Meet Your Representative

Did you know when an independent artist releases an album, he or she is running an independent record label? Think about it, you wrote songs for the album (copyrights), took pictures (imaging), placed the album in your Grandma’s store (marketing),  begged the local radioman to play your song (radio promotion), and performed at a local venue with five people in attendance (touring). Major record labels usually complete all these tasks for a signed artist. Usually, independent artists use the major record labels to distribute their albums for national and international exposure. What happens when a major record label try to get over on the unknowledgeable artist?

Many industries like production, NBA, and education have unions that serve as the voice for their many workers or players who are being mistreated by an organization. In the independent’s case, The American Association of Independent Music is a trade association that represents independent record labels in the United States to ensure equity and fairness for these entities.  A spokesperson is needed for the individuals who make up 30% of the music industry’s market share according to the Association. The A2IM best represents the independent labels in the areas of: Fair Trade, New Technology and Distribution, Branding, Access to Media, Legislative, Advocacy, International, Purchasing, and New Business. 

Many independent artists are eager to hear about the Access to Media. Let’s face it, if the music is not being heard on the radio or television, then there is no money being made. A2IM acknowledges that independent music is underrepresented in the mainstream media, and they promise to remind the media that the United States is a diverse culture, and it should be heard and seen through media. This is done through the New Media Committee whose mission is to ensure that the label is educated about the different opportunities for indies who look to make an impact in the industry.

If you are an independent artist or label, this would be a great association to join. The American Association of Independent Music serves as the spokesperson for YOU, make sure they are doing it well.

How's Your Image?

Reputation is a word that should be incorporated into every aspiring artist’s decision-making.  This is one of the most important aspects of a career in the entertainment industry because it serves as the individual’s “credit report”.  A great image will profit the artist in the long run because he or she is identified as someone who is easy to work with and produce great results. Let’s be honest, no one wants to work with an artist with a bad reputation due to its ability to define who you are as an artist or businessperson. Therefore, it is important to integrate Public Relations to build the artist’s business and personal brand.

According to Public Relations Society of America, Public Relations is a strategic communication process that builds mutually beneficial relationships between organizations and their publics. In simple form, public relations serve as communication between the artist and his or her audience, liaison to the media, coordinate performances and media appearances, and improve the artist’s social media presence. Most importantly, public relations help with Crisis Management. Crisis Management is needed when an artist has been publicly humiliated because of behavioral issues or certain unforeseen circumstances have occurred like death. Because of how quickly news spread throughout the media, it is important that an artist releases a personal statement to answer all questions surrounding the problem to avoid any further confusion.

An artist must hire a publicist who is able to handle his or her image in the uttermost respect that portrays them as a model citizen. Even if the artist is jerk, a good publicist makes the artist seem like an angel who cares about the well being of the world. Not only should the publicist be strategic, but also he or she must be well connected in the chosen industry. Many performances and media opportunities are made available because of the work of the publicist. Publicists work 24/7 to ensure press kits and releases are sent to media outlets, coach the artist on what to say on television or radio, and develops rapport with people who will benefit the artist.

A great example of a publicist is Andrea Williams of Tehillah Enterprises, LLC. She has over 20 years of experience in the Gospel Music Industry as a singer and publicist. Tehillah Enterprises, LLC. is a company that specializes in public relations, media and advertising relations, and event management for gospel and Christian artists. Andrea has represented the industry’s best who have been awarded Grammy’s, Dove, and Stellar Awards. These artists include Donald Lawrence, Martha Munizzi, Byron Cage, Marvin Sapp, and many others. I had a chance to sit down and speak with Andrea Williams about the importance of public relations. Take a listen to the wisdom and knowledge she gives to aspiring artists.

Remember, your image in the public’s eye is very important. Be mindful of your decisions and whom you associate with in the industry. It takes ONE bad decision to taint a life-long dream.

Professionalism....NO EGO!

Being an artist or musician requires a certain type of professionalism that keeps the individual EMPLOYED with opportunities. Nowadays, it takes more than just a pretty face, talent, and a nice song to be successful in the music industry, but it takes sacrifice, commitment, practice, and HUMILITY to SURVIVE. There have been many artists who had “talent”, without a doubt, but E-G-O was the deciding factor of their career.

Harvey Mason Jr., songwriter and producer, tweeted, “Got the real deal in the booth today friends. Love working with talented people who can seriously sing, have great ears and are friendly. Wow.” In 120 characters, Mason gave the keys to success for an aspiring independent artist.

Successful Tip #1: Talent is a MUST. If a great product is going to be produced, the artist must be versatile in musicianship. Mastering your craft can achieve you great success. Practice your vocal techniques or instrument AT LEAST one to two hours a day. Gain experience in the studio because this is where artists hear his or her true voice. Get a mentor who will be honest with you about where you are as an artist. PERFORM, PRACTICE, PERFORM, and PRACTICE! The more experience you gain in front of an audience, the better your stage presence will be on the platform.

Successful Tip #2: Listening is CRUCIAL. This is the area many artists make their mistake. EGO opens the door to a mindset that states, "I don't have to listen to you, I have mastered my craft." This then leads to arrogance, and later on, UNEMPLOYMENT because no one has the desire to work with you. Instead, go into every situation eager to listen and learn because the professional has reached longevity in his or her career. If you don’t understand a concept, lay your pride aside and ask questions! Your gift will not be call into question if you do this. A great artist LISTENS and LEARNS! An egotistical artist TALKS and DIRECTS.

Successful Tip #3: Your Attitude determines many relationships or the lack thereof. The entertainment industry is based on RELATIONSHIPS! Opportunities are usually afforded to those individuals who have networked and developed long-term relationships. However, many artists who have reached some success tend to develop a bad attitude that, in the long run, is detrimental to their career. To avoid the attitude trap, switch places with the person whom you are working with. Would you want to deal with your attitude? Keep a positive attitude that allows the atmosphere to be conducive for creativity. Be HUMBLE by not making everything about you but about the TEAM. Be sure to keep a positive reputation. The industry is SMALL and people will deliver information about you to professionals whom you aspire to collaborate with on your project. If you master a great attitude, you will reach great heights in your career.

Remember to remove any signs of EGO because it stands between you and your desired career as an artist. Apply the abovementioned characteristics to your everyday practice to ensure you are an artist executives, producers, and industry professionals would like to work with and spend money on. It’s up to YOU!

Your Royalties?

Many artists have a dream of becoming the next International Star like Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. Their record sales are immeasurable and their talents are numerous. Did I mention they are RICH? “Of course,” you may say, “and they have a major record label backing them with millions of dollars.” That’s a great point, but their money is also made from being an artist and songwriter. Therefore, they receive ROYALTY CHECKS.

I don’t know about you, but have you witnessed the epidemic of struggling independent artists? One answer to this problem is simple: Independent artists lack the understanding of copyright. One day I asked an indie artist,  “Are you registered with ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC?” The response I received was, “What is that?” After a long blank stare, I began to explain that these organizations are performing rights groups who are responsible for making sure you are paid when your music is played on the radio, sold in stores, appear in movies, or performed. For instance, when you get in the elevator at work and your favorite song plays, that artist receives a royalty payment from the music in the elevator.

An artist who does NOT copyright their music CANNOT receive a royalty check. Many people are unaware that once a song is placed on paper, it is copyrighted. However, it is advised that you register the material to assure that you are the owner. An artist must know the two types of copyrights. When you see the © symbol, that stands for a music composition copyright. If the symbol (p) is shown, that symbolizes a sound recording copyright. For example, if you wrote a song titled “A Struggling Artist” and recorded it, you are the owner of the music composition and sound recording.

Do you want to make money? Educate yourselves on the copyright laws and organizations that protect who you are as an artist. Get out of the norm and write songs to shop around to major artists and record labels that could launch your career. Before you do this, MAKE SURE YOU COPYRIGHT YOUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY!