Industry Insider

   Any growing business is vulnerable to legal liabilities. To prevent such unfortunate circumstances, it is important to research your industry carefully and seek as much expert advice relative to your field. As for myself, I am attempting to get involved  with the music industry, and with that I have sought out information in regards to legal liability issues related to the field. The valuable information gained from the  podcast is not only to important to my business aspirations, but to all who reads this blog.

   One of the first things I learned from the podcast I listened to,  is  the importance of properly  obtaining the rights to music used in sound recordings. From the Post-Academy and Entertainment Law Update Podcast,  the speakers highlighted  that one of easiest ways for record labels and artist to get into a financial legal woe, is by not obtaining  the proper license to a music performance, which are generally obtained through. BMI or ASCAP. In addition to obtaining these license, it is also important to register original music creations, which would lessen one’s chances of becoming a victim of this common practice. This is relevant to my business plan because in my business , we will be creating music that may include bits and pieces of copyrighted works. The podcast has equipped me with information that is sure to protect me from any liability issues that may arouse from this.

    In the Mirsky Legal podcast, the speaker discussed intellectual property issues, specifically answering the question of  why to protect. The speaker particular highlighted that fact that “protecting”, gives you a property right, which prevents anyone else from making, using or selling the creation. When creating a new business, brand value is the common goal. One achieves high brand value by creating a unique business with a growing demand. When a company is on the rise or growing, it is important to obtain proper trademarks and patents so that, “Copy-Cat” companies will not try and steal your ideas and information to “ride your growing wave.”   Once your works are registered you have legal protection from any perpetrators of these acts. This information applies to my business plan because Mayja Moves is a unique company. Because of that , I will protect its name and logo by registering it so that no other business is able to obtain rights to its use or anything of the liking.

Overall the three podacst were informative and essential to the growth of my business.

1) (http://www.entertainmentlawupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/podcast-logo.png)

2) http://podcastacademy.com/2008/02/28/pnme-2007-music-licensing-for-podcasts-and-new-media/

3) http://mirskylegal.com/2011/01/podcast-3-intellectual-property-protecting-ideas-concepts-processes-and-plans/

J.Cole: The Sideline Story

SIdeline Story:

One of hip-hops most intriguing new artist is Roc Nation signee, J.Cole. J.Cole sparked interest amongst hip-hop enthusiast, after having been known as the first artist signed to the best rapper alive, Jay Z’s record Label.

   J.Cole started out like many MC’s, making beats. He stated that he made beats because he didn't have enough money to buy beats. After years of making beats he then gained interest in rapping. After realizing that he was very good at it he decided to take rapping serious.. 

  J.Cole from Fayetteville, NC, decided to move to New York after having graduated from highschool, in efforts to put himself in prime position to gain attention from the music industry.

    His first interaction with Jay Z came as a desperate producer looking for his big break.  After hearing on the radio that Jay Z was going to be at the local  station, he stood outside hoping for the chance to hand Jigga a beat CD. He had his chance and like most rappers would do,Jay trashed the C.D

     Instead of weeping in disappointment, J.Cole then decided to focus more on rapping. After graduating from college he then became noticed by a companion of Jay Z. The individual gave Jay Z a demo, and a couple months later he was signed to Roc Nation. 

www.jcolefans.com

www.Billboard.com

                 Sideline Story

Wendy Day: How To Get A Record Deal

   

    Music veteran, Wendy Day, who had a successful 20-year career shopping, structuring, and negotiating record deals for some of music’s biggest talents, is sharing her knowledge of the music industry in a digital book series. Day says she saw a need for current information based on first-hand experiences and sought to dispel rumors that are rampant among young artists. So, she decided to write a series of affordable digital books, covering the prominent industry subjects that she is frequently asked about at lectures and panels.Day has consulted the careers of many prominent artists over the years, making an undeniable mark on the game.

   A few artists that she has helped include, but are not limited to, Eminem, Master P’s No Limit Records, Lil Wayne, BG, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Hot Boyz, and Big Tymers, Twista, Do Or Die, Cormega, Young Buck, Killa Mike, UGK, Machine Gun Kelly, David Banner, Mistah FAB, TMI Boyz, 4ize, and many others over the years. Her book is titled “How To Get A Record Deal.” In the book she emphasizes the 3 important ways to get a deal: 

1. Get put on by an established artist.This means coming up under an already famous artist within the music industry.With any luck, the artist who puts you on is fair and doesn't do to you what was done to him or her when they were coming up.
2. Create a buzz. This means developing a fan base before getting signed and the trick is to keep it going until you get signed and then turn it up so that the whole industry is hyped about when you're going to drop an album.
3. The last point the books makes is to sell units. This is important because it proves to the labels you can sell albums and you have more control and leverage when negotiating your deal, and often a choice of labels you want to sign with.

Overall, regardless of the level of your recording contract, you need to go into your deal with the attitude that the label is your partner and even if they drop the ball, you should be able to pick up the ball and run with it. I recommend this book to all aspiring artist seeking knowledge on getting a record deal within the music industry.

http://allhiphop.com/2011/10/05/music-vet-wendy-day-releases-digital-book-series-for-music-industry/

http://planetill.com/2011/06/wendy-day-talks-webbie-lil-boosie-360-deals-kreayshawn-and-how-not-to-get-screwed-on-illside-radio/

http://www.rapcoalition.org/how_to_get_a_deal.htm

Best Rapper Alive: Jay Z

The last decade has brought about many changes within the hip-hop industry. Once before, it was an industry focused on lyrics filled with emotion and passion, and now,  its an industry full of pop laced, fast tracks. Despite the new changes, hip-hop remains one of the most dominant genres of all musical forms. However, with all these changes within the hip-hop music industry there still remains a steady debate on who is actually the best rapper alive. There is no definitive answer to this question since it largely depends on personal preference. However, if you're looking at objective figures, such as the number of hit records and wealth, the best rapper alive is arguably Jay-Z. 

The Music: He started his rap career in 1996 with the release of his album “Unreasonable Doubt”. This album featured some features from some notable  hip-hop heavy weights at the time such as Foxy Brown, Mary J. Blige and Notorious B.I.G. From there, he would go on to have 10 number one albums.. Also By the end of 2010, Jay Z had made Billboard's 200 Albums of the Year Chart ten times, the Billboard's Hot 100 Songs of the Year Chart five times and the Billboard's Top Artists of the Year Chart twice. His song "Empire State of Mind," featuring the vocals of Alicia Keys, hit number one quickly after it was released in 2009 and spawned many imitations on the Internet

Business: Jay-Z is one of those rare musicians who have been able to turn his record success into a business empire. As president of Def Jam Records, he has guided the careers of many artist such as Rick Ross and Young Jeezy.  From his business venture he has accumulated a net worth of $450 million.

Despite not being as active as many of the new artist within the industry, Jay Z has pleaded his case for rap supremacy,based on his set of accomplishments. . From the business end to the creative aspect, he has set a standard that many rap artist will never meet, with the very best of which coming close.

http://www.mademan.com/mm/who-best-rapper-alive

http://www.sohh.com/2009/08/jay-z_on_greatest_rapper.html

30 Day Challenge

    TED.com is a non for profit website devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. From this site , I have chosen to take a look Matt Cutts: Try something new for 30 days. This is a very enjoyable presentation that is very simple and yet straight to the point. The speaker discussed the idea of trying something new for 30 days to make it a habit. He says, “If anyone wants to do something badly enough, you can do anything for 30 days. He called them his “30 Day Challenges.” The speaker came across as very convincing and confident in his position. The speaker provided various examples on how he has given himself various 30 day challenges and how in turn those same challenges have opened the doors to many other valuable opportunities in the future. The logic behind the speakers position on trying something new for 30 days is that in creating small sustainable changes, they are more likely to stick.

   The speakers words  were quite motivating. I feel that small objectives are  ultimately the gateway to achieving longterm goals. A longterm goal of mine is to have a successful career within the music career as a rapper or entrepreneur. There are many steps that I need to take to achieve such a goal. Setting multiple 30 days challenges will in-turn help pave the way for such goals to be  reached. The speakers words also helped instill within me a sense of hope. I now feel like I can do anything. I feel that I am equipped with the tools to create the life that I desire for myself. The speaker now has helped me understand that I have the power to be a successful entrepreneur within the entertainment industry. No longer does that power over my success belong to someone else. Overall I feel that this particular article has helped me reshape my thinking on just how much I can achieve within the entertainment industry with a little planning and execution.

Hip-Hop Congress

A growing organization for upcoming and even some established artist is The Hip Hop Congress. Its mission is to help evolve the hip hop culture by inspiring social action and creativity within the community.  The Hip Hop Congress provides the Hip Hop Generation and the Post Hip Hop Generation with the tools, resources and opportunities to make social, economic and political change on a local, regional and national level. Hip Hop Congress consist of a of artists and students, music and community. 

The HIp Hop Congress consists of three major programs that allow for its involvement. Its first program is its  Chapter Program, which develops chapters in universities, high schools and communities. Hip Hop Congress chapters engage in a range of activities promoting hip hop culture on their campus or in their community.  The second program is Its Artist Program, which  is designed to help artists pool resources, sell music and take advantage of all the opportunities the music industry has to offer without giving away the rights to their works in return. It strives to create an international web of resources and contacts for its artist members.

The third program is the  Online Program which  manages its website and fosters collaboration with like-minded websites. The website helps to connect chapters, artists, and any other person working for the congress, and encourages comments upon the state of the world and encourages members to share their opinion.

The Hip Hop Congress places great value on educational opportunities. . As many services within the educational system become privatized, more and more institutions are looking to independent contractors and consultants for program design and execution. In addition, the inclusion and addition of Urban Arts into the education system through youth centers, events and generational shifts is becoming all the more common.  That’s why the Hip Hop Congress has picked up education as an initiative and focul point for its artists, and chapters.

 Overall, being apart and getting involved with the HIP-HOP congress is sure to be beneficial   
  to any part-taker or hip-hop   enthusiast within the music industry.








www.hiphopcongress.com
www.hiphoparchive.org

Music Industry News: Spotify

 A major player in the game of online music has finally landed into the US. After months of speculation Spotify, a European based music streaming network ,has already signed deals with the four major record labels in the country, finally giving the green light to launch. Spotify, a streaming music service, lets users create playlists and share them with their friends. For now, the free service is by invitation only, but it is expected to open up in the coming weeks. Paid plans are available immediately. The U.S. launch has three plans, much like the plans available in Europe. The free service gives users access to a number of tracks on Spotify through the Web, lets users organize and jam to their own music and gives access to Spotify Social. I think the ability to create your own playlist on line and jam to them my tap into some of the elements of itunes. The service automatically draws in any music from your iTunes or Windows Media Player libraries.  Spotify Social has already been  rumored in a Facebook integration. It currently lets you post playlists to which your friends can subscribe.You can also import your Facebook friends into your Spotify profile and share tracks by using the service’s Inbox. The inbox lets you know who has shared a particular song with you and when they sent it.While some critics question the the impact Spotify might have on the U.S. online music market, I believe the social integration aspect will put Spotify lightyears ahead of competitors. There seems to be much anticipated hype surround Spotify and some may question if the hype is necessary. I would assume so given that Spotify is the world’s largest music subscription site. Many businesses like Spotify have come and gone because they failed to understand that you can’t just have the major artist. Listeners have musical interest that are much deeper and broader. This understanding will pave the way for independent artist to shine online as well through streaming sites of such.

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20110723/business/707239955/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqUGXxpY9LM

Now thats A Deal!

    It’s know secret to any recording artist that the that the new standard for recording contracts within the music industry is the  “360 deal”. This type of record deal defies all traditional norms, despite legitimate justification, in that the record company’s  are now  entitled to a lions share of all revenue generated by the artists themselves. This includes record sales, touring, merchandise, publishing, film and licensing revenues. However, there are a couple of artist that have went head to head with these record label giants and in-turn have been rewarded astonishing deals that are set apart from this new industry standard.

   Drake, Drizzey or what ever one may call him, gives aspiring artist hope, in that with patience and hard work, one can be rewarded accordingly. Drake started to grow an unsettling buzz within the recording industry ever since late 2007 and had been approached with numerous record labels since his arrival. However, Drake knew what he was looking for in a record deal and refused to sign a deal until it aligned with his career goals and desires. So as an unsigned artist he continued to build up his credentials. By the summer of 2008, Drake had proved his profit potential with the 600,000+ digital sales of his single “Best I Ever Had” which was available for free four to five months before it was released on iTunes. In addition, during this time Drake managed to hold down the number one spot a atop Myspace.com’s unsigned artist spotlight. After having done so well as an independent artist, Drake now was in a position to have a lot more bargaining power with the Major Labels. In fall 2009 Drake signed a very lucrative deal.Under the unusually lucrative agreement he struck with Aspire/Young Money/Cash Money Records distributed through Universal, Drake received a $2-million advance. He retains the publishing rights, owns 100% of the masters to his songs and pays only around 25% of his music sales revenues to the label as a distribution fee. In addition, revenues from touring and merchandising were not to be split with the the record label and the label has no ownership of Drake. 

      Obviously Drake did not sign the first deal that was offered to him. If he had done so he would have regretted it and he never would have gotten the spectacular deal he has now. Drakes situation should inspire any upcoming artist to understand that with patience and hard work, one too, can strike a deal that works in their favor.

                                                             Drake Interview

http://hitmusicacademy.wordpress.com/2009/08/15/the-breakdown-of-drakes-record-deal-with-cash-moneyuniversal/

http://makingthemogul.com/2009/07/inside-drakes-record-deal/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uu5bSVxjJk

Online Video Inovation

 There are many debatable issues in regards to the internets effect on modern society. One point of which, that is sure to stand firm is that the internet has accelerated innovation. This was a very important point that I was able to take from the Ted.Com video. The speaker, Chris Anderson supported this point any many ways. The speaker gave key facts on how viral video has changed the way we teach and learn new things, exposing the hidden talents of the world for all to see, a process  that’s sometimes hard to communicate in words. The example given to support this information, is that  of the unicyclist  Sam, a young man who was very talented and desired more information to help him advance within his sport. Prior to youtube, it was hard for him to gather enough information that would make him better at his craft, given that its not something that requires voice communication, more so visual demonstration. But with the creation of such video websites like youtube  he was able to find these random video clips in which he first starts to emulate the styles of other unicyclist. 

    This speech has helped me develop a deeper understanding of online videos as it relates to the music industry. A lot of times upcoming producers, engineers seek guidance on making their songs better. Its not at all interesting or helpful for most, to listen to an mp3 audio clip of some one explaining relative information, verses someone actually posting a video of themselves in the recording studio using particular equipment  and offering assistance. I know this first handily. Watching youtube clips has helped me when I was trying to learn how to use new music equipment.  Overall I think the video clip speech provides factual information in regards to the rise and continuous advancements of online video, and helps summarize the point that: Seeing is Believing.

Mixtape?? ERRRRR!!!

In order for most hip-hop artist to make it these days one must adjust to the mixtape life. Artist  now are either so eager to put out music (or to follow the trend to success) that they aren't waiting on labels or budgeting for proper albums. With all the politics and business loop holes that comes along with dealing with labels and the people within them, I don't blame rappes for going that route. It's no different than big name classical composers back in the day composing small ensemble, chamber, and solo works outside of having to do the big large scale commissioned symphonies and orchestral works. I do, however, have issues with some rappers going this route. My problem with this is...

1. The track listings are not complete.

2. They seem like cheap albums the entertainer would drop off to the Dollar General or the Gas Station.

3. The albums  read to the fans like masturbation would read to a husband/wife. A quick, thoughtless  fix to get you through until his/her partner can get in the mood or can work out their intimacy issues.

For me, if a rapper is going to do a mixtape, let it be an inspired work. The whole point of claiming to be an "artist" is that one strives to put forth artwork...no different than Dali, Picasso, or McQueen for that matter. Most Entertainers these days (especially rapers) claim the term 'artist' so readily, when really they haven't done any artwork. Many of them should just go ahead and call them selves canvases . If i'm going to pay attention to a mixtape, it needs to be something far removed from what an album should be, but something worthy of it's own distinction. The reason people are escaping to indie music and to underground rappers is that their lyrics, music, voices, and intent seems more inspired...more artistic. They always have interesting things to say...they are always thinking of the approach of the music...and are never mindful about the "bang for the buck", or about trying to make the music do business. Mixtapes were always a hip-hop hustle, but now it's like an industry hustle, something I've never been completely with. If you're gonna hustle it, do something interesting with it. Overall, Mixtapes are great ideas, but if it's just gonna be some random songs, random words, and random feelings on a stick...the entertainers can keep that for their own self-stimulation.

Home Based Digital Recording

    More recently than ever, recording artist have taken the power away from the major recording studios and into their own precisely created digital worlds. This new refined era in technology allows for one to create complete masterpieces in the comfort of their own homes.  Digital recording is becoming more affordable and a preferred method to many musical enthusiasts. In fact, one would surprised to find out just how many major artist create their chart-topping hits in their home based recording studios, then send the pro-tools session off to these multi-million dollar studios for the real magic that happens during the mixing and mastering session.

   So if you are considering setting up your own recording studio in your home, with limited funds, let me offer some guidance. 

 First and most importantly you must consider your budget. Lets say you have $2500, which is a fairly small budget but is very manageable, and we are going to….. guitar-center! Now for this example, we are assuming that you already have a computer, a pc. What I would first suggest is to purchase your recording software. Now the industry standard is pro-tools so we are going start there. When purchasing pro-tools you would want to buy one of the m-box bundle packages that include the recording interface which will run you about $500.

 So now you are at $2000.  Next you need a microphone, which is an essential part of your recordings sound quality.  We are going to go with the Neumann TLM 102 Condenser mic, which will run you about $650. The Neumann brand is very good, and they have a good reputation for delivery a good industry sound. 

Now with $1350 left, we need monitors. For a whole lot of speaker at small price, you want to go with the Yamaha HS50M. These monitors reasonably priced at $450, will give you an honest mix and are the preferred choice for industry professionals. 

With $950, left you next want to purchase 2 sets of headphones. With the proposed budget, this component will be based on mere preference to the individual but you should not consider spending no more than $150 dollars for both pairs, which now leaves you at $800. 

With the major components of your recording studio complete, you are now able to freely spend the remaining funds as you please. Some of you may be producers and may consider investing in a midi controller or sound-bank samples. Others of you may be interested in engineering and may choose to invest in good mixing plug-ins. Hopefully this has been beneficial to your home-based recording studio needs.

360 Deal: The New industry Standard

 By:Ashley Major

      The 360 deal that most record labels are going after, are very new in today's music industry. The 360 deal was first introduced to the recording industry by Robbie Williams and EMI in 2007 and have since been the main stay of most major record deals. 360 deals are contracts that allow a record label to receive a percentage of the earnings from all artist activities instead of just record sales. Under 360 deals, also called "multiple rights deals," record labels may get a percentage of things that were previously off limits to them, like: Ringtones, Endorsement deals, Merchandising Sales. Despite the splitting of revenue, many artists are continuing to sign these types of deals because the major labels offer many resources and connections that most artists could never achieve on their own.  Critics of the 360 deals would argue that these types of deals do not work for an artist. They would say that the emergence of 360 deals within the recording industry is a pure reflection of greed upon the record labels behalf. While there are some recording artists who have grossed enormous amounts of income as a result of the deals, others have suffered miserably.  Despite the critics, supporters, such as myself, would describe the emergence of the 360 deals as a necessity based on the changing market conditions, causing a continued reduction in revenue derived from record sales, physical and digital collectively. We look at 360 deals as a way of branding the artist or band, providing them access through various commercial outlets. “Branding of artists opens up revenue streams that would have been entirely unattainable by artists before entering into a 360 Deal. Despite the differences regarding the relevance of the 360 deal, one thing that’s not up for debate is the 360 deal as the “New Industry Standard.”

References:

1)Day, W. (n.d.). Warning: Hip Hop Artist Need to Know About Today’s 360 Record 

        Deals « Davey D's Hip Hop Corner-(The Blog). Davey D's Hip Hop Corner.   

2)Ostrow, J. (n.d.). The Musician's Guide To The 360 Record Deal - MTT - Music Think 

         Tank. MTT - Music Think Tank.

Video:

Other Links: http://techcrunch.com/2008/11/08/360-music-deals-become-mandatory-as-labels-prepare-for-free-music/