More about Sample Clearances

Here's another gem of an interview from Deborah Mannis-Gardner by Rick Goetz for MusicianCoaching.com.  The article discusses some of the hardships of being a DIY artist and the battle of trying to wear too many hats at once.  The article is listed below, enjoy!

http://musiciancoaching.com/music-placement/music-clearance/

Pirate Labels

There’s an increasing problem with bootleg record labels in the industry.  These companies take music that was written years prior and capitalize on the fact that the music is historic.  Many of these labels work under the assumption that the music is unclaimed and use the music though they own no rights to these songs.  This is more commonly called reissue bootlegging.  Most of the music being bootlegged is private release songs of now defunct record companies.  Again, the new label works under the assumption that the previous label is out of sight out of mind.  Why should we pay for this historic music they might ask?  The answer, because it’s someone else’s music!

There is a difference in labels that reissue because they give credit to previous labels, which bootleg outfits don’t go through proper channels to get approval for use of the music.  Reissue labels such as Honest Jon, Independiente and Yoga Records go through proper channels to get permission to use historic music, while paying the composers.  Something like public domain songs that are reissued or replayed are fine because there is no copyright claim.

One of the biggest offenders of bootleg labels is a now defunct label Radioactive out of the UK.  This label was owned by James Plummer who seems to be an illusive person and has never returned any of my emails that inquired about the claims of his label pirating old music.  Plummer most recently opened label Erebus, which also went under, not surprisingly.  Its easy to take music that belongs to someone else and use it, much harder to go through the proper channels to clear the music.

Record labels in the US might have a harder time getting away with stealing intellectual property.  Not paying artists mechanicals for music that they own is considered a slap in the face in the US industry.  Though it should be said that these two labels owned by Plummer didn’t last long and probably shows that the British government was onto the company.  The key to remember is that if you do things that are considered unethical in the industry you will start to lose respect and no one will want your business.  Its smart to remember that the industry is circular and everything you do good or bad will come back to you.

www.yogarecords.com

www.honestjons.com

www.independiente.co.uk/

www.yogarecords.com/press/radioactive.html

www.rateyourmusic.com/label/erebus_records/

www.rateyourmusic.com/label/radioactive_records_f1/

www.discogs.com/label/Erebus%20Records%20(2)

www.discogs.com/label/Radioactive%20%282%29

www.headheritage.co.uk/headtohead/unsung/topic/34132/threaded/421743

Help With Starting a Business

Starting a business can be a very challenging task.  Coming up with ideas and guidance for getting together a business plan, seeking financing and generating ideas can be tough.  Because this is the foundation of a business, it’s important to have the proper guidance when starting.   I was recently given  a few sites that can point any business owner in the right direction to get their business off the ground.

The first website, Inc. (inc.com), is a great source for anyone looking  to get a little more social with their business.  It offers links to its own social network pages as well as links to blogs.  There are news feeds on any subject along with an abundance of how-to information.  The site is visually pleasing but also has real information to get business owners started.

US Small Business Association (sba.gov) provides a good deal of information about funding.  There is an entire dropdown menu for contracting as well as a dropdown for Counseling and Training.  The latter section contains many videos and articles that give step-by-step instructions on how to start a business.  I like the feature that lets you put in your business zip code and gives you a list of agencies that assist business owners in the area.

National Venture Capital Association (nvca.org) is probably the most professional of the three sites because it comes with membership and discounts.  Discounts are perhaps the most attractive part of this site.  Most of the information on this site is free but if you choose to purchase a membership then you can receive discounts on webcasting, conferencing, investing and distribution services.  This site also gives many options for acquiring financing through real investors, loans and grants for non-profit organizations. 

Not one of these sites alone could provide you with the information needed to start your business.  Each of these sites has something to take from it that will make your own business stronger.  William Thompson, one of my instructors mentioned, “There is more money out there than good ideas”.  Many investors don’t want to take a risk on small businesses so business owners have to make their business unique and show they're hungry for opportunities.

http://www.inc.com/

http://www.sba.gov/

http://www.nvca.org/