Publishers in the music business and why the songwriter may need to become one

As a songwriter there are many aspects of the music industry that we need to understand to truly be successful. The first skill we need to have is a desire and ability to write songs. The next most important skill we need is the ability to market that song. That’s where at the publisher comes in.

Taylor Hicks and BeBe Winans at the RNC. Is it a good choice for their careers?

Over the years we have watched many performances from artists at the national conventions of the Democrat and Republican parties on election year. Last week America watched Mitt Romney accept the official nomination as the Republican Party candidate for President of the United States at the Republican National Convention. During that convention America also watched season 7 American Idol winner Taylor Hicks and Gospel/R&B singer, BeBe Winans take the stage as performers on Romney’s big night.

In this charged political season is it smart for artists to risk association with any political party. As a manager how would you advise your client? The question I’m asking is, “Is this a good choice for their careers, why, or why not?

Music Industry Lawyers

Recently I viewed three posted videos on the Artists Music House website. The videos were interviews with entertainment lawyers Randall Minter, Peter Shukat and Barry Menes. The videos contained important information that every music industry professional should know concerning the music industry in general, contracts and the importance of obtaining a lawyer and legal advice.

Avoiding Lawsuits in the Music Business

For this post I want to discuss the importance of understanding some basics of protecting yourself in the music industry. We will take a look at some current lawsuits and how the importance of the written agreement, getting permission, and insurance is needed for any business.

Finding an Artist Manager

As musicians we desire to focus on talent and gifted side of the business. However we must be careful to not forget that the music industry is a business. We should be dedicated to learning more about business strategies, contracts, and finances along side learning new chord progressions and vocal runs.

This is the reason why management is important to the advancement of any artists’ career. One of the ways to get management is to choose a manager.  Recently I read a book titled “This Business of Artist Management” by Xavier M. Frascogna and H. Lee Hetherington. In the following paragraphs I will briefly review their ideas on the manager’s role and management choices as discussed in chapters 2 & 3.

Artist Management

One thing that is crucial in the music business is the ability to manage the artist and or music. Although many bands and artist attempt to do it themselves, it is naive to think unless you are doing it well you are going to be successful in this business. Artisthouse Music provides a wealth of resources and information to the student of the music business. Here are some key points I took from my personal study.

Negotiating in the Music Industry

This weekend I interviewed an up and coming producer, manager and booking agent in the Christian music industry named Terry Dillard, co-owner of Cinder Entertainment. Cinder Entertainment represents artists such as Freddy Rodriguez, Ricardo Sanchez and Tye Tribbett, which are some to the top names in the Christian music industry today.