At What Point Should I Get a Manager?
Most of the manager's duties and responsibilities come into play once an artist is generating income - especially through a record company association, but also for active local and regional artists who are touring and selling product on their own. Therefore, many people think it isn't really necessary to have a manager until there is an income-producing career to 'manage'.One exception is the manager who can help you obtain a record deal. The right manager for this task can be hard to find, and must be carefully chosen. You don't want to get tied up in complicated legal contracts with...
Do I Need a Manager?
Managers become necessary once you've got a record deal and you need an advocate to represent your interests at the different departments of a record company. They help to coordinate efforts and get maximum results at radio, retail, and publicity. Many labels will want an artist to have a high-powered manager before a record is released and will often recommend top managers. Managers can also help in shopping you for a record deal, but only if they have the connections to get your music to the right people. It's not impossible, but friends, family members, or acquaintances with no music...
Do I Need a Music Producer?
This article is meant to explain and clarify what you can expect, both creatively and financially, from hiring a producer to assist you in your goal. One of the ways a producer can be most useful to you is by providing an objective ear. In the studio, it can be difficult to gain perspective as you create. A typical example is vocal performance. Your producer can recognize if you need to try it again and guide you through phrasing, pitch, emotion, etc. A good producer will also know to stop you when you've nailed it. But don't think of a...
Learning Where the Money Comes From part 1
Many developing songwriters resent having to be a businessperson. I've heard them lament, "I've written the songs--now let somebody else take care of the business." But the reality is that this is the music business. The greatest song in the world will not become a hit if it's neither demoed or brought to the attention of music business professionals. Although it's perfectly acceptable to write solely for your own pleasure, if your goal is to be successful in the music business, you have to pay as much attention to the business as you do to the music. For starters, it...
Learning Where the Money Comes From part 2
Previously we defined "Mechanical Royalties" and gave you several instances regarding how those royalties are paid to writers. In this issue, we're gonna talk about the actual rate of payment. The Mechanical Royalty Rate for the United States has been negotiated to allow for increases in songwriters' income through January 1st, 2006. The rate structure, which took effect January 1st, 1998, is as follows: January 1st, 1998 7.10 centsJanuary 1st, 2000 7.55 centsJanuary 1st, 2002 8.00 centsJanuary 1st, 2004 8.50 centsJanuary 1st, 2006 9.10 cents These rates are applicable for compositions of up to five minutes in duration. Compositions exceeding five minutes are paid 1.3...
Making Money with Your Music Q&A
Contrary to popular belief, songs are not "sold" to the artists that record them. In fact, artists who record "outside" songs, pay nothing for the privilege — until records are sold. Songwriters earn money in two ways: a) When records are sold and b) when their songs are played on radio, TV and other public areas (restaurants, concerts, etc). How do I get paid from record sales? Payments from record sales are called 8. mechanical royalty rate mechanical royalties and are paid by the record company to the publisher of the song through the Harry Fox Agency. The royalty rate...
Music Business Attorneys
A good, honest, knowledgeable music attorney is an invaluable asset to an artist, and an important part of his Pro Team. Music lawyers serve many functions, the least of which is shopping tapes to the record companies. And because nowadays the top attorneys in the business (you know, the ones who charge $450 per hour), will work for a fee of 5% of the artist's gross income--why, anyone can afford them! Hold on a minute--I'm not being sarcastic. Start Shopping Now Just recently, this band that I know, decided it wanted to release its own indie record and sell it...
What Are Some Key Points in a Personal Management Contract?
Most managers will take between 10% and 20% of an artist's gross income - including record royalties, publishing income, and touring and merchandising income. There will sometimes be a "sunset clause" i.e. a declining scale of payments due to the manager over a few years should you decide to fire or part ways with him (or her). These are negotiable points, and many nuances and technicalities are involved. You should always have an experienced music business attorney (not your uncle Bob, the divorce attorney) review any management contract.