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If you live on Earth, you have heard about the deal between Country Music Legend Garth Brooks and mega super store, Wal-Mart. Brooks, who has always proved to be a marketing innovator, has inked a deal that is sure to set the music industry on fire. Recently parting from his label, Capitol Records, the deal grants sole distribution rights to Wal-Mart.
What can we learn from Garth? First, he’s all about the business, his fans, and marketing, something I speak about repeatedly both on my weekly radio show as well as in my book, The Indie Guide To Music, Marketing and Money. While Brooks has not recorded a new CD since 2001, his least successful by Brooks’s standards, this marketing genius still captures headlines, creating urgency for his music.
How does he do it? Brooks learned from his time in the trenches, when every label rejected him sometimes twice, it’s all about the business. Brooks took the business very seriously and handled his contract negations with incredible savvy and skill. One of the most important negations he made was to make sure he owned the masters to his own music.
Because Brooks owned the music, he received a higher percentage of the gross, which helped insure he covered the recoupable costs the labels receive. Ultimately, whether he was still with Capitol or not, he owned his music and that enabled him to be able to do whatever he wanted with it.
A big mistake label seekers make when in negotiations is to let go of their rights in order to get the “prize.” If you give up your rights and your label shelves the project and drops you, anything you created is theirs, even if you wrote the music. You can’t take it with you unless you have a lot of money and a really great lawyer. But even so, the label has the final say.
There is a lot we can learn from the masters and this is one lesson I hope everyone is able to hold on to; learn the business and always get legal advice and counsel before you go into contract negotiations. If you don’t know a really great entertainment attorney, I have a few I would highly recommend: Jordan Keller and Miller Hogan of Lassiter, Tidwell and Hildebrand. Jordan, whose clients include the Backstreet boys will be on my show in a few weeks, so don’t miss it! To a better day in every way.
Jaci Rae is a #1 Best Selling author of The Indie Guide to Music, Marketing and Money and Winning Points with the Woman in Your Life One Touchdown at a Time. Tune in for “The Jaci Rae Show” heard live around the world every Thursday: Click on the weekly show link
Music is such a pleasurable activity, that nobody wants to believe that there could be any downside to using it to earn cash. When money is involved music becomes a business. Wherever there is business involved, there are always legal concerns. This is where music contracts come into play.
Frequently musicians are distracted with developing their skills and they end up waiting until things become really serious and they finally realize the size of the music industry. What may start out as a group of buddies jamming together on the weeks could make you a celebrity. Before things get really serious, it is a good idea to put an agreement in writing by making a contract.
It doesn\’t matter if you have your friends working with you, contracts are still important for protecting your interests. When people begin to work professionally disputes can arise over who owns what. Unfortunately this happens often with unexperienced people and the business can fall apart. A profitable music business is lost even though these issues might have been simply avoided. If a contract had been established perhaps there would have been no problems.
Having a contract agreement does not imply a lack of trust, it simply means that you are explaining facts of your working relationship in writing. Music contracts come in many different varieties that can be determined amongst several parties. The parties involved may be musicians, agents, or perhaps record companies. All these parties may profit or lose from the working relationship.
The bottom line is that any parties working together, can only guarantee that their wishes will be honored by writing your business dealings in a contract. This is the simplest way that everyone will have the same idea of what they are getting in involved with from the start because it is clearly defined. This is also a important suggestion because you can\’t always defend your position in court by referring to an oral contract.
Music business has changed a lot with upcoming technologies. One can find these changes in the form of traditional business models or hike in sales of CD’s whereby changes have provided new artists, independent artists, labels and music companies with new opportunities.
Today, the music industry has the benefits of selling music online, wireless technologies, develop online record company, and open an online music store.
Availability of digital music downloads directly from the internet to the hard drives of computers has raised the issue of music piracy. There are thousands of websites providing free music download services. There are legal music download sites whereby they allow you to download songs when you pay a minimal charge in return. You can compare these sites and find which allows you to download music at the most competitive rates.
You can find the difference between different music download programs with the help of file sharing programs. The question is that really these music download programs are free or not? Many of these music download programs have lots of ad wares, spy wares and pop-ups that you should be cautious of. The difference between file sharing and free file sharing program is that with the payment you make. Programs like MP3 advance, mp3 music subscription provide you with technical support, security from popup, spy wares, privacy protection and money back incase you are not happy with the program.
Because of illegal copying of music files and sales in the market many music companies have brought law suits but still many file sharing program allows users to be anonymous. People are confused as to the legacy of free music downloads. They still think that which place of the website allows downloading and burning of free music. Is file sharing legal and after downloading are they at any risk? Therefore, you should avoid different file sharing programs like P2P, KaZaa, Limeware which allows free downloads but violate copyright laws. These downloads are songs from the CD put on the internet by people not having rights from the company or authorized music company.
To know more log on to website music-future.com
Media and arts influence our society in ways we are often not aware of. Growing up surrounded by television, radio, and movies, we often take the images and information they present for granted. Do you ever stop to think about how your interests have been shaped by what you see and hear through electronic media? Have you ever pondered on how your taste in music or arts developed?
Now, more than ever, the possibility of finding almost any information we are researching for is in media. Various sources such as newspaper, radio, television, Internet, and many others, are available almost anywhere.
Different forms of media, indeed, have become a part of everyone’s life. They shape and sometimes dictate or dominate our culture and interests. The mass media is undeniably of great impact to the society as it instills information in our minds that we use in our daily living.
Mass media has different roles in the society. One of these is its substantial role in the music industry.
How do people become interested in music? What makes them sing or become interested in playing musical instruments?
The answers to the questions mentioned rely to role the media plays in the music scene. Music is heard through the radio; thus, it triggers the music interests of its listeners.
Have you watched any television programs that involve competitors aiming for a singing title or a television singing program that shows the training of the contenders?
Television programs like what I have mentioned are usual these days. We expect music to be played only in the radio but with media around, proliferation of music through television and the Internet (singing competitions, music videos, etc.) are also possible.
Having said much of the possibilities that the media can bring to people, it largely contributes to the music teaching aspect of the industry. Media instruments, such as those mentioned earlier, are highly considered as music teacher resources for it supplies them information regarding music.
There are television programs that show trainings and rehearsals of the candidates. Through this, they can share to the viewers the different techniques of developing their singing talents. Few of these techniques that I have watched are the facial exercises done before the proper singing so as to relax the muscles that affect voice belting. Maintaining proper posture and body alignment while singing are also observed. Air supply is very important to reach low and high notes, and many others.
In general, music teacher resources can mostly be found through media in the form of visuals and audios. Other music teacher resources include personal encounters of music teachers during their classes, and those that are not in media forms.
Learn great facts and tips about music teaching; log on to our Music Teachers Blog.
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Musicians, singers, and related workers are employed in a variety of settings. Of those who earn a wage or salary, almost two-thirds were employed by religious organizations…” and “Most new wage and salary jobs for musicians will arise in religious organizations.” If you’ve decided to enter music ministry, then you’ve chosen the best segment of the music industry in which to work, and not only financially. As a minister of music, you’ll have the tremendous satisfaction of fostering both the love of music and the love of God in your work. But there’s more than just playing music in the typical job description for a minister of music.
Long gone are the days when the Minister of Music was the choir director, working on his or her own to draw beautiful music from the voices of the congregation. Today’s job description for minister of music is as likely to include supervising a full team of music directors and leaders as it is to have you standing before the choir yourself. More and more, the job description of a minister of music puts a high premium on understanding the use of the newest technology in planning and presenting music as part of worship services. As a member of the music ministry, you may direct choirs, sit on the planning ministry to help steer worship goals and objectives, produce and direct lavish performances on a world class scale. Your job duties may include any or all of the following:
-Direct church choirs of varying sizes and commitments from kindergarteners to professional singers
-Provide and schedule music for all church services
-Select or help select the hymns for church services
-Prepare choirs and bands for competition
-Offer special music classes to parishioners
-Arrange and direct special music retreats for choir, band and chorus members
-Oversee other musical staff such as directors of choirs, organists and other musicians, worship leaders and accompanists
In some smaller churches, you may be the only music minister, and be responsible for developing and directing all church music. In a larger church, there may be many music ministers all working together under one director of music services.
If you’re considering a career in the music ministry, you’ll find that foremost under the job qualifications in a job description for minister of music are a deep commitment to the faith and a call to the ministry. Most churches require that you uphold the standards and beliefs of the religion as well as have excellent musical and teaching skills.
If you are drawn to a career in music ministry, your path may begin as a part time choir director or paid accompanist. As you demonstrate your abilities in leadership and music, you will find more and more doors opening to you. A career in the music ministry is deeply and richly rewarding. If it’s the path to which you’ve been called, you’ll find that there are many opportunities for you to share your love of music with others who feel the same way that you do.
You are absolutely ecstatic because you have written all your songs, produced the music and your CD is complete!! You find yourself jumping for joy and then it dawns on you–People have got to hear this! But how? When? Where do I begin? This is the thought of many people dealing with an independent music career. And luckily independent music in the music industry can succeed!
You’ve finished your work now you want the world to hear your creations. It may not be until you are faced with the idea of actually delivering it to the world that you realize you have no clue as to where to begin.
Well, don’t worry! After you’ve taken the time to read this you will be well on your way to releasing your music to the world. Because you are involved in independent music and have not been picked up by any major record label your approach will be a little different from the signed musician.
You will do all of the work, including promoting, marketing and selling. But don’t worry; there are plenty of avenues to do just this. Fortunately the Indie industry is booming and there are plenty of companies that cater to the needs of Indie artists.
Since people involved in independent music don’t have the front money that signed artists do, marketing and selling cheaply is the way to do it. You can either burn and reproduce the CD’s yourself or you can hire someone to do it but that is going to cost a bit more. You are also going to have to consider artwork for the cover. When exploring this, look for companies that operate on a print on demand type service. This way you don’t overproduce and spend more money than needed.
Get a website where you can sell the CD yourself. Set up a Paypal account so you can accept payments for your CD. This is free and simple and tons of people already have a Paypal account. Remember, your main goal is to turn profits not break the bank!
CD Baby is a perfect resource for independent music sellers. For any Indie artist, this site is an absolute must! They provide distribution for independent artists and musicians only! They started out as an online service. They have a set fee for submitting your music to their site and having them host a store front for each album you send them. Go and check them out. When the CD’s sell they send you the check, that’s right, YOUR CHECK!
Lastly, consider a UPC barcode for your CD. This way you can log your CD’s and sell them in record stores that sell independent music! These are the best first steps in getting your music heard by millions around the world! Follow these steps and you will open the door to literally a world of possibilities for you and your music.
Are you interested in getting started in the music production industry? Well there is a lot of space available for you, did you know producing music doesn’t have to be released in the charts? You can produce music for games, videos or even adverts but of course you would love to see yourself on MTV. Making it big in the music industry is hard but you can do it, you just need the right knowledge to get there. You need someone to guide and teach you exactly what you need to know, all the formulas to making successful music.
Producing music for fun is always great and is the best way to start, however if you want to make a career out of music you need to get your knowledge up. You need to learn to make music for the listeners; creating music for yourself will often leave you by yourself in your studio. You need to project exactly what the listener is expecting but you can’t expect to know how to do this unless someone teaches you this, someone like a mentor. A mentor can guide you, listen to your music and tell you what needs correcting, mentors normally have great expertise in the field their in so if you can get one.. snap them up quick. The formulas you need to know will tell you how to construct your songs, tell you the instruments that sound the best, teaching you how to use music production software correctly, mixing and mastering and so much more!
So start producing music today and you will see results, find a mentor and learn how to make music the listener wants to hear. You could seriously turn out to be the next big thing, not everybody gets the formula right every time even the professionals but you need to be on their level of getting it right to make it. There is a website that teaches you so much about this topic, tutorials, guides the full works. You will be making music everyday and they will even tell you how to make money from just making music from your house everyday, its that great. Start your music career today and start making music now, don’t waste time and think about it. Do it now!
For some information on this visit http://www.musicproducerpro.net
Good Luck!
J Baileyy
No matter who you are, from the get-go, music contract terms are negotiable. If you are just starting out in the music industry, it is all a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, it is possible for a “newbie” to receive a fair music contract from a dependable label.
The first thing you have to keep in mind is that in this industry everyone is looking out for themselves first. Even honest labels are going to try to negotiate for their best interests. Beware of the dishonest companies that do not keep the artist in mind at all in the music contract negotiation process. This is why your education and experience with music contracts is so crucial.
One common thing to look out for when discussing music contracts is when you are asked to sign a standard music contract. They may even try to tell you that this is just a formality and everyone signs this particular document. A red flag should pop up in your head, especially if you are told this is your chance of a lifetime. You and your career is unique and so should be your music contract.
No matter what, you should always ask questions if you have them. If you do this and the label suggest you are insinuating that they are not being upfront with you then they probably are not being upfront. It is your right to ask any question and if it puts your music contract deal in jeopardy then you should ponder why that is. The answer is that this is not an honest company and maybe you should look elsewhere. Don’t compromise your career just to sign with someone.
Let them see that you are not just a desperate artist ready to sign on any dotted line. Ask for time to read over the contract with a legal representative or trusted acquaintance. It is imperative that you understand every aspect of the music contract at hand.
You may consider hiring an entertainment lawyer but they are very expensive. If you are someone who can afford this then by all means go for it but most struggling artists cannot. This is o.k. You do not have to hire an attorney to look over your music contract. It is possible to do this on your own or with the help of a friend, manager or family member.
The goal here is to negotiate a fair music contract with a legitimate record label. If a company is honest and forthright then they will be willing to answer any question and explain every clause. Don’t just sign because you are desperate to be a signed artist. Sometimes a signed artist is just as bad off as a solo struggling musician when they have signed a bad deal! Be smart and good luck!
No matter who you are, from the get-go, music contract terms are negotiable. If you are just starting out in the music industry, it is all a bit overwhelming. But don’t worry, it is possible for a “newbie” to receive a fair music contract from a dependable label.
The first thing you have to keep in mind is that in this industry everyone is looking out for themselves first. Even honest labels are going to try to negotiate for their best interests. Beware of the dishonest companies that do not keep the artist in mind at all in the music contract negotiation process. This is why your education and experience with music contracts is so crucial.
One common thing to look out for when discussing music contracts is when you are asked to sign a standard music contract. They may even try to tell you that this is just a formality and everyone signs this particular document. A red flag should pop up in your head, especially if you are told this is your chance of a lifetime. You and your career is unique and so should be your music contract.
No matter what, you should always ask questions if you have them. If you do this and the label suggest you are insinuating that they are not being upfront with you then they probably are not being upfront. It is your right to ask any question and if it puts your music contract deal in jeopardy then you should ponder why that is. The answer is that this is not an honest company and maybe you should look elsewhere. Don’t compromise your career just to sign with someone.
Let them see that you are not just a desperate artist ready to sign on any dotted line. Ask for time to read over the contract with a legal representative or trusted acquaintance. It is imperative that you understand every aspect of the music contract at hand.
You may consider hiring an entertainment lawyer but they are very expensive. If you are someone who can afford this then by all means go for it but most struggling artists cannot. This is o.k. You do not have to hire an attorney to look over your music contract. It is possible to do this on your own or with the help of a friend, manager or family member.
The goal here is to negotiate a fair music contract with a legitimate record label. If a company is honest and forthright then they will be willing to answer any question and explain every clause. Don’t just sign because you are desperate to be a signed artist. Sometimes a signed artist is just as bad off as a solo struggling musician when they have signed a bad deal! Be smart and good luck!
There are millions of dollars to be made in the music industry. However making the big bucks requires that you compete successfully against the competition. In order to succeed, you must prove your superiority by not only being the best at what you do but also by conducting your dealings with entertainment business professionals in a business-like way.
The music business is an exceedingly challenging business for newcomers to get into. If you plan on building a career in the music industry, then you can\’t afford to not get every contract in writing if the understanding involves money or any rights that you would like to protect. Your role in the music business is not important. Whether you are a musician, a songwriter, a producer, an agent, a DJ, a record label owner, a technician, an engineer, if your contract is in writing there will be no confusion about the terms of the deal. The contract will spell out the functions of all the parties involved and who gets what.
Whether you are a newbie, or an experienced veteran, music business professionals will only take you seriously if you represent yourself in a business-like manner. Having a contract in writing proves to them that you know how to handle yourself, and that you refuse to be taken advantage of.
Of course, you can hire a lawyer and have agreements written for you but this can get very pricey and you can in most cases accomplish the same goal by downloading a standard agreement from a website offering such contracts. You could then take the time to customize the agreement to your own situation for much less than a lawyer would charge you to make changes. This is a possible choice if can\’t afford to consult an attorney.
Experienced entertainment attorneys can cost $400 per hour or more plus additional hiring fees if you can even get an appointment. Why spend all that time and money when you can download more than one hundred different types of standard agreements for a low price and get back to focusing on your career quickly. These downloadable contracts will address the needs of almost everyone in the music business.
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