SONG CONTEST BLOG

Labels aren’t doing very well at the moment.  In fact, they’re darn right horizontal on their deathbeds.

People don’t want to pay for music anymore.

Children are being sued for copyright infringement.

Every digital music startup in the last three years has flopped.

It’s grim.

Yet there’s never been a better time to start a label.

Go ahead, sign a few acts – no one else will.

Nobody expects an advance or a fat tour bus.  It’s budget airlines all the way.

Invest in talent while it’s cheap and ubiquitous.

Don’t know how to do it?  Plenty of executives out of the job.  Go talk to one.

Four tips to get you started:

1. Quit your day job. Nobody will take you seriously if you’re doing something else 9 to 5.

2. Stick with what you know. If you lack people skills, avoid public relations.  Focus on your strengths and, when you can, develop or outsource your weaknesses.

3. You’re in business. Act that way.  Get organized.  Lots of stupid people own hugely successful businesses.  You too can create a successful business.

4. Pick great acts. Treat them well.  Work hard for them and they will show you returns.

Music is a safe bet.  There will always be money in it.

Now go make some!

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YouLicense, the first online music licensing marketplace, released a product update last week detailing the launch of Private Label, a new service catering to YouLicense’s target customer base comprising of independent labels and enterprising artists.  Private Label is essentially a branded storefront, specifically developed for the streamlined procurement of synchronization and master use music licenses. This is a major turning point for YouLicense which, until now, has very much operated as a destination site and, arguably, the only standalone open marketplace for music licensing.  The company has already converted noteworthy distributors and labels including INgrooves, Big Fish Media, AWAL, MBop Digital, Dashgo, and Cyberset Records.  Private Label is currently in closed beta but interested parties can request an invitation here.

Related Post: Christmas Playlists from YouLicense.com

Epic Records, part of Sony’s Columbia/Epic Label Group, has appointed singer/songwriter, Amanda Ghost, as its new President, replacing Chris Walk who left the label after his contract ran out last year.  With 25 million record sales in the last three years under her belt, Ghost is one of the leading commercial songwriters in today’s music market, responsible for major cuts including “Beautiful Liar” (Beyonce/Shakira), “You Are So Beautiful” (James Blunt) and “Tattoo” (Jordin Sparks), to name a few.

Ghost’s appointment, somewhat unconventional for the label behemoth, comes as surprising news.  Perhaps it’s part of a new game plan to denote a new positioning in the record industry; putting the ‘creatives’ at the very top of the ladder.

Rob Stringer, Chairman of Columbia/Epic Label Group, statement:

“I am delighted that Amanda has chosen to bring her creative vision and flair to the Epic label. In the changing environment of the music business, record labels undoubtedly need to be complete partners with the artistic community and Amanda will be the perfect executive to meet that challenge.”

Although a turbulent time to be in business, let alone the music business, I’m delighted to learn that National Geographic has taken the initiative to launch a music label, Nat Geo Music, to produce and distribute music from around the globe.  As part of National Geographic’s mutli-media expansion, the label will be based in New York City and aims to release six to eight albums by year’s end.

This is an exciting time for the music industry and its emerging artists.  Although there is still some confusion as to how music should be consumed online, it is evident that the systems available to both the artist and the consumer are challenging the traditional practice of the music industry, specifically the record industry.  The internet has empowered artists with user-friendly applications for self promotion and sales.  Resultantly, consumers can reach artists directly and visa versa.  This relationship allows the artist to take control of his business.  For instance, performing artists and songwriters can now choose to make their songs available online on a specific date for a specific period of time, set the price, provide discounts or even share them for free, all which are decisions typically taken by the record label.  Not anymore, for the most part.

In today’s music industry, the potential for you to develop a direct and intimate relationship with your audience is far greater than ever before.  By nurturing a relationship with your fanbase, you are in fact learning about their wants and needs, likes and dislikes and, of course, how to increase your appeal.  Consider the value of truly ‘knowing’ your audience, no matter how big you’re fortunate enough to become. 

Although the record industry has taken a massive beating and will probably continue to, the music industry is fit and healthy and beginning to embrace a prosperous new dawn.