Record companies are usually managed one of two
ways: by musicians, arrangers and producers who are deeply involved with
the developing of talent and producing, or, by lawyers and accountants who
manage the label and hire independent producers to develop the artists.
The first tends to be a more creative managerial style, while the second
usually has a more corporate structure. In both cases, it is important to
maintain the publishing rights to your songs, when signing a recording
contract. Some artists form their own publishing company to protect their
rights.
Planning the concept of the album and selecting the
songs for the album is usually assigned to the A&R (Artist &
repertoire) director and producer. If you are a songwriter, this is the
time to fight for as many of your songs as possible. Producers usually
earn a royalty on the record sales and on the songs used from their
publishing company's catalog. The more you can negotiate to do in the
making of your record, the more you will earn.
You will be given a budget to put your project
together. This includes the cost of musicians, singers, producers and
studio time.
After the record is recorded the promotional
department plans the budget and campaign to publicize your record. This
involves the assistance of advertising managers, media buyers, art
directors, photographers, graphic artists, Web site and graphic designers
and copywriters.
After the album is created, printed and shipped,
promotional personnel seek to obtain radio airplay. Copies are given to
record pools for local DJs to play in nightclubs. The product is shipped
to media outlets for review. Videos are sent to television networks and
local video show producers. And now with the emergence of the Internet,
copies are now being sent to Web radio jocks for airplay and Webmasters
for online reviews. The object of the media blitz is to create excitement
and awareness of the new release. Keep in mind that radio airplay and
record sales is the main factor in having a song enter and rise up the
music charts. Most of the promotional effort is designed to get radio
airplay and/or record sales.
Promotional tours by the artist are normally done to
also generate awareness and sales. A typical artist appearance includes
radio and print advertising, interviews, appearances, in-store autograph
signing and more. In most instances it is also an opportunity for a group
or artist to earn additional income. In many cases, it may take months
before a royalty check is paid to an artist. Most record companies deduct
the cost of making and promoting the album (including the cost of music
videos) before paying royalties.
Most hit records include most if not all of the
above. And remember, the cost of one project is usually in the hundreds of
thousands of dollars and can run in the millions. This cost is deducted
from the profit of the album sales before royalty checks are paid to the
artists. When negotiating make sure you have a good lawyer or agent. The
average life of an unprepared signed act is five years. Take the time to
develop good performing, writing, and producing skills. And keep reaching
for the stars!
About the Author:
Kevin Morrison is the publisher here at eJams.com with 15+ years
of radio broadcasting and concert promotions experience.
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