How To Make It Into The Music Industry – Part 2

COUGH UP THE MONEY TO REGISTER YOUR SONGS WITH THE COPYRIGHT OFFICE

You have made your songs, but it doesn’t stop there, you need to protect your interests. You want to get paid for performing your songs and need to take the correct steps going forward You have taken the time to learn as much as you can about your skills, so why shouldn’t you be the one to benefit. If you had a great invention I’m sure you would take the necessary step to protect your design, you would probably apply for a patent, well the same rule will use with your music. You have numerous places to find out more on this subject, do a search on the internet, your local library, or even a bookstore for the relevant information on copyrights; you need to learn as much as you can about this subject, you don’t want to miss out on any royalties.

WHAT MANAGERS DO BY DOING MANAGEMENT FOR YOURSELF

Much can be learned from doing your management, learn by taking on the job of securing gigs, promotion, and publicity, planning tours, arranging rehearsal venues, deal with all the day to day problems that may arise, communicate with A&R Reps, label and publishing personnel. But sometimes this workload can take you away from what you might do best, making music, it’s at this stage you may have to consider appointing a proven manager to do this work for you.

To find the right manager may be difficult. Managers that do this for a living will usually work with the clients that will generate profitable income.  One of the most important jobs of a manager is to secure a recording and publishing contract for their clients; they will have the contacts and skills that are required of a manager to succeed in the music business. Make your choice after careful consideration, as it is the manager that will be representing you in any music business deals that you may do in the future.

GET ACQUAINTED WITH ANY LABELS OR PUBLISHING COMPANIES YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN

You may have a few record labels or companies interested in your music, well this is normal and could be right for you, but tread on the path of caution, not everything that glitters is gold so be careful what you wish for. We’ve all heard good and bad stories about the music industry, so you have to do thorough research on the companies or individuals concerned.

Some musicians get so excited when they know labels or record companies are interested in giving them a contract or a publishing company offers to sign them. Take some time to learn a few things about any potential agreement. What is their track record like in the music industry, are they familiar with your genre of music, how long have they been doing business, these and other questions could be crucial and must be asked before you proceed with any contract signing.