THE MUSIK-ZONE
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The Business Essentials -
Introduction |
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This section deals with the strictly-business aspects of music - the organization, business type (proprietorship, partnership, corporation, etc.), copyright, business plans - all the stuff most artists will dread. If you have a partner who is more comfortable with those things, and whom you can trust, then you might want them to go through this. Still - read the next paragraph. If you already have a label deal or have someone else "handle the business end", there are certain things you should know so you don't end up broke, all your bank accounts and property confiscated and in debt to the IRS. Once you do that, you yourself might be able to skip the rest of this section ... but I wouldn't advise it.
I have worked (or tried to) with publishers who did not use contracts, depending entirely on a person's integrity and hand-shake agreements. It has been one disaster after another. For example, in one case an album was taken right up to production - until it was discovered there were no written agreements regarding copyright, just "oral agreements." The entire project collapsed because some co-writers couldn't be found, one was dead, and some others were on ego trips and wanted more than what they had originally agreed upon "orally." The album was mastered, the artwork was completed and ready to go. But the album died an instant death because of a lack of planning. Trust is nice. Trust is fine. Trust is good. But verification is always better! If it ain't in writing, it might as well not even exist. Many CD production companies simply refuse to produce a CD until they have copies of the written contracts. What You Will Learn in This Course In these tutorials you will be taken step-by-step through the process in the creation of a real-world album from conception to birth. You won't find it all here at the very beginning, though - these steps will be added gradually as they are completed, so they can be fully and easily explained, using audio/visual examples. You'll learn what software and hardware is available and why some are better than others. You'll learn some basics about how to use that hardware & software - what audio file formats to use in what circumstances, how to sample it, how to upload it, how to prepare it for delivery to your audience. The business end of music is the hardest part to get a handle on, and you'll learn all about what to expect from managers and record companies, what you need to know about copyrights, various avenues for the sale of your music, and a whole lot more - from some of the best names in the business! These are the the current articles (more are planned) we have in the pipeline for this section, in alphabetical order:
STEP 1: Organize Before you ever take your first step out into the music world, beyond a few local gigs, you need to get yourself well organized. Organization involves Goal-Setting and Plan-Making. Goals without Plans are as worthless as New Year's resolutions, and seldom get accomplished.
I mention these just to show you why you need to get organized before you ever start. Databases Personally, I use Filemaker Pro - an excellent database program that puts Microsoft to shame. Filemaker Pro will work with both Mac and Microsoft computer systems. It's easy to create and easy to expand. It's also very easy to transfer a set of files from a Mac to a Microsoft machine and back without having to redo anything. One of the products we sell from Phoenix Studios is a set of blank databases already created specifically for the small independent music industry - musicians as well as songwriters and independent publishers. You get it free with the purchase of this course. Useful Links (open in a new window) Answers
to Legal Qustions - Ron Bienstock, Music Attorney
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