Music Business - Selling Beats on the Low

We're in a unique time where there's a shift occurring and the one's who are able to be ahead of the curve will ultimately win.

While selling a beat for $15.99 or even .99 cents seems low, if you look at it from the standpoint that you can get a full song with lyrics, melodies, hooks and music for .99 cents then the beat maker is really getting over. 

Part of the discussion may be about perspective. If a beat maker has thousands of beats on their computer as you all often do, then maybe the thought is why not sell them for something instead of keeping them for nothing. The well of creativity only dries when we say so.

Before selling, licensing or giving away your music, ensure you have a music business contract in place. It's wise to have a music business plan as well, so you know exactly how to reinvest your money.

Music Industry Connection

Music Business - Global Industry

Think about how wonderful it is to be able to do global business in another country without having to leave your home. Information is currency and your music is information packaged to tell a story, share an experience, exchange wisdom and talk about love, life, partying and social issues. The world has always appreciated music and art from African People and you are no different.

Learn how to monetize your Internet presence. Create trends and build your brand. Find out what is going on with the world's next super power nation -China. Read about what Google is doing in the Chinese Music Business click here.

If you're not sure how to get involved with monetizing your Internet presence, perhaps it's time to learn about real Industry Pimping, Music Business Contracts and Music Industry Connections.

Music Business - Future Business Model

One of the great things about the music industry and the Internet is you truly have an opportunity to work your business model. You know doing something different at the right time and place may make you a small fortune over your lifetime. At one point big-blue (I.B.M.) was the largest computer company in the world.

A young geek decided that he wanted everyone to have a computer in their home or office this was during a time that a computer would take up the size of a medium sized house. People thought this young geek was crazy and maybe he is/was, but it made him during some years reportedly the richest man in the world -his name Bill Gates, his company Microsoft.

Point is keep working new business models, work your plan relentlessly. Market and promote your company as best you can. Whatever your business model you'll need a business plan and music contracts to ensure you give your ideas and vision the best opportunity for success.

Music Business - Music Managers and Talent

It has been my experience that there are a few places for recording artists, garage bands, music producers, singers and songwriters may find a music manager. A music manager may be found in a Music Industry Connection Book, a Music Conference and a Music Showcase or Open Mic.

The real key in my humble opinion is not so much to seek a music manager, but to do as much as you can on your own -by this I mean creating a buzz a significant local or regional street and Internet buzz. When you create such a buzz and fans and music industry professionals alike are talking about you music managers will seek you ought, because they see potential for bigger and greater things. They see money. Yeap we all working to GET MUSIC MONEY.


Music Business Contract

Music Business - Music Management

This excerpt was used by permission from the Los Angeles Music Industry Connection Book.

While there are a number of factors that you should consider before choosing a music manager a few include the manager's ability to multi-task, organizational skills, professionalism, knowledge of the business of music, extensive industry contact list and believe in you as an artist. In addition, the music manager should have some knowledge of contract negotiations, how record companies operate and basic bookkeeping and/or accounting skills.

To read more about music management download the Los Angeles Music Industry Connection Book Today!


Music Business Contracts 

Music Business - Work for Free

When would you work for free in the music business?


It's by all means best to work for the experience and connections you'll make along the way. However, every living organism has a belly that needs to be feed to sustain life for any extended period of time. In your youth the thought is that you have more energy and hustle than you know what to do with, so this is the time to work for experiences and connections. The goal is that as you become seasoned (veteran) -if you will you should have gained enough wisdom, information, connections and resources to warrant others wanting and NEEDING to pay you for your expertise.

As your experience increases you'll begin to have a knowledge on when others should begin offering and/or you should begin requesting money. It may go something like this. Hey, JaWar, we would like for you to speak on Dec 20, 2008 at our conference. I'd reply that's great, but with rising fuel and food cost I want be able to make this trip, because I've exhausted all of my financial (marketing) resources for the year. No, problem JaWar we will pay for your plane ticket, hotel and ground accommodations. Additionally, we will give you a food stipend of $75/day and pay you your normal speaking fee. We'll also give you a table to sign and sell your books during the conference. JaWar, would you be needing anything else?

The example above is one demonstration of how by me investing my own time, energy and financial resources to consult and speak at conferences over the years has turned into paid motivational speaking situations. Along the way I have had this job here and this job there, some paying a little and some paying a considerable amount.

Work whenever possible should not be a job (just over broke), but a career move that puts and/or keeps you on the path. Assuming that you admire Jay-Z as a business man would you mind working for him for free? -Probably not. You'd probably event invest your own money to move to New York to ensure you were able to work for him to learn what he would have to share. In fact, it's safe to say you'd find a part time job, even if it meant working in a factory or Burger King (no disrespect mind you) to ensure you were able to work for Jigga Man to learn what he could share in the way of experience and connections.

Music Business - Domain Name

Sure you have a profile on one or more of these sites, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube. One of the things each of these sites have in common is that they have their own unique url, domain or website address. Like most of us you are probably investing a lot of time and effort branding, marketing, promoting, publicizing, networking and corresponding with people both online and off. You are helping to build the communities on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube, which each have their own unique url, domain or website address.

Now is the time to protect your brand, company and stage name by securing your own unique url, domain or website address?

One of the first things people will do when attempting to find you on the Internet is put a dot com (.com) behind your name or company. It has become second nature for those of us who are on the Internet -researching people, companies and information. Since you use Facebook.com, Twitter.com and Youtube.com you already know the importance of having your own dot com (.com). Don't wait until it's to late register your own domain name today. 

A Good Name is Golden -Protect Your Neck or at least your dot com by registering your own domain name, url or website address today. Any of the links or the image below will help you get started.

Music Business - Is File Sharing Bad?

Below is a response given when asked about the music business and if file sharing was bad for the industry.

The scenario is self-perpetuating. One does all that they can to legally protect their intellectual property indeed. However, technology continues to move faster than the law. More importantly there are opportunities being missed by attempting to fight the end user/consumer/fan. Had it not been for bootleggers/illegal file-sharing there are a number of artist who would have never been able to create such a strong street buzz or build a solid fan base. Remember to have music business contracts on hand and access to music attorneys.

Again I point to a situation wherein their are positives to the bootlegging/illegal downloads at least one should attempt to find them. Major record (media) labels aren't investing the type of monies they use to on new releases and artist development. Illegal file-sharing as much as we may not like it is an alternative to mass-marketing music to potential fans without having to invest large sums of money. Think about it this way. As majors and major-indie labels sign more artist to 360 recording contracts there may come a time sooner than you think were the labels say hey "we have this great idea, why not give the music away as a lost leader and make money from all the other revenue streams." After all since they now participate in all the revenue streams it would make sense.

For the record some of the Music Industry Connection Books have been copied page for page and sold to other people without me receiving a dollar. However, some of those same people that got the bootleg version later bought the original, attended a music conference I spoke at and/or became a client that I consultant. No, I don't want people to copy my work and I not get compensated for it. However, there are positives that may come from it. Sometimes these positives come in a residual situation later on.

Music Business - File Sharing

The legal (music business affairs) and marketing (music promotions, publicity and advertising) departments may always be at odds on bootleggers and illegal file sharing at major media and record companies.

At the end of the day the bootleggers and illegal file-sharers help to test the market for new music. In many cases they may help to explore new revenue streams for older music. Had it not been for rap music sampling in the older days it's safe to say that many of the older artists, songwriters, music producers and publishers catalog would not have increased in value the way that it did. In addition, the artist were able to tap two or three new generations of music fans.

Yes, illegal file sharing is bad on one hand, but consider the marketing and promotions that one gets on the other. One may fight against the consumer all they want or one may seek to benefit from them.

It's been said if you're not doing anything (making noise) no one would have anything to say. I wouldn't want people to illegally download the Music Industry Connection Ebooks. However, if they did it may be noting that the book may be read by someone who was interested in paying me to speak or purchase large quantities of books to be given away to other people. The absolute answer is that all sides, creative people, business entities making financial investments and music fans benefit from the relationship.

Music Managers

Recording and performing artist shouldn't pay their music managers on the front end for management services. Likewise the manager shouldn't be expected to pay one cent towards developing the artists career, paying to perform in music showcases and talent shows, etc. The roll of the music manager is to manage, possibly develop talent and the talents opportunities and resources.

With that being said the manager and artist will normally negotiate between 5% - 25% of either the gross (before taxes and expenses) or net (after taxes and expenses) revenue to be paid from the artists income to the music manager. It's always best to have a written music business contract between the music manager and recording artist.

The promotions side various depending on if the promoter is working a particular project in some instances they may be paid a set amount for the project for a certain period of time. In other situations the promoter may be paid a monthly retainer to execute certain marketing and promotional duties. The manager and promoter or two separate job descriptions that may overlap from time to time.

TRUTH TIME - If you don't have any money, get a job (9 to 5), make money online, save your money and cautiously invest it in marketing that will give you the highest return. Humbly, I suggest using the Internet by creating a website(s), blogs and a number of other social media profiles. It will be very difficult to get your name in the market place without commitment and money.

When the artist has the right attitude, constantly works to perfect their craft and performs every chance they get the right manager will find that artist. If no, manager is approaching you, you aren't creating the best music possible and performing that music frequently. When people like what they hear they will approach you. This isn't what most artist want to hear, yet this truth will allow you to know if you're ready to advance your career or go back to school and become a doctor, lawyer or accountant which are always in demand.

Make sure you have a written music business contract. You'll also want to hire a music attorney.

Start And Run A Successful Record Label

Start And Run A Successful Record Label!

In Order To Operate A Serious Music Business, You NEED A document that summarizes the operational and financial objectives of your business, and contains the detailed plans and budgets showing how your objectives are to be realized!

In plain English, it is extremely important that you possess a well written business plan that shows not only you, but also potential funding sources that you have carefully thought out how you plan to operate in order to make your Music Business venture A SOLID SUCCESS!

Start And Run A Successful Record Label!

Mission Statement.
This section helps you define the general purpose of your music company, stating the main reasons it is in business, while it also serves as a reminder to the public and the employees within your company what you and the founders envision. General business purposes are mentioned here. Yours could be to dominate the Music industry offline and online across the world by producing and promoting high quality entertainment products. You can also add any additional goals for your music company such as becoming active in charitable activities, etc.

Executive Summary.
This part summarizes the main highlights of your business plan, including what products and services you plan to provide. Important facts such as projected sales and profits, the number of unit sales, profitability and the keys to your companies success are mentioned here. This section also allows you to highlight any important information that you would not want anyone including potential investors to overlook.

Start And Run A Successful Record Label!

The Management Team.
This component of your record label business plan identifies the individuals operating in key positions within your company, and what their duties and responsibilities will be. In addition here is were that person's educational, business experience, and significant accomplishments will be highlighted which they will in turn bring to the table in order to contribute to the success of your music company.

Music Industry Analysis.
This provides an overview of the music industry and recent changes, including mentions of digital music sales versus Compact Disc sales, single track downloads versus digital album sales, and other relevant up to date information that is important to be included in your music business plan.

Start And Run A Successful Record Label!

Marketing & Promotion.
This is an actual blueprint to work from or customize as it presents detailed marketing and promotional strategies from the initial release of music product, to subsequent releases. Some areas covered are promotion to Radio, television and video networks off-line and online with proper timelines and sequence in place, setting up interviews and public performances for the artist in support of the release, up to date strategies for creating demand online and off-line, and more...

The Financial Plan.
One of the most important components of a Business Plan is The Financial Plan section. This part includes a Projected Balance Sheet with yearly totals, Music Project Production cost sheet, Projected Statement of cash flow, Break Even profit analysis, Use of funds statement, and all other parts that make up a detailed financial plan for your company.

Start And Run A Successful Record Label!

Sell More Music & Have More Fans

How to sell more music and have more fans? According to Yahoo, January 2011 only 14 or so new releases sold over 1 million units and out of that 14 or so only about 4 sold more than 2.5 million units. Keep in mind these are all major label releases. Once more the majority of income for recording artist has never been derived from music sales, but from touring, merchandising, endorsements, movies and other business investments. This isn't to say you shouldn't attempt to get a major label deal if that's what you desire. It does mean that you have to  have the talent, tools and resources that will help you achieve your goal.

In the meantime it makes sense and cents to focus your efforts on selling more music and building a loyal fan base.

This isn't has difficult as it seems when you "THINK, PLAN, EXECUTE!" Some of you think about what to do, but few of you plan on doing it, yet even fewer actually take immediate action and execute their plans. To help you get there you'll need the tools and resources to better market your music, build a fan base and create a system that allows you to take full advantage of the opportunities that come your way.

You'll want to visit both Sell More Music; Have More Fans and the Music Industry Connection Sites.

Music Contracts

You'll want to consult with a competent music business attorney before signing or negotiating any contracts. You may find a competent entertainment attorney in the Los Angeles Music Industry Connection Ebook.

At $150-$350 per hour many people simply can't afford to hire a music industry lawyer to draft and/or negotiate a contract on their behalf. The next best thing is having the ability to look over sample music contracts, so you aren't intimidated by them.

You've probably heard the sad stories of how recording artists, singers, songwriters, producers and musicians have been ripped off because they didn't hire a music attorney to consult or didn't have the right music contracts in place. 

Here's your opportunity to get the music contracts you need to ensure you properly protect yourself and your music. In fact, you'll want to register all your songs and music with the U.S. Library of Congress. This will give you the most amount of protection should someone steal your original songs or lyrics.

Your music business when set up properly may help you earn for the rest of your life +75 years after you've passed on. Those royalties may be left for your children and their children to benefit from. Ensure you protect yourself by getting music contracts today.

After you've downloaded your music contracts remember to continue to "THINK, PLAN, EXECUTE!"™

Staying in Touch with Fans

Staying in touch with fans is extremely important to an artist's long-term success. A well designed website and email list are great ways to stay in contact with new and existing fans. An artist's website should be used to inform fans of tour dates (i.e. live performances), autograph signings, release dates, merchandise for sale and t.v. and radio appearances. To ensure that this information is easily accessible you may want to put live performances, autograph signings and radio appearances on one page. In addition, this will make it easier for your supporters to support you at various venues.

Your supporters should come to know your website as the one stop shop for regularly updated details about your appearances and performances. For example, at the top of a page you may list dates, locations and event type in a row. Then you may create columns under each category (i.e. dates, locations and events) to list your scheduled events. In addition to being able to give people information about upcoming performances and CD release dates on your well designed website, you may also use your internet presence to increase your mailing list by allowing people to join your email list through your website.

To encourage people to join your mailing list, offer them something of value. This could be everything from a monthly ezine like The MIC (Music Industry Connection) to a discount on your CD or merchandise. The easier it is for people to subscribe to your email list the greater the likelihood that they will do it. For instance, allowing people to subscribe to your list on every page of your website is advantageous. In addition, to allowing people to subscribe to your email list via your website, you can also create a sign-up sheet to grow your database. The sign-up sheet should be taken with you wherever you go, as it will help create "windows of opportunity" to advance your career. For instance, take it with you at your live performances, autograph signings, talent showcases and music seminars like Music Therapy 101, etc. It's simple to use; you simply ask people if they would like to join your email list. This is an exciting way of growing your list because it gives you an opportunity to interact with new and existing fans.

Of course, you can always use this to initiate a conversation with some very attractive people. For instance, lets say you have just completed one of your best performances and the audience was feeling you (this is a great time to network, network, network) you are in a great position to introduce yourself to that attractive person. You can initiate the conversation by asking the person how they enjoyed your performance. Then you could proceed to asking them if they would like to join your email list to receive periodic updates on your future performances. It has been my experience that people are very receptive to this approach and many times are eager to be kept abreast of one's live performances, especially if one's performance was extraordinary! No matter how many CDs you sell or how many performances you do, it is always the support of fans that help you maintain long-term success. Remember a well designed website and email list are great ways to stay in contact with new and existing fans.

Artist Gospel Showcase

Artist Gospel Showcase Explosion, Saturday, April 16th at the Saintuary. For consideration to perform contact 3hprecords@gmail.com or 404.890.0056 stay updated on http://3hprecords.ning.com and http://mim.io/86168

You'll want to read the Music Industry Connection Book Series to better prepared for this and other Atlanta Music Showcases and Talent Shows.