Category: Music

Up until recently it has been systematically and virtually impossible to “break through” in the music business/industry as an unsigned artist, due to the simple fact that the competition owned the airwaves. If an artist did not have significant resources to,

1. Tour,
2. Solicit radio stations and DJ pools to play, or at least listen to the artist(s) best single,
3. Send media packets to 2,000 different executives,
4. Print, Press and Release at least 20,000 units,
5. Hire a team of Promoters, Managers and Lawyers,

well, then the artist(s) would starve. In my eyes it is a starvation tactic used by those who have no real talent(s), except owning money, and perhaps knowing how to keep it, to ensure that new artists, or new competition could not succeed against their current investment(s). Unless of course, an artist signed with their label, then you were worthy of roughly 20% of your earnings due to the above mentioned “necessary costs.”

Antone’s in Austin Texas

Perhaps my opinion is too dark or jaded, and there is no sinister plan to keep anyone poor. However, in my experience on this earth, there have been, but a rare few, talented musicians who have read contracts and said, “No Thanks – Your offer is for X number of songs and albums, and if that is not met the Contract is void, thus making your offer a loan on performance.”

Any request to sign an Intent to Sign Contract document, which is usually laid out on a bar room table after a performance by a peppy A&R from a large label, will be the first step in the wrong direction when first introduced to a “major” as they call themselves. This is a document that will not allow you to sign with another label, yet you are not officially signed with the initiating label, until further discussion(s) and terms are agreed. Therefore, locking the artist(s) in with the initiating label under the label’s terms or no legal ability to sign with another label at all.

DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING WITH OUT A TRUSTED AND COMPETENT LAWYER PRESENT

And welcome to the beautiful age of the internet where just about anything can earn money. Here are a few simple steps that might help the unsigned artist remain Independent, create content that is pleasing and personifies the art of Music, but for everyone else there is YouTube. With all kidding aside, now that Google is reporting their YouTube video plays to Billboard, the unsigned or unsponsored artist with a video can finally get their claim to fame.

Here is How:

1. Register with ASCAP, SESAC, OR BMI, whom are copyright agencies which protect the artist(s) media, likeness and image.
2. If you have existing video(s) on YouTube, ensure that your licensing agency has the proper record of them. (Search for song title, artist name and use quotation marks around exact words or lyrics to find works using Google.)
3. Contact a local Public Relations firm for a Media Consultation to help guide the artist(s) image into the next big thing, OR
4. Get creative and put good music to graphically stimulating material… Film real life.
5. Invest in radio quality Mixing and Mastering (This is not a requirement, but will help in getting more listeners/viewers and retain them to your song/video)
6. As always in marketing, find a catchy slogan or jingle and repeat. If you can picture a 13 year old child singing your lyrics you might likely have a hit.

The dance craze of YouTube is revolutionizing the Music Industry and it is important to stay current on recent changes that might affect the wallet of today’s artist(s).

Taken in full from Lee West’s article from Focusing In on Making it in Music as an Unsigned Artist

Reuters
10:18 a.m. CST, December 29, 2011

Kid Cudi has paid tribute to a fan who lost his battle with a heart disease on Christmas Day, calling the tragic teen a “real hero.”

Ben Breedlove suffered a fatal heart attack on Sunday after a lifelong struggle with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The 18-year-old, from Austin, Texas, became an internet sensation after uploading videos on YouTube.com detailing his health scares as well as offering advice to other youngsters facing hardship.

Earlier this month (Dec11), Breedlove posted a clip about a vision he experienced during a recent brush with death, when he saw himself in a white room with his favourite rapper Cudi.

He explained, “I was looking at myself in this mirror… I couldn’t stop smiling… I was proud of myself, of my entire life, everything I have done. It was the best feeling.”

The Day ‘n’ Nite rapper has since taken to his own blog to share his reaction to Breedlove’s moving video, admitting he “broke down” watching the footage.

He writes, “I am so sad about Ben Breedlove. I watched the video he left for the world to see, and him seeing me in detail, in his vision really warmed my heart. I broke down, I am (in) tears because I hate how life is so unfair.

“This has really touched my heart in a way I can’t describe, this is why I do what I do. Why I write my life, and why I love you all so much. Life is really f**ked up sometimes, but I know Ben is at peace, and I hope he gets a chance to sit and talk with my Dad. We love you Ben. Forever. Thank you for loving me.”

Cudi adds, “To Ben’s family, you raised a real hero, he’s definitely mine. You have my love.”

Copyright © 2011, Reuters