PROTECT YOURSELF- Facts of the music industry

This topic is something all artists/writers should read and use to help them as they reach their career goals.  The industry is cutthroat and filled with snakes.  With that said, make sure all your work is protected and licensed.   According to International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the recording industry has gained support from payment providers to tackle illegal online sale of unlicensed music.  As reported in London, England March 2011 the industry has partnered with MasterCard, Visa, and the City of London Police to do away with illegal online services selling unlicensed music worldwide.  If an artist plans to promote and upload music on the Internet, they need to make sure it is protected.

There are many publishing and licensing companies such as BMI and ASCAP that will help artists gain royalties and protect their music.  Countries have been infringing the rights of artists, songwriters, and producers for year by selling music without paying for the rights to use or sell.  So, if you are currently an independent artists or aspiring artist this post is for you.  Don’t think everyone has your best interest in mind.  I have dealt with a number of independent artists on the rise.  One thing I always profess is to have their music protected and licensed.  The music industry earns billions of dollars annually.  You do not want to miss earning your piece of the pie.

Russia and Ukraine are the main countries operating websites that sell unlicensed music for years.  International consumers are buying albums at low rates because the websites are not paying for the rights.  Being an artist in the United States where you want to be.  However, our technological era has made everything level out.  People all over the world have access to download and share music.  Law enforcement and payment providers in the UK have come together to help protect artists’ work.  It is the responsibility of the artist to be proactive.

Reference:

http://www.ifpi.org/content/section_news/20110302.html

Publicity vs Cries for Help

Celebrities in all forms of entertainment need attention to stay relevant and remain close to their fans.  To attract public notice, celebrities and their business team use publicity.  Publicity is information that concerns a person, group, event, or product and that is disseminated through various media outlets to attract public notice.  In recent entertainment news, representatives for Catherine Zeta-Jones confirmed Wednesday April 13^th that she underwent inpatient treatment for bipolar II disorder.  As soon as the word was out, every entertainment media outlet was talking about it.  Local news and radio stations also covered the story.

Catherine Zeta-Jones has not starred in a movie since 2005’s The Legend of Zorro, which is the sequel to The Mask of Zorro in 1998.  Since 2005, she has concentrated on family life and stage performances.  With her representatives announcing that she recently underwent bipolar II disorder treatment, some would think it is just a publicity stunt.  She has 2 movies coming out in 2012; one in pre-production and the other is being filmed.  It has been reported that some think this announcement will damage her reputation.  I feel it is a well-designed act of publicity that will increase her fan base and lead to bigger roles.  Some people like to see celebrities down, but there are many more that love to see celebrities rise from adversity. 

Other celebrities have had their share of publicity like this.  Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, Miley Cyrus, Lindsey Lohan, and Nicole Richie have had their troubles broadcasted to the world.  Brittany Spears went bald at one point and was photographed cutting her own head.  This publicity soon was seen as a cry for help.  She lost custody of her children and had to be supervised.  We have yet to see her come back as the Brittany of old.  Lindsey Lohan is still having run-ins with the law and paparazzi.  The celebrities mentioned her all received large amounts of publicity, but I feel their acts were cries for help.  Catherine Zeta-Jones, however, admits to a problem and is taking the proper steps to come out stronger than ever.

http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-catherine-zeta-jones-bipolar-ii-20110413,0,7489287.story

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001876/

Negotiating is an ART of the Business

Charlotte, NC has attracted many entertainment industry professionals with the growth in nightlife, venues, and music promotion.  Nathan Smalls is one of the industry professionals calling Charlotte home.  The New Jersey native fills many hats in entertainment.  In 2001, he created Chris Kerry Group (CKG).  Through CKG, Nathan has produced “Women of Color Expo” and R&B LIVE.  In addition to being a Brand Marketing Manager, he also manages radio personality, Jacinda Garabito and DJ Badala B.  With the recent boom in Charlotte’s entertainment scene, Nathan decided to move his operation from New York, NY to the South.  Being a professional in the industry, many of your positions will be in deal-making capacity.  This is something Mr. Smalls know all too well. 

One negotiation topic Nathan has to focus on is gaining “mutual benefit.”  With his music franchise, R&B LIVE, the mogul has to negotiate with venues to secure a location for the event.  Venue management has to foresee a benefit to their business through his proposals.  The event is held on Thursdays, which I normally an off night for many bars and clubs.  The venue owners and managers that agree to the terms of their agreements with CKG, receive benefit through increase patronage and business.  Another negotiation topic Nathan has to focus on is “leverage and power.”

Successful professional experience is one of the best ways to gain leverage and power while negotiating.  Producing successful events such as Women of Color Expo and R&B LIVE has increased Nathan’s level of leverage and power.  This allows him to gain advantages in negotiating a deal.  With the knowledge Mr. Smalls has attained during his professional journey, I have decided to learn some of his tricks of the trade.

Becoming the best in Indie Music...They can help

The recording industry is a very intimidating industry for newcomers and those without the best resources.  For those that do not have the best resources, researching the industry is the best way to be prepared for what the recording industry has to offer.  The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is trade organization that provides someone researching on the industry a vast amount of information.  www.riaa.com resources include, Key statistics, Piracy information, artists’ achievements, tools for parents and educators, tools for students doing reports, a news room, and a music notes blog.  In addition to all the tools and resources RIAA offers, it also works to protect artists and music labels First Amendment rights.  The First Amendment of the Bill of Rights of the US Constitution guarantees citizens four freedoms.  The freedom that artists and music labels want to protect most is the Freedom of speech.

Most of what the Recording industry has to offer is audio.  If the Freedom of Speech were taken away from US citizens, the music industry would not survive.  All artists use this freedom to express their thoughts and connect with fans.

http://www.riaa.com/news_room.php

My TED.com speaker (Sir Richard Branson)

While watching Richard Branson’s life at 30,000 feet on TED.com, I gained a deeper understanding of the man and his business savvy.  I think any person that is going into business for them self or has aspirations of being a business owner should watch this video.  As future business owner, I am very inspired from his story.  After watching this video, anyone that is scared to take risks will rethink their mentality.  Sir Richard Branson is a person that thinks outside the box.  He sold his Virgin Records brand for Virgin Atlantic.  Many people thought this was a crazy move because he essentially was trading in the 4^th biggest record company for the 25^th ran ked airline.  He is a person that takes high risks and expects high rewards.

Richard Branson believes the Virgin brand stands for quality.  He has a lot of fun building his companies and the people that work for him enjoy their jobs.  He has built a company that is not scared to fail by taking risks.  Examples of his risk taking style are endless.  He has launched companies such as Virgin brides and Virgin condoms.  Both companies did not fair well, but his companies are very innovative.  With the many companies under the Virgin brand, Branson’s empire has a net worth around $25 billion and employs 55,000 people.  Those numbers make Virgin and Richard Branson extremely credible in business.

Branson builds trust with the audience with his business credibility and his extraordinary adventures and stories.  He has created a brand with incredible PR value.  Adding to Virgin’s PR value is his philanthropic endeavors.  He has used the term “capitalistic philanthropy” which means with extreme wealth and resource come extreme responsibility to give back.  With his wealth, Branson chooses to tackle the environment and alternative fuel research.  His work in protecting the environment also adds to his companies PR value.

Through Richard Branson’s TED.com speech, I have developed a greater understanding him and his business.  I will take a page out of his book and apply it to my business endeavors.  I will not limit my business to one thing.  I plan to diversify and add value to the company.  Taking calculated risks will also be a strategy I use.  If you are passionate about an idea, it should not matter what other people think.  I plan to work hard in things I am passionate about, even if it risky.  Ntice Music will be successful and I hope to meet Sir Richard to tell him his words inspired me.

http://www.ted.com/talks/richard_branson_s_life_at_30_000_feet.html

R&B LIVE

If you are an up and coming R&B/Soul artist or someone that loves live music, this is the series for you.  Brought to the music lovers of Charlotte, NC by Nathan Smalls, R&B LIVE is a showcase for the serious recording artist.  Thursday night was the last night I had to enjoy before going back to work after a two-week break.  I had many choices of events and productions to pick that night, however, R&B LIVE seemed like the perfect spot.  Given that I have a passion for music and the business, it was a no-brainer to choose it. 

On this night, WGIV 103.3, which is the first black privately, owned station, partnered with the creators of R&B LIVE to promote the launch of Charlotte’s new classic soul/R&B station.  There was a live broadcast with radio personalities, Jus Jacinda and Big Pat.  Also, Christmas came early for the ladies in attendance.  WGIV representatives gave out earrings as an expression of appreciation to the Charlotte listeners.  In addition to the surprises and great music, attendees were surrounded by who’s who of Charlotte’s entertainment community.  On hand were music industry veterans, record label executives, producers, owner of NoDa nail salon, and the owner of WGIV.  If you came to network, the music was just an added bonus.

As I scanned the venue, I could tell the people in attendance were enjoying themselves.  The bar was jumping, people were networking, dancing, and enjoy the free food.  The only thing that I had small issue with was how long it took for the live music to begin.  The event started at 9pm, but the first act didn’t perform until sometime after 11pm.  Other than the late start time, the event was an overall great pick.

If you think what you heard here seems like a good time, you can go every Thursday to the Sunset Club @ 9pm and enjoy the sounds.

Business Team+Artist= SUCCESS

Back in the early day of Pop and Hip Hop, talent and a demo tape is what was needed to start a music career.  We have since evolved into a technological age where talent is at every click of a button.  As an indie artist, it is imperative that you form a strong business team.  Sure...you could just post a youtube video and "pop-off" that way, but you have a slim chance of becoming a success like Justin Beiber.  "choosing the right people for your business team is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make.  Rely on your inexperienced friends, and you could be stuck in the garage forever (Butler, S.)."

In the beginning stages, a personal manager may not be needed because there will not be much to handle.  However, if you have the resources to get a personal manager, DO IT!  He or she will be the go-to person to get things done.  Also, think about pursuing a music publisher.  Research ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC to see the services offered.  Lastly, get a publicist to handle you public relations and who has experience with media outlets.

Make sure you employ people who have passion about putting you first.  Adding a business team to help reach your career goals will eventually lead to success.



Butler, Susan.  How To...Hire A Good Team.  Billboard., 6/28/2008, Vol. 120 Issue 26. p 26-27