Archive for the ‘Music Business’ Category

To write song lyrics and get them to the next step seems like a simple task when technically it’s a process in this music business. As a songwriter, it’s also helpful to learn the fundamentals of the creation of music because many songwriters also write music. While this is not necessary to sell a hit song, it keeps you abreast of the industry leading songwriters and knowing how to speak their music lingo.

As many are confused in the process of what’s next after the song is jotted down on the notebook, on a napkin, or inside the palm of your hands;  here are a few simple steps in copyrighting your work.

Copyright and Ownership - Having  a copyright is important for legal reasons should you have infringement issues down the road. Of course you are aware that once your piece is written that by law you own that particular work. However, in the court of law, having an accompanied document to prove your ownership weighs heavily and accurately.

U.S. Copyright Office Online – Simply go here for more information on filing a formal copyright application (US Copyright Office) using the new CO form. It replaced the PA, TX, VA, SE and SR forms. Submit your lyrics and a sketch of the audio of the song on CD. To save on the copyright fees, it’s a great idea to copyright several songs under one fee as a collection of songs and/or compilation of work. Here’s a PDF tutorial in the online filing process.

Important to Know

Lyrics and Melody: If you wrote the lyrics and a music producer contributed the music, then the copyright’s entitlement  is split 50% between you and the music producer or composer, or whatever amount you all agree upon. On the old copyright forms this would fall under the PA form.

Sound Recording: As this is often confused with the production of the song; a sound recording is usually owned by the record label or the entity that releases the record. This would fall upon the old SR form. In the instance of the sound recording and with so many home studios and indie labels out there, it’s common to find one entity or group owning the lyrics, melody and sound recording provided there are no publishers involved which holds the copyright or partial rights to the lyrics and the melody only. However, if there was a separate deal to come about with a major label, they often seek copyrights to the sound recording. ***It’s always best to speak with your attorney to fully understand these aspects before signing any agreements.

As music is distributed between producers and artists, understanding work for hire is viable in this business. In simpler terms to distribute a piece of work you’ve created as a work for hire to another party, you no longer have any ties to that work! Read more from source

Here also is an excellent resource of music business contracts. Be sure to have your attorney review before administering!

Musically, we are geared up over setting up for the 1st quarter, closing out the last quarter and thinking ahead in producing or dropping that summer jam that will be bumping car speakers everywhere we go.

But the most important meaning to this day, this beginning of a year and start of a decade is that we’ve arrived! We were able to sustain the good, bad and the other stuff which led us through 2009. As we move forward into an even newer era, we must reflect upon our purpose in this artistry we love so much.

Start anew in leaving stale habits behind. The ones that didn’t do any good for you back in 2009. Why bring over that kind of history?! Develop a business mind and a marketing strategy. Meet with and network with prominent people who can make a difference for both of you. In today’s fast-paced world and ADD surging our mind-space, who really has time to conquer nothing by the end of the day. That’s so last year… right?

When taking your craft seriously, trust the ears of others who will give you the feedback you NEED to hear. (Please read that line again!) It’s the only way we grow. It’s the only way we learn! Get your recording gear up a notch if you know you need that new microphone because the one you have now makes you sound like you are singing/rapping through an old car muffler.

Take this month and produce a track or two a day! Build your catalog! Every record label and music publisher loves a producer with a catalog; Plus it makes a nice presentation and you always have something fresh and new to offer. Artists, become forceful in your development. Study why ‘this’ didn’t happen in 2009, and why ‘it’ will in 2010.

I could go on, but the thing is… you have to take this and go on… Create your own aspirations and determinations in developing what makes sense for you…

Happy New Year friends.

All luv
all the time…
Lady

Thanks for your readership and support! You are appreciated!!! As Studio Noize has just reached its 3rd month in web presence… There are tons of so much more to come in 2010. Have your friends stop by! Subscribe by email, rss feed to stay in tune!

Coming up with the right name for your music business is an important step. Many describe their names as cute, clever, stand-outish, catchy, and even strange.

The good thing is you can name your business whatever you want; however, the following are the things you should consider first:

1. Stay away from local names. Including your city or state name as part of your business name may work for you early on as your local patrons use your services, but when you begin to span outside your area, potential new clients will assume you only cater to those in your area… therefore you lose business.

2. If your name can’t reside on a roadside billboard without offending somebody… then you should consider something else. I use this as a model because I’ve seen names that include profanity and sexual verbiage. Think about what type of marketing and other business opportunities you are limited to. Also consider potential clients who will be turned off simply because of your name.

3. Consider your target audience or clientele. If your company is Rap Artists Entertainment, then I’m assuming you are selling Rap music, and I surely won’t think you have Pop or Rock Artists on your roster.

4. Consider a name that will allow you room to expand your business. Look well beyond the here and now. Lil Swagg Daddy Entertainment is not cute 15 years from now when you’re 40.

5. Think branding. Consider a name that looks good in several media outlets such as web, print magazines, mobile, newspapers, cd covers, billboards, electronic press kits, television, etc.

6. Be mindful of your competitor’s name and how it’s working for them. Because your competitor share the same market and are doing well in it… understand what makes their name stand out so you can choose a name that does the same thing for your business.

7. Check if your prospective name is available as a domain. If you plan to have an online presence, you will need a domain name to reflect your business name.