How the Music Industry Works
Many people go into the music industry head first and heels up. They have no idea who to buddy up with, or what to do to get their name out there. Think about your career. Your biggest dream is probably to go to a recording studio and make your CD. However, who is going to buy it? Is it really professional enough to sell? How will anyone know who you are when they see your CD?
You have to get exposure. In truth, there is no promise in this industry. You just have to hope that you are heard by the right person. However, how are you going to be heard? Are you organized enough to impress those who hear? If you want to be in the music world, then you have to get a basic idea of how the industry works.
Before we go on, I would also suggest that you begin to read the many fine books on the music business. The more you know the more you will be prepared when success comes knocking at your door.
Many people believe that when they go to a local recording studio and create their record, they are ready to become famous. We all wish it were that simple, but it’s not. In truth, no matter how good your demo sounds, its never good enough until it has a professional label on it. This is where many people fall in the industry. How do you get a record company to sponsor you? It all starts with your demo.
The local recording studio is the first step to success.
Once you have recorded your music to the utmost professional quality, you may send it in to various record companies. What can you hope to achieve by doing this? Obviously you want a record deal, but do you really know what a record deal is? If a record company likes your music they will offer to give you time in their studio. They will do one of two things when they do this. If you show promise, and they believe that you have what it takes, they will loan you the money for the studio time. When you make money off of your record, you must pay them back with interest. Or they will offer you time in their studio that you may pay for yourself. Not just anybody can record in their studio so if you get the offer consider yourself lucky.
Advertising, Who Pays?
Once this has been completed, they will advertise your record through radio time, television, posters etc. This is important because most radio stations refuse to play any material that has not been solicited by a record company with good status. However, this service isn’t free. You must pay the record company back with interest for this as well. So where does the money come in?
Your first album is going to mainly be about getting exposed. You won’t make much money off of this project, but it will give buyers a reason to purchase your later records. This is how you make your money.
The biggest thing to remember is that if this were easy, every one would do it. If every one were noticed artists, there would be no money in the industry. Thus the reason many worthy musicians never get publicity. Just persevere, don’t give up, and you won’t have the burden of never obtaining your chance to fame and success.
The music business, it is a fascinating world and if you learn all you can you will be ready.
Bill Kernodle
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/how-the-music-industry-works-95384.html
June 12th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
How does the music industry work?
I recently emailed the manager of a band, because I want the band's music to be in a video game I'm producing.
I told him that I was new to dealing with the music industry, and he said to email him back when I figured it out.
What sort of information do I need to provide him with to get him to give me permission to use the band's music?
June 12th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
This is a very broad question. Go to your local book store or library or on-line and see if you can find appropriate titles.
In general,the music industry is full of sharks (great whites)so watch your a**!
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June 12th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
you need to get in concact with the bands label, manager, and get a laywer to go over any contracts that get thrown on the table. you'll have to pay them royalities for the song uset too.
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June 12th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
He'll probably just want an in depth view of what the game will be about
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June 12th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
As a former professional artist, booking agent representative and manager, I would like to offer the following suggestions: 1) Manager, agents, artists, for the most part - DO not accept unsolicited material. It is risky and they can be sued if even portions of your music was 'thought' about or used in their videos or other music genres. 2) You almost have to 'know' someone inside to be heard. The business is very, very hard and the people over the years have become even more cautious, hard and/or callous. Lawsuits over music run rapid these days. Telling someone you are "new' to the business may be honest on your part, but to the seasoned pros - that represents a warning - 'stay away'. Being 'new' to the business indicates that your knowledge about "what to do and how to do it" is limited. As suggested - you should check out your library or local bookstore for books that will help you enter the business, write those special letters and requests 'correctly', contacts (including ASCAP/BMI and other industry giants). Here are some books I recommend: http://www.jimhalsey.com/Jim_Halsey_books;www.homebusinesscenter.com/guide/music.hmtl. These are just a few and if you go online, you will find there are many, many additional opportunities available to help you. Personal contacts - call your local colleges that have music business courses, contacts, etc who you may be able to talk with and discuss "how to's". Again, it is a difficult business and unfortunately, the tried and true have perservered a long time before they were heard. I might even suggest that you put our your own music and use MYSPACE.MUSIC, or even UTube to get your video out there to be seen by the masses. Word-of-mouth generates the most excitement! Additionally, when you want to use the music of other artists - you need to go through the folks who legally represent them (BMI/ASCAP/SESAC, etc) and as advised- you will have to pay - however, some bands don't allow their music to be used and these agencies can advise you of that. You need your own attorney, etc to help you because there are lots of legalities involved in using other people's music. Best of luck to you.
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