Music Business - Breaking Into Radio

You already know this one, but I have to get it out of the way. Most of the top on-air talent started as interns and paid their dues. This has helped to create a fraternity sort of process for the profession of on-air personality.

Given that the industry is changing you may be in great position to take advantage. Now commercial radio is moving toward greater syndication of popular personalities who may have never interned, but because of their "fame equity" -as coined by John F. Christmas Entertainment and Sports Attorney they are in a position to become an on-air personality.

Ok, I said all that to say I'd strongly suggest look into Internet and/or Satellite Radio. More markets will continue to be fragmented as people want very specific programing. Commercial radio doesn't have the bandwidth to fulfill those needs. In addition, Internet & Satellite Radio gives you global reach.

Start where you are and grow from there. You may start a podcast, live video stream or other internet radio station.

Music Industry Connection
Music Business Contracts

Music Business - Connecting

At the end of the day it's about finding the best ways to connect with your core base of fans and listening to their feedback. Some artist have found connecting through forums, others have found creating and updating blogs.

I think fans want to know more about artist and feel a part of the entire process.


Music Industry Connection
Music Business Contracts
Record Label Business Plan
Free Domain Name

Music Business - Start a Movement

Often a good way to start a movement in the music business is to start where you are and do what you have the ability to do, given your resources, time, money, energy and technical know how, etc. With that being said it could be as simple as uploading videos to a Youtube Channel where videos have the ability to get the most exposure online. You could feature only videos from SC artist.

Additionally, you could run various contest getting viewers and artist to actively participate with the site. Cable is definitely a viable option, but with technology the Internet is a cost-effective solution and gives you the ability to measure your activities in a way that traditional tv simply does not. View the music business video channel and the read the information at the music industry.

Music Business - Artist More Educated

"old school artists were more concerned with artistic development and not record sales."

Over the years artists have become more educated on how much money record labels, music publishing companies and other entities are/were making from their craft and decided it was time they get a larger piece of the pie, which isn't a bad thing, as I don't think anyone truly wants to be a starving artist. How do you think artist should go about complementing art and business in a way that doesn't compromise artistic expression, yet positions them to take full advantage of the financial reward that may be eminent in their music careers?

Music Business - Three Stage Life Cycle

The music business has a life cycle life every living organism.


Everything has a Life Cycle of maturity, growth and decline. Music is a part of the everything therefore it too will continue to mature, grow and decline.

What we will hear is current sounds being forged with older ones to create new ones. New genres continue to be developed per the cycle I just mentioned. Part of the question of what will music sound like in the next decade is directly related (I'm assuming) to what commercial viability these new sounds or genres will have? I am believing that their will be extreme commercial viability for those musicians, recording artists, music producers/composers, singers and songwriters who carve a niche for themselves and give their niche (audience/listener/client) what they want, when they want, how they want it and at the price they want it.

Those people that have a burning desire, a practical written plan and execute that plan daily will most likely see a long and prosperous music career in the music business. Creative artist, musicians and songwriters, etc. that speak to the human existence do so in the vein of "What's Going On?" The lyrics are as much of a reflection of the time as the music (drum). As food, fuel and other consumer goods/services price points continue to rise globally faster than that of our incomes (revenue streams) and human suffering continues I think you'll have more genuine musicians, songwriters and artist who speak to that experience. Out of that you'll have more music that people can feel. People are searching for something more in life/existence and in music.

What I have stated may seem to be a bit off topic, but if we remember when Rap/Hip Hop Music started in New York it started because it spoke to the needs of people who were suffering and wanted to convey/relay "The Message." It started because people were searching for something more genuine that spoke to their experience. Rap/Hip Hop Music borrowed from the old sound of its day -Disco, Poetry/Spoken Word and others and forged a new sound. Will Hip Hop stay dry? Maybe it will depending on who you ask and their definition of Hip Hop.

The human experience through music is part of everything and everything has a Life Cycle of maturity, growth and decline. Music is a part of the everything therefore it too will continue to mature, grow and decline. Be part of the new sound that will emerge in music.

Music Business - Becoming a Super Music Producer

What are the traits and/or characteristics of becoming a super music producer in the music business?


Find a virtually unknown artist(s) and truly develop the complete artist. Help push develop and market that artist. Help their career to blossom. Create hit music. Follow your good mind. Do what you truly feel that will grab the people. Be different, but do it where people can relate. All the "super-producers" have done this. If we qualify "super-producers" as one's that have create a number of hit songs and have longevity and respect in the business whose music is still being heard 10, 20, 30 years from whence it was created.


Music Business Contracts are always needed.

Music Business - Radio Does it Suck

Does radio really suck or are you just disgruntled about the music business?


Assuming when people say radio sucks they are speaking of traditional terrestrial commercial radio stations. With that being said the real reason why radio sucks is for a number of reasons including, but not limited to:

Artist often complain, but don't do anything about it.
Payola has, is and continues to be big business/money for a lot of people.
People often don't consider alternative outlets such as community, college, Internet & satellite radio.
People's voices are not heard because they are not organized. Either get with a organization to help you organize your voices are start your own. The Future of Music is a good place to start to join an existing voice.
Many of the artist who say radio sucks often don't have their own website.


While you're complaining that commercial radio will not play your music they're artist focusing on building their email list, performing live every chance they get and embracing internet radio by doing drops and interviews as though it was commercial radio. Perhaps when you adjust your mindset and do these things you'll find greater success in your music business and career.

Music Business - Work for Free

Below are my comments responding to people talking about how they wouldn't work for Diddy for free. Many people work in the music business for free to get their foot in the door. Many of you are working for free now and think you're in the music business. 


It's interesting how many responses are talking about how they wouldn't work for Diddy for free, yet Diddy and many others have worked in the music industry for free in order to learn the music business from the ground up, to build solid relationships and network with the top brass. Additionally, Diddy has a solid track record of several hits under his belt. He must have done something correct as this entire forum is dedicated to him and his brand of business.

It's always easier to criticize and critique when you haven't walked in that persons shoes. I invite everyone to achieve certain levels of success in their craft, profession and business and get others talking about you. At this point you would have made such an impact their your brand will be marketed even when you didn't invest or spend a dime. For more industry commentary, links, videos, resources, ebooks. 


Remember to get your music contracts and music business plan asap. This way you don't have to always work for free!

Music Business - Don't Be Broke

Simply because you haven't achieved a certain level of success in the music business doesn't mean you have to be broke today. In fact, you would be wise to institute best practices in the music business to ensure you don't become broke. Here are things to consider that will empower and position you to move from a broke thinking, planning and acting state to one of riches and wealth beyond the norm. 


Your destiny is in your hands and as you apply the information below you'll see greater levels of success in the music business in particular and in life in general. Isn't that something?


Create something to sell.
Offer to sell your music -there are a number of websites that help with this.
Find ways to make money online.
Remove the struggling/broke mentality.
Start truly thinking of yourself as being happy, healthy and wealthy.
Do the things that self-made millionaires do -it ain't always sexy.
Make it a point to read financial invest or related magazines, website, blogs, etc.
Read Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.
Read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert K.
Read The Mis-education of the Negro by Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
Become and Influencer on Twitter & Facebook and get paid every Friday, CLICK HERE for details.

Music Business - Royalty Deal Makers

Anyone concerned about earning real money in the music business will need to influence or become a royalty deal maker.


One of the things that should be noted is whenever legislation is being considered and/or passed it's typically done so to benefit those people and/or corporations that are organized and have a chief aim and definite purpose. The collective sits at the table and negotiates among themselves what they want and what is in their best interest. After that, they select a spokesperson to deliver their message to lawmakers while they continue on their business of increasing profits and day to day operations.

As recording artists, music producers, singers and songwriters you should either join a group that has your best interest in mind and/or start your own. Most things, if not all are things in life are a direct reaction to someone else definite chief aim and action.


Music Business Contracts - Always have contracts in place to ensure you get paid.
Music Industry Connection - Find music attorneys in the Atlanta and Los Angeles Books

Music Business -Are A&R Afraid

The record business has changed forever. There's nothing wrong with the A&R's they're just as afraid to loose their jobs as anyone else. A&R's have had to adapt to the climate change in the music industry, just as everyone else. It's not merely about good music if it were you could stand on the corner and sing or rap your heart away and ask people to through money in the hat.

Within the current record label model A&R's within the urban music community have to seek what's hot. As an artist, music producer, singer, etc. it's your job to ensure that you have created the proper buzz. If one doesn't know how to do that it's time to learn and/or hire someone to do it for you. There's no one particular group to blame at this point.

Not to long ago I was working with a talented artist who had a really good package and money behind the project. Unfortunately, the project has been stalled due primarily because the artist didn't overstand the music business and wanted everything right now. It's a shame.

If you still think the business is about good music alone and that this will get you to the next level click the banner below, pay your money and have direct access to major label A&R's that will listen to your music over the phone or via the computer/Internet. If they like what they hear they may sign you (you being whoever is reading this lol). Someone asked me why does this service cost money? That's simple because most people reading this don't have the relationship with major label A&R's, so there's a service fee.

Music Business - A&R

In the days of old, A&R's where charged with developing star talent to a point that the talent had much better odds of having a long, healthy music career. Dionne Ross hasn't put out a record in who knows how long, but we still know her, know her hits and hold her in a certain position as a musical icon. She was developed to that, it was no overnight success. Because of how she and many others where groomed she can still go on tour and eat, her music still get played and she may do things because she was developed in the same way a president is groomed to have a certain style and grace about themselves.

The other side of the coin is as I stated earlier the music industry has changed forever. In this regard it isn't merely about great music it's about having a brand and tight business model. Artist of the day have to develop themselves in house and the reality is most folks aren't cut out to do it. The other factor are many people who wonder why they aren't on yet haven't realized that perhaps their music isn't as great as they thought and/or they haven't found their market yet.:-(

Often people are standing in their "acres of diamonds" and don't even know it. Keep your eyes and ears open for the many possibilities in life. You never know how your experience in the music industry may lead to other areas of success throughout your journey.

Music Business - Getting Started

I was asked about how I got started public speaking, working in the music business and who've I helped over the years. The information about the music business below is very candid. Prayefully, there's something that will help you achieve your greatest level of success.

When did I start?

If I recall correctly I was first asked to speak at a high school in L.A. in 1992.

There are a number of stories and testimonies of how the information has helped people. I will refer people to the Music Industry Connection Site, as a number of testimonies are integrated within the site. I will also suggest that people visit youtube.com/gojawar there you'll here a personal testimony of how DeAngelo Muhammad has made over $10,000 by using the information in the Atlanta Music Industry Connection Book. Some of the books I suggest reading include the Art of War, the Mis-education of the Negro, Rich Dad Poor Dad, the Richest Man in Babylon, Think and Grow Rich, the Secret, Stolen Legacy and Music Powers should get you started.

Go getters and high achievers.

Interestingly enough the go getters and high achievers are positive thinkers -by default I have fashioned that they are the same, but I suppose they are not, as a dictator may be a go getter and high achiever, but not necessarily a positive thinker.

How has it been?

Oh, I am reminded that as in life business in general and the music business in particular runs in cycles. The goal is to have enough revenue streams to cushion you when one part of your business is going through a reconstruction or market corrections of sorts. lol Anyone who says it's not about the money has not had a empty belly in a long while. It shouldn't be purely about the money in my human opinion, but to say that no part of the business is not about the money is to say that this is merely a hobby and that it is not. Even if it were merely a hobby someone is making money -maybe not just you.

Music Business - Self Promotion

In the music business you have to be a serious about self-promotion, especially when first starting out, after all it's your music career and your life. The music business has more than enough aspiring recording and performing artists, singers, songwriters, music producers, composers and business people. In order to rise to the occasion you must be proactive in self-promotion or you'll quickly get overlooked. 


Continue to expand your creative imagination and you'll find your "acres of diamonds" were you are. With that being said you may want to attend independent film festivals and conferences as a way to meet and greet rising film makers. It may be a bit easier to get your music placed in a number of indie films vs. major film releases. You never know which one of those films will become a blockbuster success. Some of the major music conferences such as SXSW have a film component tied into it. Another option is to approach indie film makers on myspace. They have an entire section the same way artists and comedians do.

Any creative person should have outside management based on their own experience, their knowledge of business and their ability to multi-task.

As a songwriter you are your own music publisher. Typically, it may be best for you to hold out signing to a larger music publishing company until you get the type of offer you desire. However, remember to join either ASCAP, BMI or SESAC as a songwriter and music publisher.

No, matter what company you work with self-promotion should be part of your consistent plan. No, one will promote you better than you.

Music Business - Politics

Mixing music with politics now you're talking "DANGER!" Learn as much as you can about the music business. Always have signed music business contracts and seek the advice of a music attorney.

Music business politics is fueled by money. You follow the money and you'll know the politics. Isn't that simple?

It's all about connecting with the people. When you connect with people you get more attention more importantly you create sustainable music - that's why early rap music still rocks, because it spoke to the needs of the people. Fuel and food prices continue to rise hirer than the rate of inflation and the masses are feeling the money crunch. Learn to make money online. Write songs about real issues of today and greater visions of tomorrow. You'll find your music has staying power and the potential to become a classic when you do.

I've heard that you have to dumb people down. Don't believe the hype, instead of dumbing people down you may uplift them. Isn't that simple? Yes, it is! 

Music Business - Achieving Success

Don't put all your eggs in one basket and if you do don't drop the basket. With that being said I'd suggest doing all of the things that successful people do and then some. You may read all the stories and testimonies of how other people did it, but most of them will have a slightly different story. For the people who have achieved great levels of success and have had a relatively long career in the music business they all seem to posses a burning desire, have a practical written plan and execute that plan on a regular basis. Additionally, they surround themselves with a great team that works just as smart and hard if not more than they do in their respective fields.

Start where you are and grow from there. Meaning do what you can with what you have and more opportunities will be made available it is the natural law of the universe.

Music Industry Connection

Music Business - Get Put On!

The most famous question asked by creative talent in the music business is how do I get put on?


In a so-called perfect world your music would be based on the merit of the music itself and that alone would open the door for you. However, we are not in such a perfect world and the reality is that this is a business like any other.



People have invested time, energy, money and resources building relationships over the years. They are comfortable working with a certain group of people who have been through the trenches as they have. Peers have earned the respect of one another, as such they will continue to do business with each other.

By this time you have experienced that the music business is more than great music, it's about networking with a number of the right people and knowing what to say and how to say it. If you don't have such a mouth piece, perhaps it's time to fine someone who does and pay them for their time and consultation.

Additionally, as you have mentioned people our buying name brand music production. The lesson to be learned here is to build your brand by effectively by marketing, promoting, publicizing and/or otherwise advertising your company.

The time is now to turn your frustration into a carefully crafted plan of action -"THINK, PLAN, EXECUTE!" 

Music Business - Digital Sales

This was originally posted online in 2008.

According to Urban Network Digital Sales will account for 40% of the music purchased by 2012. Don't be fooled by the media hype -Chuck D said "can't trust it!"

No sells hurts the music industry, changing sells only means a changing business model. Those who refuse to change will be put out of business i.e. Tower Records and other major & mom and pop record stores and distributors, etc.

There's a new type of company that is emerging from the flames. This company is a media company that encompasses audio-visual experience. This company overstands the need to build solid-brands in niche markets. This new type of company then markets & promotes its' brand using many of the existing and emerging technologies to come for optimum exposure. Fans want more than merely music now they want a total experience. Those brands -artists/producers/songwriters/etc. that can deliver will emerge as the new leaders in the music industry those that don't will perish.

As we expand our creative imagination will learn to tap a wealth of resources to keep our brands, music and businesses moving forward. 


You'll need a music business plan and music contracts to increase your chances for long-term success.

Hip Hop Week Appreciation 2011

The Temple of Hip Hop is proud to announce the 14^th Hip Hop Appreciation Week (HHAW) will be celebrated May 15-22, 2011; our theme for this year is RESPECT! The goal of HHAW is to de-criminalize the images of Hip Hop culture that are presented to the world by the mainstream media. During HHAW, Hiphoppas should amplify the good work they’re doing in their community through Hip Hop Kulture.

During HHAW Hiphoppas are encouraged to RESPECT yourself, your family, friends, community and your purpose in Hiphop Kulture. It’s not an accident that word RESPECT is mentioned several times in the Hiphop Declaration of Peace, it’s truly important to us!  There is so much mis-information about Hip Hop, right now it’s important that Hiphoppas RESPECT what Hiphop Kulture is; the contributions we have made to the world so far, the influence we currently have and the potential of how we can positively affect the world through Hiphop Kulture, if we don’t RESPECT ourselves the rest of the world will never RESPECT us!

When Hiphoppas are truly serious about taking Hiphop Kulture to the next level; we will RESPECT what each Hiphoppa brings to the culture and assist each other in our endeavors so that we will prosper together. We should RESPECT the fact that the world has never experienced an international phenomenon like Hiphop Kulture; according to the United Nations, everywhere on the planet where there are people, Hip Hop is being expressed in some aspect! That’s something that every Hiphoppa should RESPECT, share with others and build on that foundation. 

As Hiphoppas, we should RESPECT that each of us are unique, unrepeatable expressions of God; therefore it’s in our nature to be creative in every aspect of our lives not just entertainment, remember, ‘rap is something we do, Hiphop is something we live,” Word! 

Minister Server’s 7 Suggestions for HHAW 2011

1. Respect what Hip Hop culture really means to you; how it positively affects your life and how you can contribute to its development, growth and preservation.
   
2. Learn about and Respect the pioneers that laid the foundation for Hiphop Kulture to become international the force that it is. They made many sacrifices for us, if we don’t RESPECT them, who will?!
   
3. Respect Hip Hop organizations and Hiphop leaders that are doing positive work for our local, national and international Hip Hop communities. Get involved with an organization that allows you to use your gifts and talents, share those blessings with your community.
   
4. Acknowledge and Respect May 16^th 2001, as “Hip Hop Independence Day”; this is the day that the Hiphop Declaration of Peace  was presented to the United Nations to establish Hiphop Kulture as an “international culture of peace and prosperity.”
   
5. Have Respect for the “Gospel of Hip Hop,” the HDOP and other information that give an authentic perspective of Hip Hop culture beyond entertainment. It’s vital that we study, share and teach this information to our Youth.
   
6. Demand that your local media outlets understand and Respect the diversity of Hip Hop music; they can use HHAW as a time to help de-criminalize the image of Hip Hop and highlight the contributions of Hip Hop pioneers.
   
7. Respect the diversity of Hiphop Kulture as you plan HHAW events; include input from parents, youth, educators, spiritual leaders, politicians, business and community members. 

These are just a few suggestions; use YOUR creativity, let’s use HHAW 2011 to teach about Hiphop Kulture and the many positive contributions we have made for positive social change in our communities around the world. This will empower Hiphoppas to RESPECT ourselves and rise above the negative stereotypes that mainstream media continue to attempt to place on our people, our ways of expression and our culture. Have a positive, progressive and productive HHAW 2011, Nuff Respect to ALL Hipphoppas, Word!

Minister Server - The Hiphop Life Coach 
Temple Of Hiphop, 
HIPHOP Ministries, Inc
Universal Zulu Nation 
www.hiphopministries.org
Office:404-425-9629

Music Business

QUESTION - "I often find myself wondering where are the success stories of true internet hustling?"

JAWAR RESPONSE -You'd need to define what a success story is to truly answer that question. However, I think anyone who is beginning to brand their business and themselves is seeing the beginning of a success story. Additionally, anyone who has generated at least one dollar or equivalent or higher in other currencies is a success story in the making. Last, someone who THINKS, PLANS, EXECUTES their goals and objectives and is seeing fruit from their work ethic is a success.

QUESTION - Where is the true opinions from the people in the industry. Half the time I dont think most of us even listen to each others music. If you look at everyones comments they are damn near the same... always ending in "Check out my Music".

JAWAR RESPONSE -While the people in the music industry opinions matter, it is the music supporter that matters most, because the music supporters are the one's that pay for music, shows, t-shirts, etc. If the music supporter enjoys your music and is willing to support your efforts by spending money with you then you have confirmation that you are on to a sound that may be marketable. Perhaps one's conversation should be more engaging than "check out my music." I think it actually takes more work to find people that support music than it does to find emerging and seasoned music industry professionals alike online.

Music Business Success - Have You Made It

When have you achieved success in the music business? When do you know you've made it in the music business?


Some people define success "having made it" as achieving exposure in a locally, regionally or nationally distributed print publication, some people define "having made it" by getting on Billboard top 100, some by performing a sell out show of 250 or more, some by having their music played on commercial or non-commercial traditional radio, some by generating $1,000 or more a month from their music business.

Some would say that I have made it because my businesses are my full time occupation, but I haven't made it because there's certain goals and objectives I've yet to obtain. How do you define "having made it" in the music business?


Los Angeles Music Industry Connection

Music Business - Songwriter Pay Scale

PS stated. I don't know anything about the income of a songwriter in the business right now, from songs that don't make it to being a single or a song that is blowin up the radio right now, does anyone know if there is a regular pay [scale/salary] for a songwriter?

GOJAWAR.COM -Yes and no.

Yes, there's a regular pay scale/salary for songwriters, but this varies greatly from songwriter to songwriter. The regularity comes when you have set yourself up properly as a business entity, signed the proper legal documents/contracts and have a number of songs being used over and over again. When this happens you may feel confident knowing you'll receive music publishing royalty checks.

No, because of almost the same reason, but at a 180 degree perspective. Meaning the there's no regularity in income if you haven't set yourself up properly as a business entity, signed the proper legal documents/contracts and have a number of songs being used over and over again.

PS Said. If you guys watch Baldwin Hills, BWB, the guys who wrote "Damage" for DK, say that even though they wrote a hit song they still are in need of money. I understand u have to stay consistent with your songs to get money but shouldnt a hit like that last you a few months are im i totally off track to what a songwriter's salary really is?..... PLZ fell me in, as u can see im completely confused.

GOJAWAR.COM -Depending on if how your business is set up and what your contracts look like you may not get paid as much as you think on your first hit song. Additionally, you may not be due your first royalty checks for three (3) to 18 (eighteen) or so months. If you stay working even when you see some light for your career you'll automatically put into place what I mentioned earlier about having more money come in.

You'll want to visit my profile page and the links in this message to get access to more music business information, blogs, websites, videos and ebooks. Now that's Industry Pimping!

Music Business - ASCAP, BMI or SESAC

Although ASCAP and BMI have an open enrollment meaning you may join at any time, given you are not currently a member of any one of the organizations, you may join whenever you like -this is for writer membership.

SESAC is a bit different than ASCAP and BMI when it comes to becoming a member. They are exclusive meaning that you have to be tapped/selected before being accepted into their organization.

When becoming a publisher member you will select a company name and it will be checked through each of the organizations to ensure no one else is currently using the name. Once they have cleared your name you'll have an account set up. There may be a small annual membership fee to be a publisher. It may be something like $50 or $100 per pro. However, double check with each organization to be sure as I'm not 100% on this one.

Remember to handle your other business such as business checking accounts and things. For full details you'll want to download either the Atlanta or Los Angeles Music Industry Connection Books. Now that's Industry Pimping.

Music Business - Exclusive vs Non-Exclusive

How should you approach exclusive vs non-exclusive deals in the music business as a recording artists, music producer, composer or songwriter?


Assuming you are seeking radio airplay in the U.S. every songwriter and music producer/composer should register themselves as a member with one of the three pro's in the U.S. -ASCAP, BMI or SESAC. Additionally, every songwriter and music producer/composer should register as a music publisher with at least one of the three pro's in the U.S. While you may only be a writer member of one of the three pro's at a time you may be a publisher member of all three simultaneously.

If the artist didn't write their own lyrics, traditionally they wouldn't be due any performing rights royalties from radio airplay from ASCAP, BMI or SESAC. I say traditionally because there may be some super star recording artist that may negotiate receiving performing rights royalties from radio airplay from ASCAP, BMI or SESAC of the song they recorded. While this is probably rare it's possible given that a new music producer or songwriter is seeking to get a placement and have that placement adequately marketed and promoted as a single by the record (new media) label.

If the recording artist writes the lyrics they are performing they would receive the writers share of the performance royalties from radio airplay from ASCAP, BMI or SESAC.

It may be extremely difficult to get anyone who knows about the music business and music publishing who intends on investing significant marketing monies for radio promotions to buy a beat non-exclusively. Anyone who agrees to such an arrangement may be naive to the music business and will ultimately turn in to a headache down the line when they get the skinny. It is typically better to deal with people who know about the business, so that everyone is one the level, as this helps to ensure all parties remains happy when the money starts coming. When selling a track non-exclusively this would be leasing a beat or track and the terms of the agreement are to be decided by the parties involved.


Always have written music business contracts.

Music Business Contracts Needed

A personal account of why music business contracts are needed.

Sometime ago I was invited to speak at a music conference. The conference was away from my home market and required that I either fly or drive. It was not terribly far, but far enough to warrant securing a hotel room, so I decided to drive.

In any event I discussed my request with the music conference organizer and they agreed to what I'd requested. Unfortunately, there were other provisions that hadn't been discussed verbally, but were said to have been emailed to me -I'm still checking :-). Honestly, I don't recall getting the correspondence concerning the other provisions as they may have deterred me from attending the event. There was never a written document (music business contract) clearly outlining the expectations of both parties.

After hearing what considerations/accommodations had been provided to other speakers I felt slighted. I contacted the music conference organizer and let them know how I felt in addition to giving constructive criticism about the conference. Feeling slighted was totally my fought as I should have requested more. Let me explain how this works contractually and why having music business contracts are needed. Additionally, I will explain what I consider to be as my mother has taught me "THE PROPER THANG TO DO!"

1. Music Conference organizer contacts JAWAR about speaking
2. Conference organizer and I verbally or over email discuss expectations from both parties
3. We conclude on the expectations, considerations and accommodations
4. My company would email/fax contract to conference organizer
5. The contract would have all of the provisions discussed and a clause that states equal and/or better accommodations shouldxyz were to change
6. The conference organizer would email/fax back the contract with any changes
7. My company would contact organizer about any changes and send the contract back
8. The conference organizer would resubmit the contract signed
9. My company would sign the contract
10. Both entities would receive a copy of the contract

In this scenario we went through the process from conception to completion. Without question both parties then are protected and receive what is considered fair and equitable treatment contractually. Because of this experience my company has upgraded its' policy on having me speak at any event. It has been said over and over again that in business "you get what you negotiate not what you deserve."

Although I hadn't requested certain provisions "THE PROPER THANG TO DO" from the conference organizer's standpoint was to give equal accommodations to all of the speakers, especially the one's who had already demonstrated the value they brought to the conference. The value I'd shown prior to the event was by actively promoting the music conference online.

My goal was to provide you with first hand experience on how miscommunication and not having a music business contract in place may lead to misunderstandings. You'll want to have a competent entertainment attorney to review and draft contracts on your behalf. You may find a list of entertainment lawyers in both the Los Angeles and Atlanta Music Industry Connection Books.

Music Business - Music Managers

Everyone wants to be on the winning team in the music business. Typically, great music managers would have watched you for awhile before approaching you and/or the both of you would be at the same point in your careers and develop in the music business at the same time. The growth I'm speaking of is true of Chaka Zulu (music manager) & Luda and Jason Geter (music manager) & T.I. In both situations they sort of came up together in the music business. Sean Garrett is a rare breed of music producer, songwriter and recording artist, as he doesn't have a music manager as such or didn't a few years ago. However, Sean has the ability to be articulate, knows what he wants and typically gets it.

In both examples -the artist in your case -music producer would do all that you can to work with independent artist who might have a situation developing and/or a strong Internet, street, club or radio buzz.

If you have heat (hit music) it makes things a lot easier for you. The other thing is having a pleasing personality. This doesn't mean that you have to kiss *ss per se, but it does mean that people have to believe they can put you in the studio with Mariah, Whitney and Janet, etc. and you'll perform as a music business professional.

Many people have gotten placements by working in a particular recording studio and networking while there. There's no specific way, but then again there is. There's no specific way because it's not like educating yourself to become a C.P.A. or attorney where the process is clearly laid out. However, it's a specific way because of what was mentioned earlier about having hit music, a pleasing personality and building your own buzz. Through these efforts you'll see results, as long as you don't get out the game (music business). 


Always have a written music business contract with whoever you're working with especially as it relates to artist/manager, music producer/manager and songwriter/manager relationships. Having written written music business contracts keeps everyone from collecting amnesia when royalty checks start rolling in.

For additional details download either the Atlanta Music Industry Connection or Los Angeles Music Industry Connection Ebooks.

Music Business Retirement

When should you or someone retire from the music business? When are you to old to be rap artist in the music business? Who should decide when someone should retire from the music business?

Everything in existence has its' life cycle growth, maturity and decline. However, who is the next person to decide when someone should and should not retire is my concern. Had some been able to retire Clive Davis we may have never heard "Fallin" or any of the other hit songs Alicia Keys wrote and sung. -As far as the rapper who is 45 years old still rapping at local events who has never been signed by now one may know that being signed is not the end all be all, especially in todays music business climate. Perhaps the 45 year old rapper has built a local or regional fan base, enjoys what he/she does, sells products and merchandise and is happy doing just that. Nope, they shouldn't retire from that.

Come on now retirement is a direct reflection of age be it 25, 35, 45 or 65. You just set the stage for age in your example by stating that a rapper who is 45 years old...

My response to when should a person retire is when they are ready to. I don't think the next person has a right to ask such a question unless they are asking for personal guidance in that case the question may be asked when should I retire.

If one never achieved a certain level of career success what are they retiring from? In the example of a 45 year old rapper who didn't get signed I liken that to someone who has been turning in job applications, but never got the job how can they retire if they never got the job? However, if the person is independent and doing their thing then they may ask themselves when should they retire?

When do you think someone should retire from the music business, destroy their music industry contracts and keep it moving?

Music Business-Songwriters Slept On

Do you think you're being slept on by the music business as a songwriter?

The question becomes how do you raise awareness for your craft as a songwriter in the music business? How do you make networking in music business forums and social media sites BOOST your music business and career? How do you turn networking in online forums, music showcases and conferences into tangible results? How do you marriage the online word with the off line reality so that you begin to make money doing what you love doing?


Remember to have written music business contracts in place before starting work to ensure you get paid now and later. You'll find a list of entertainment attorneys in the Atlanta and Los Angeles Music Industry Connection Books.