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.