Articles by Ty Cohen on ArticleSnatch.com

Structure Your Song!

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Over the next few minutes, we are going to discuss the beginning basics of how to write a song, the intro, the structure and the verse. Over the next few minutes, we are going to continue on with more tips for the beginner song writer. We will talk about the structure of a verse, the actual music, lyrics, melody and chorus. Ok, the basic structure of a verse is your four chords and four line structure. This basically means you sing your first line over four chords but sing four lines all together. We are specifically saying four because it seems to be the most used, average number in even by the most experienced music composer. When learning how to write a song, you don't have to get too difficult with the music and the instrument you play. Your main focus should be on the basics of the music. Start with the four basic chords and lyrics, you can add to the song later. An advanced music composer often just starts with the main idea, the chords initially. When the song is ready to go, then you can add or adjust as you feel needed. **End Summary** Topics: how to write a hit song]]> song writer]]> music composer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.EZHitSongs.com for more info on how to write a hit song, music composer & song writer .

Music Contracts and Clauses

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

There is no perfect music contract for every single situation. First and foremost, it is important that you have a wide variety of music contracts to choose from and that you and all parties involved understand the content within each specific music contract. There are hundreds and hundreds of music contract clauses to pick from but we are going to review some of the standards that should always be included. If need be, you can add clauses or take away where is needed. 1. Clearly define the time, date, amount of compensation of performance and have a signature from both parties. 2. Precisely define the expectations of the performance. What do you expect and what does the performer expect? How many breaks? How long should the minimum performance be? 3. Set the location, date and time. This is obvious but necessary so everyone is on the same page. 4. Payment. How will the parties be paid? Is it a fixed amount, percentage of door? When will the artist be paid? What is the method of payment? **End Summary** Topics: music contract]]> music contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.Order-Yours-Now.com for more info on music contract & music contracts .

Music Contracts for Managers

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

If you are in the music industry, then you have probably considered hiring a good music manager. Honestly, a manager can be helpful in your success. Music managers can be amazing for your career but it is imperative that you have anyone working for you sign a valid music contract. Good managers do exist but no matter what, remember you are conducting business and insist on a music contract with any manager you hire. When you are having anyone sign a music contract, make sure you are actively involved in the entire process and understand the terms of every music contract. Music contracts can be technical but we will review some basics to incorporate so you have better idea of what should be included. - First, you don't have to be overly complicated to be professional. Money, division of labor and length are to be simply stated. - No matter how much you want this specific manager to work with you, the benefits should be mutual. Don't overly compensate anyone just to get the to work with you. Be fair and reasonable for both parties. - Always sign the music contract in good faith. - Define the music contract term. **End Summary** Topics: music contract]]> music contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.Order-Yours-Now.com for more info on music contract & music contracts .

How to Structure Your Song

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

As a beginner writer, you are probably wondering how to write a hit song. Luckily, you don't have to be an extremely experienced music composer to be a good song writer. Most people want to know do I start with an instrument or with the chords or lyrics? Do I have to ponder the idea for days or just pop out a melody? To tell you the truth there is no set in stone way to write a song. It really all depends on the song writer, their strengths and uniqueness when it comes to writing music. Over the next few minutes, I am just going to try and convey to you some tips on how to write a song, some starting points and other various ideas. For your basic song, it doesn't really matter what particular genre you are in, most songs have the same basic structure. An example of your basic song is as follows: Intro, Verse One, Chorus, Verse Two, Chorus and Repeat Chorus. Listen to some of your favorite music and see if this is the basic structure you hear every time. **End Summary** Topics: how to write a hit song]]> song writer]]> music composer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.EZHitSongs.com for more info on how to write a hit song, music composer & song writer .

Release Your Own Record: Part Two

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Releasing your own record can be done and done successfully! In the prior article, four tips were discussed on how to do just this; investors, group contracts, work for hire and a budget for advertising, distribution and promotion. Let's discuss some more crucial steps to take in releasing your own record without dealing with major labels and their recording contracts, music contracts and various music business contracts. 1. Don't get me wrong, even though you are running the show, music business contracts will still be involved, in fact, they must be! To release a record you will need a producer at some point, that's a given. These producers, especially if they is an outsiders, need to sign music business contracts of some sort. In this you need to determine how cost is handled, if advances will be paid to the producer and if royalties are to be paid. Get this done ahead of time so there is not confusion in he future! 2. Whether you are using cover songs or your own songs, you need to make sure the copyright info is correct for every single song. **End Summary** Topics: music contacts]]> recording contracts]]> music business contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.order-yours-now.com for more info on music contacts, recording contracts & music business contracts .

Negotiating Music Contracts

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

No matter who you are, from the get-go, music contract terms are negotiable. If you are just starting out in the music industry, it is all a bit overwhelming. But don't worry, it is possible for a "newbie" to receive a fair music contract from a dependable label. The first thing you have to keep in mind is that in this industry everyone is looking out for themselves first. Even honest labels are going to try to negotiate for their best interests. Beware of the dishonest companies that do not keep the artist in mind at all in the music contract negotiation process. This is why your education and experience with music contracts is so crucial. One common thing to look out for when discussing music contracts is when you are asked to sign a standard music contract. They may even try to tell you that this is just a formality and everyone signs this particular document. A red flag should pop up in your head, especially if you are told this is your chance of a lifetime. You and your career is unique and so should be your music contract. **End Summary** Topics: music contract]]> music contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.Order-Yours-Now.com for more info on music contract & music contracts .

A Record Company Defined

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

A music contract is a printed document that outlines, categorizes, explains, defines, and administrates the company relationship between an artist or group, and a record label. The music contract is called an executory agreement because it is yet to be performed or acted upon. To better grasp this type of relationship between an artist and label, it is essential to comprehend what it is that a record company does. A record company is an venture whose business activities usually include some or all of the following things: I. Reporting to the Internal Revenue Service all royalties, contractor fees, salaries, commissions, interests, rents, pensions, insurance programs, direct sales of products for resale, and other compensations paid out to all artists and employees of that particular company. II. Public Relations or PR work for the artists that have signed music contracts with their business. III. Publishing or sub-publishing of records and works. IV. Promotion, Publicity, Manufacturing and/or Distribution of albums and other materials. V. Producing and/or Releasing commercial recordings of signed bands and artists. VI. Scouting and signing talent with music contracts. VII. Obtaining Rights to materials through the use of music contracts. **End Summary** Topics: music contract]]> music contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.Order-Yours-Now.com for more info on music contract & music contracts .

Legal Aspects of the Music Industry

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Whether you realize it or not, the creative side and the business side of the music industry is inevitable linked. Unfortunately, for artists, the business side of the industry is boring and overly technical but that does not change the fact that you must be informed to stay successful. These two sides become linked with talk of music contracts. Music contracts are legal documents that specify terms and conditions for all parties involved in any type of situation. No matter how great of an artist you are, when it comes to music contracts, you need to operate like a professional businessman or businesswoman. Aside from just contracts, your music career can be affected legally by record contracts, publishing contracts, copyright law, name protection and business organization. The legal aspect of the music business is unavoidable, that is why you have to educate yourself. And don't just educate yourself on the legal requirements of the artist in music contracts, study how a music contract can affect everyone involved, engineers, agents, managers, producers, recorders etc... Every individual working in the music business today should convert themselves into a business person in addition to being an artist. **End Summary** Topics: music contract]]> music contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.Order-Yours-Now.com for more info on music contract & music contracts .

Majors Vs. Indie, You Decide

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Simply put, there are two types of record companies, Indie and Major. As you probably know, both have their advantages and both have their disadvantages. Really, it all boils down to what type of record deal you are looking for. Before you try to figure out how to get a record deal or how to get signed, you really need to decide which is the best fit for you. Let's start with major labels. These guys have virtually everything at their beck and call. They have a department for everything and if you get signed with a major label you will have the opportunity to get unbelievable exposure. The disadvantage to a major label is that all of that literally comes at a price. When your albums hit the market, your royalty take home will only be somewhere between 12-20%. Keep in mind though that if you were given an advance or tour money, you will have to start paying that back. Once the debt is paid back, then you will start seeing some profits. So, before you work on how to get a record deal, you must decide if major is right for you. **End Summary** Topics: how to get a record deal]]> how to get signed]]> record deal]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.EZRecordDeal.com for more info on how to get signed, how to get a record deal & record deal .

A&R Reps and Record Deals

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Oh, everyone seems to be chasing that elusive record deal or are at least trying to figure out how to get signed. Unfortunately, there is no one way to get a record deal. The good news is that if you are truly talented and you work hard then you may eventually get some kind of deal. A lot of people would say that when it comes to how to get signed, timing is everything. Being at the right place at the right time is crucial, it doesn't always seal the deal. One surefire way to get noticed is to attract the attention of the notorious A&R people. It's a fact that all labels have A&R departments. They are the scouts of the music industry and they are always looking for bands or artists to invest in. Once you have impressed the ever-so sought after A&R man, then they become your liaison meaning they basically oversee everything from songs, to monetary allocation to touring. But when it comes down to it, these are the guys you need on your side. But that was jumping ahead just a bit. **End Summary** Topics: how to get a record deal]]> how to get signed]]> record deal]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.EZRecordDeal.com for more info on how to get signed, how to get a record deal, record deal .

Simple Do's and Don'ts of an Interview

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Working on how to get a record deal and how to get signed can be a long rocky road full of twists and turns. One of the struggles you are going to encounter is the interview. Interviews can be stressful and awkward but they can also be successful. There are some simple interview do's and don'ts that you must know and follow in order to score that record deal that you have been striving for. 1. Dress appropriately for the industry. Since you are a musician or part of a band then most likely this is a no-brainer because you already have a style of your own. But keep it professional, nonetheless. Try not to be too conservative because you still want to impress so kick it up a notch. 2. Arrive on time if not 10-15 minutes early. This will show your professionalism and willingness to impress. If you want to know the key to how to get signed, you must realize it is all about impressions. 3. Offer a firm handshake, make eye contact, and have a friendly expression when you are greeted by your interviewer. It sounds obvious but body language is everything. **End Summary** Topics: how to get a record deal]]> how to get signed]]> record deal]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.EZRecordDeal.com for more info on how to get signed, how to get a record deal & record deal .

Common Band Mistakes

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

When working on how to get signed there are common mistakes that artists and bands make that they may not even realize. Record companies are only going to offer that record deal to the complete package, that has been established. And literally one mistake or one flaw can cause your band to lose that record deal. First, let's talk about power struggles within the band. One wouldn't think when working on how to get a record deal that this would necessarily play in. But honestly, band politics are extremely common and cause some groups to lose out on that holy grail, the record deal. Greed is the main factor when it comes to power struggles within the band. Some members of the band believe they deserve more royalty rights or publishing rights or profits or whatever! Or you have the leader of the band who believes he is entitled to more than the others. Either way you look it, this is going to cause an apparent problem, the label is going to see this and the record deal will never come through. **End Summary** Topics: how to get a record deal]]> how to get signed]]> record deal]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.EZRecordDeal.com for more info on how to get signed, how to get a record deal & record deal .

Thoughtful Songwriting Tips

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Being a music composer or better put a song writer is no simple task. If you really think about it, it is probably something anyone can do but not just anyone can do it well. I suppose that anyone can figure out how to write a song but that won't make them a number one hit. A song writer must truly master their craft by writing and re-writing over and over. Practice makes perfect. My first tip for those looking to become a good music composer is to never stop striving to be better. You have to not only physically practice your craft but emotionally as well. Music is about connecting with people on any type of level so keep that in mind when writing. Music is an expression of a plethora of feelings so always be well aware of how you want your audience to relate to your music. If you are trying to appeal to the average listener, try not to overcomplicate your music. This may result in losing a great portion of your audience. This gauge all depends on who you are writing your music for. My next suggestion would be to constantly be invigorating your mind. **End Summary** Topics: how to write a hit song]]> song writer]]> music composer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.EZHitSongs.com for more info on how to write a hit song, music composer & song writer .

Record Deals Saved for Complete Packages

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

The music industry is a highly competitive, ever-changing market chocked full of dreamers, talent, aspirations and even shattered hopes. If you are an aspiring musician who just wants to know how to get a record deal and make it in this industry then read on. You and I both know that you have invested thousands of hours, studied for years, learned as much as you can, strengthened your creativity and probably invested many dollars into your music career. In addition to that, you have probably networked, developed a fan base and promoted yourself or band to no end. Now, the question you are asking is why don't I have a record deal? Unfortunately, in this industry, as little as one factor or one mistake can cost a musician their chance at a record deal. If you want to know how to get signed then you must first realize that signing someone is a huge risk for a record company. The whole concept behind how to get signed revolves around making yourself not only attractive but valuable to record label. Being in the right place at the right time doesn't always constitute a record deal. **End Summary** Topics: how to get a record deal]]> how to get signed]]> record deal]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.EZRecordDeal.com for more info on how to get signed, how to get a record deal & record deal .

A Song Writer's Guide

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Whatever stage you are in as a song writer, I know you are always looking for helpful tips to make you that much better. Very few people are born who automatically know how to write a song. With the exception of your genius music composer, most people have to work at the art form of writing a song, regardless of the genre. Some of you reading this may be wondering, where does the inspiration come from? The answer is broad but inspiration for a song writer can come from anywhere. Over the years, I tend to notice that people take inspiration from life experiences. With this being the case, the more living you do, the more you can be inspired. This is your cue, get out there and live and you will be more adapt to know how to write a song. Read more, travel more or visit with friends more. Create a life to write about! Next, don't think of every mistake you make writing a song a bad one. Mistakes can open our minds to all new possibilities. **End Summary** Topics: how to write a hit song]]> song writer]]> music composer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.EZHitSongs.com for more info on how to write a hit song, music composer & song writer .

Innovative Tips for the Song Writer

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

As a song writer, your ultimate goal should be to write solid, useable music. A music composer doesn't write half a song and call it whole. Over the next few minutes, we'll discuss how to write a song by using some of my personal favorite tips. Generic music is a nightmare for any song writer and music composer no matter who you are. We all want to be innovative and creative in all aspects of our music. Generic songwriting can stem from no practice and no exercising of the mind. Settling for just anything just to get it finished is a good way of falling in generic music writing. We have constantly practice and exercise our writing mind. If something is becoming monotonous then stop it and come back later with a fresh approach. Ideas for how to write a song can come from other place aside from emotions. Sometimes fusing a style together or mixing typically slow lyrics over a fast beat or just trying anything out of the ordinary can be inspirational as well. You may not come up with anything useable but then again you may. **End Summary** Topics: how to write a hit song]]> song writer]]> music composer]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.EZHitSongs.com for more info on how to write a hit song, music composer & song writer .

Music Contracts 101 Part One: The Basics

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Whether you have been using a contract for years or if it is brand new for you, it won't kill you to examine and perk up your music contracts. Ideally, you are going to want fair-minded music business contracts that are designed for precision rather than their negotiating strength on either side. The most important thing is you want to have everyone in on the deal on the same page. You want a fair contract so everyone is happy. Although it is suitable and believe it or not legal to use a handshake or verbal agreement, it is extremely difficult to enforce in court. Trust is a huge factor in this type of agreement so unless you have a stellar reputation or you have true confidence in the people you are working, music contracts should not be agreed upon this way. Money is usually one of the chief factors involved in recording contracts and music business contracts in general. If you are new to the world of music contracts then requesting your clients sign one may be nerve-racking at first but believe me, musicians and bands alike with totally admire your professionalism in doing so. **End Summary** Topics: music contacts]]> recording contracts]]> music business contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.musiccontracts101.com for more info on music contacts, recording contracts & music business contracts .

What Types of Music Contacts to Look For

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

So, you want to know what kind of music contracts to look for...This is an absolute fact, music business contracts, recording contracts and music contracts come in all shapes, sizes, formats, lengths and purposes. Templates for all sorts of music business contracts can comes as bundles, collections or packages. Will you know which ones you need for your business or career? But you must be on the look out for bad deals or tricky or useless contracts. You want to make sure these collections originate from an established guru in the music industry and are not derived from some fly by night internet marketer looking to make a quick buck. Do Your Due Diligence before you buy anything! You may also want to make sure you are able to edit any area of these contracts at any point so that they fit your every business need and your every client's need. These packages can contain anywhere from 10 to 100's of contracts so choose carefully and according to your business' needs. A large set of music contracts and templates associated with these types of music business contracts need to include the documents that are outlined below. **End Summary** Topics: music contacts]]> recording contracts]]> music business contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.musiccontracts101.com for more info on music contacts, recording contracts & music business contracts .

Music Contracts 101 Part Two: More Basics

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Once again, music business contracts and recording contracts can be intimidating to all of those involved. Maybe you are starting your own label or are a new manager in the music industry, whatever your situation, you must grasp the basics involved in music contracts. Our last article include some starter concepts to include in your contracts. Here are a few more to consider before getting anyone's John Hancock. 1. Will you have the right to sell the artist's merchandise on their premises? For the artist, this is usually their decision and at smaller venues, this should be a no-brainer. But, if you happen to be scheduling a performance at a larger venue, there may need to be some prior agreements made. Some larger sites have specific rules for selling on their premises. For instance, they may want a percentage or they may have their own people sell these items. 2. OK, on to some more basics. In your music contracts you may have to include terms for meals, transportation and/or accommodations. This will often vary from performance to performance but it is something that must be defined. **End Summary** Topics: music contacts]]> recording contracts]]> music business contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.musiccontracts101.com for more info on music contacts, recording contracts & music business contracts .

Major Labels & Recording Contracts

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

What is a major label? A Major label is one that demands a high fraction of the yearly retailing of records and has their own distribution system. Maybe you have heard of Warner Elektra Atlantic, BMG, SONY, and Universal Music Video & Distribution?? Well, those are four of the top Labels out there. Pursuing a Major Label might be a lifelong dream of yours but that mean you should be hasty to sign the dotted line. Follow some of these pointers so you will know the facts and have the right questions to ask yourself before signing. 1. A&R: Better known as the Artist and Repertoire person. Do a little background research on this person. Find out who they helped get signed, who all they have worked with and for and how long they have been working for the label in question before signing any music business contracts. 2. Understand your options. And I don't mean your regular old options. I am talking about the "options" or number of records you are required to record. According to research, the average is around five to eight records. 3. **End Summary** Topics: music contacts]]> recording contracts]]> music business contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.order-yours-now.com for more info on music contacts, recording contracts & music business contracts .

Recording Contracts: A Simple Breakdown

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Let's be realistic, labels expect to make a profit and their profits result from the terms of music contracts or recording contracts. That is why it is crucial that you are savvy in the world of music business contracts. Over the next few minutes, I am going to breakdown the major parts of recording contracts so you have a greater idea of what is contained within them. 1. First, you need to know your basic definitions that music contracts contain. These are simple for the most part but a little research and review on your part wouldn't hurt a bit. 2. Ok, initially you have your term, which is the length and something called your minimum commitments. Minimum commitments obviously detail how long you are expected to stay with the label. Will it be one, two, four or eight albums? Be careful here, you don't want to stick around for too long or not long enough. Some labels want a promise of one album with the option of you recording more if your first album is successful. 3. Next you have your exclusivity, copyright terms and grant of rights. **End Summary** Topics: music contacts]]> recording contracts]]> music business contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.order-yours-now.com for more info on music contacts, recording contracts & music business contracts .

Let's Talk About Demos

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Obtaining that almost seemingly unattainable record deal has been the goal of many independent music artists and bands throughout time. For mostly inexperienced reasons, most new talent feel that by securing a recording contract with a significant major or independent label, success will be guaranteed. And some newbies to the music industry feel all they have to do is send their demo away and a recording contract will come their way. Record Label A&R reps at are the music contacts that will ultimately determine whether your demo is heard by record labels in the music industry. Hopefully this information will at the very least improve the odds that your music will get listened to when you submit your demos to these music contacts. This is a look at the most frequent errors musicians make when either shopping for a record deal, or trying to get the attention of A&R Reps with their demo recordings. 1. If you don't have any contact information or don't put the correct contact information on your demo then you cannot be found. Most likely your demo will be thrown out immediately. Place your name, address, email, and phone number on everything you send. 2. **End Summary** Topics: music contacts]]> music industry]]> independent music]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.TheIndustryYellowPages.com for more info on music contacts, music industry & independent music .

Fairness in Your Music Contracts

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Music contracts are constantly on the mind of everyone in the industry. Whether they are looking to sign one or they have one they need signed they are simply all around us in the industry. Lately you have been hearing horror stories of people signing bad contracts or getting basically screwed out of what is morally there's. But what can you do? Well, there is nothing you can do to save those people from their signing or horrible music business contracts, but you can learn from their mistakes. You can also get a lawyer but not many struggling or up and coming musicians can afford that. So, the best thing to do is educate yourself a little on recording contracts and music contracts. Your best hope is for your music contracts to be artist-friendly. Fairness is above all the most important quality and they shouldn't contain a bunch of mumbo-jumbo language that only a person with a 10 year degree in music business contracts could understand. The top few things they should contain are as follows: 1. Profit sharing is pretty understandable. You want to split all proceeds fro the recording, manufacturing and marketing straight down the middle, 50/50. 2. **End Summary** Topics: music contacts]]> recording contracts]]> music business contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.musiccontracts101.com for more info on music contacts, recording contracts & music business contracts .

What Constitutes a Recording Contract?

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:00:00 -0500

Recording contracts, frequently referred to as record deal, is a legal agreement between a record label and an artist or group, it is as simple as that. This is simply where a performer makes an album or albums for the label to vend and endorse. Artists under music contracts are normally only permitted to record for that specific label. Although, if one chooses to do guest appearances on other records, a "By courtesy of (insert name of label here)" is displayed and of course their label will receive a percentage of sales. This is typical of all music business contracts that allow this. Usually, labels will possess the copyright to the records of their signed artists. They may also be in control of the master copies of those records. On the other hand, there is an exception. When a particular label makes a distribution deal with a group, another party may own the copyrights and/or the masters of the records. Ideally, the artist of the manager will obtain these rights. In these music contracts, your label will be licensed exclusively for that record for a set period of time. So, in recording contracts, where does promotion play in? **End Summary** Topics: music contacts]]> recording contracts]]> music business contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.musiccontracts101.com for more info on music contacts, recording contracts & music business contracts .

Independent Labels & Recording Contracts

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 00:00:00 -0400

As an artist, did you realize that music contracts, recording contracts, record deals, whatever you want to call them, can be anywhere from two pages long to 100 pages long? Some musicians desire to sign these bad boys but have not the slightest idea what is involved in doing just that. Recording contracts are legally binding agreements between persons who make up a group and a company no matter if you are dealing with an Independent label or not. So, who are these independent record labels giving music business contracts to, you might ask? Well, they are truly looking for artists that have an established fan base because that proves they are a potentially solid investment. The record companies are obviously looking for that ROI, return on investment so they distribute these recording contracts to those who will deliver the biggest ROI. The simplest of recording contracts follow a basic outline and the things involved in these music contracts are important to be aware of Indie Labels, an independent label is a label that is not affiliated with any Major Label. These labels use independent distributers to get their releases into stores. **End Summary** Topics: music contacts]]> recording contracts]]> music business contracts]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.order-yours-now.com for more info on music contacts, recording contracts & music business contracts .