because, the labels argue, the records are “works for hire,” compilations created not by independent performers but by musicians who are, in essence, their employees. Here again, greed rules the music industry!
A songwriters need to know!!!!!
COPYRIGHT ACT AND COPYRIGHT TERMINATION
The Recording Academy was recently referenced in a New York Times article about the looming issues related to copyright termination. Since its testimony at a Congressional hearing in 1999, The Academy has been active in protecting music creators’ rights to regain ownership of their copyrights. Because 2011 is an important year for filing termination notices for some works, it is important that Academy members understand this critical issue.
Under the Copyright Act, authors (and their statutory heirs) may terminate certain transfers of copyrights that were effected in 1978 and after on the 35th anniversary of the transfer (although in some circumstances, different time frames may be applicable). Transfers of sound recordings and musical compositions are among the classes of copyright transfers that may be terminable. An author's right to reclaim ownership of his or her copyright(s) is optional and must be exercised in accordance with strict notice provisions and within strict time limits. If you are the author of sound recording(s) and/or musical composition(s) that were transferred to third parties, it would be advisable to contact your attorney or other advisors to learn more about this important topic.
Under the Copyright Act, authors (and their statutory heirs) may terminate certain transfers of copyrights that were effected in 1978 and after on the 35th anniversary of the transfer (although in some circumstances, different time frames may be applicable). Transfers of sound recordings and musical compositions are among the classes of copyright transfers that may be terminable. An author's right to reclaim ownership of his or her copyright(s) is optional and must be exercised in accordance with strict notice provisions and within strict time limits. If you are the author of sound recording(s) and/or musical composition(s) that were transferred to third parties, it would be advisable to contact your attorney or other advisors to learn more about this important topic.
November 28, 2011
Why do so many Artists fail on iTunes?
So you got your new CD and you're ready to get it out. The first move most people make is to get their songs on iTunes. Guess what, you and everyone else who has a project is doing the same. There are over 6 million songs on iTunes. Here's some more random facts:
- 65,000+ podcasts (USA)
- 10,000+ music videos (USA)
- 350+ TV shows (USA)
- 20,000+ audiobooks (USA)
- 14 iPod games (USA)
- 500+ movies (USA
- 10,000+ music videos (USA)
- 350+ TV shows (USA)
- 20,000+ audiobooks (USA)
- 14 iPod games (USA)
- 500+ movies (USA
Do you get it? If you're trying to sell your song, the odds are 6 million to one. Whoa!!!! The reason most people fail is simply this. They put their songs up and wait for the checks to start coming in. What a fairy tale! Another reason people fail is, they're so emotionally attached to their music they believe the world is going to fall at their feet. The truth is, there is more junk than music on iTunes. So what do I do? I'm glad you asked!
First have a plan. No plan no money! No Money no way! So what if I have no money? Then you need to make up the difference in passion and hard work. The degree of your passion and hard work will determine how successful you will be. There are many ways to promote your product, I wish I could get to them on this blog. I just don't have enough ink!
For now use Google to research marketing techniques. Enlist those who believe in you to become part of your team and work work work! If you have no funds that's about it. Try to raise funds. If you already have funding good for you. Most don't.
Here's a few suggestions.
1. Check out the free sites
2. Work on a fan base
3. Play your music for everyone you can
4. network network network
Remember you are your number one fan and promoter
Get to work!!!!
CALLING ALL DIVA'S
NOT REALLY
DIVA'S ARE ABOUT TO BE AS EXTINCT
AS THE DODO BIRD!!!!!!
October 27, 2011
There are snakes in the grass!! Writer producer alert!!!!!!!!
It has come to our attention that satellite broadcaster Sirius/XM is seeking to bypass the standard system of paying royalties. If they are allowed to do so, it will likely result in substantially reduced payments to artists and producers, a lowering of the value of performance royalties, and unnecessary conflict between artists and their labels.
What’s the issue:
Currently, satellite radio pays sound recording performance royalties to the nonprofit collective SoundExchange, which in turn pays 50% to the artists on the recording and 50% to the copyright owner (usually a record label). SoundExchange pays the artists the full 50%, even if the artist has unrecouped royalty balances, and also pays producers their share as directed by the artist. The system has resulted in an important new income stream for creators.
Sirius is now seeking to use the option of direct licensing with certain independent labels instead of using the system created by Congress that ensures fair payment to all parties. Artists should be concerned about direct licensing; 100% of the royalties would be paid to the record label which in turn may pay artists at a lower rate, subject to recoupment. And labels should be concerned as well; the lower rate being offered could have the effect of lowering the value of performance royalties to all parties.
What you can do:
If you are an artist signed to the independent label…
You can call your label today and request that it not direct license your recordings. In the interest of fairness and transparency, your label should continue to license through SoundExchange.
If you own or manage an independent label…
It is in your interest to refrain from direct licensing. While Sirius may be offering positive terms, the long-term effect of accepting a rate lower than the compulsory rate could be to reduce rates overall in the future. Creating downward pressure on the value of music may be good for Sirius/XM, but it’s bad for artists and labels. Please see the following statement from the American Association of Independent Music:
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