1. Careers

Music Careers: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Sending a Demo
Ever wondered how to get labels to hear your music? The right approach to sending your demo to record labels will get your songs into the hands of the people who need to hear them.
Self Promote
The ability to self promote your music can make the difference between playing to a packed house and a lifetime of musical obscurity. Find out how to make sure your music is getting heard by being your own best promoter.
Artist Manager
Love music, but can't play? Artist management may be for you. Find out what a day is like in the life of a band manager and how to get started in this field.
Choose a Music Career 101
You know you want a job in the music industry, but which job is the right one for you? There are many different music careers you can choose. Learn more about how to work in the music industry and what different music industry jobs entail.
Start a Record Label
Do you have record label aspirations but aren't sure how to take action? As they say, starting at the beginning is a very good place start. When it comes to starting a record label, understanding the basics up front is absolutely critical - it will save you time, money and migraines down the line. Get the lowdown on what you need to know before you start a record label.
Music Promoter
Promoters work hand in hand with agents and bands to make shows happen. They get the word out about upcoming events and make sure there is a full house to hear the band. Find out what being a promoter involves and decide if this job is right for you.
Mixing or Mastering
The difference between mixing and mastering confuses a lot of people who are new to recording process. Find out the different between these two important parts finishing touches on your record.
Big Four Labels
EMI, Sony BMG, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group together make up the list of Big Four record labels, also known as major record labels. Find out more.
Music Agent
If you want to be the one who makes the tours happen, then the job of a music agent may be for you. Agents work with promoters and bands to make sure concerts get booked - find out more about how this job works, and how you can become an agent yourself.
Create a Promo Package
If you're going to get the attention of the media, labels, promoter, agents, or just about anyone else in the music industry, you're going to need a professional promo package. Learn how to create a promo package help put your album at the top of the listening pile.
Manager Contract
Before your sign a music manager contract, there are a lot of factors you need to consider. Signing a bad contract can have repercussions for a long time. Before you consider signing, consider the advice laid out here.
Make a Music Video
Music videos used to be the exclusive domain of major labels, with the mega budgets to shoot the videos and the pull to get them on MTV. That has all changed. Not only can you shoot a music video yourself for very little investment, there are plenty of new ways you can get your cheap music videos to your fans. Find out how to become your own best music video director and follow this step by step guide to recording a music video.
Record a Demo
Learn how to record a basic demo that showcases your talent without breaking the bank! In addition to demo recording, get tons more advice on what to do with your music demo once you have it in your hands.
Get Paid in Your Music Career
Sure, you're in music for the love of it, but eventually you're going to want to know how to get paid in the music industry. Find out more about music industry incomes and how different people in different music careers make money in music.
Write a Band Bio
Your band bio introduces fans and music industry types alike to you and your music. Find out how to write a band biography that includes all of the right information to show you off in the best light.
Gig Booking Basics
Get over your gig booking phobia with this step by step guide that takes your from getting a promo package together to taking the stage.
A&R Career Profile
A&R - short for artist and repertoire - was once one of the most desired music careers, but in recent times, there has been a lot of debate about whether or not it even exists anymore. Learn more about A&R jobs, including how to get them, how to get paid, and how to learn this dying art.
Album Press Release Template
If you want to sell records, you have to let people know the music is out there. A well written press release will help you get the word out.
Music Journalist
Not all music jobs are on stage or behind the scenes - someone has to be write about the music and let the fans know what's going on. Music journalists get to stay on the cutting edge of all of the new music releases and music news, and thanks to the internet, there are lots of new opportunities in this field. Find out how to become a music journalist.
Indie Label Contracts
Being a small label is never a good reason for being a label without a contract. Indie label contracts don't have to be complicated, and they protect bands and labels alike. Find out how to come up with an easy contract that will help make sure everyone involved in a deal is on the same page.
Press Releases 101
Competition is fierce when you're trying to get press for your music project, and a bad music press release can put out of the running from the word go. Learn more about how to write a music press release with these music press release templates.
Bands 101
If you want your band to be a success, you have to manage your career right from the start. Find the basic things that every band should do to get a shot at the spotlight.
Music Business Rules
The music business is highly competitive, and getting a foot in the door can be notoriously difficult. If you have music business aspirations, however, there are a few things you can do to make yourself stand out from the competition. Following these rules can help you get noticed for all of the right reasons - give them a try if you want to get ahead.
Record Producer
Record producers can be as important (and let's be honest - more important in some cases) that the musicians in the studio. Music producers can have a very active role in shaping the sound of an album, although some producers take more of a backseat role. Learn more about work as a record producer, how to become a record producer, music producing jobs and more.
Promo Emails for Bands
People in the music industry get bombarded by emails all day, every day. To make sure your promotional email gets read, you need to have the right approach - straightforward, simple, and to the point.
Find Band Manager
So, you've determined that you need management, but how do you find a band manager? Learn how to find a music manager for your group and what to look for in a good artist manager.
Major Labels: Pros and Cons
A major label record deal is the goal of many musicians, but like most things, major label deals have their good points and their bad points. Learn more about major record label pros and cons.
How to Promote a Gig
Good promotion is the key to a good show, but if you are a first time promoter, the job can seem so large you may not know where to start. This guide will help you make sure you don't leave any promotional stone unturned.
Should I Self Release My Album
If the labels aren't biting, a self released album could be the way to go. However, self releasing a record isn't as easy as it sounds - could it be right for you?
Plan an Album Launch Party
Album launch parties are a great way to get your fans excited about your new music, but how do you plan a CD release party? Planning an album release party or a listening party isn't so different from planning another kind of show - just a few tweaks in the promotion and set-up will get people through the door in anticipation of your new music. Find out how to plan an album launch party.
Music Teacher Career Profile
If you have musical talent and the patience to share your knowledge with others, a music teacher job might be the right music career for you. Learn more about work as a music teacher and the different career paths you can take when you teach music for a living.
EP Definition
What is an EP? Not quite a single and not quite an album, EPs can be an important part of your music promotion strategy. Get an EP definition and find out why they matter.
Concert Promotion Costs
If you're a music promoter, the cost of putting on a show obviously makes all the difference to your bottom line. Find out more about the concert costs you need to know about before you book that gig.
How Do I Get My Song on the Radio?
It's often said in the music business that reviews don't sell music - radio does. It's for good reason, then, that many musicians want to know how to get their songs on the radio. The path to radio plays can be a complicated process, and it's not always an easily accessible one on the DIY level, but the first step to getting your music on the radio is understanding the proper approach. Here's what you need to know about getting radio stations to play your music.
Album Release Costs
How much does it cost to release an album? The answer depends on several different factors, and the way you approach the project makes all the difference when it comes to costs spiralling out of control or coming in under budget. Find out more about how much it costs to release music.
What Do Music Publishers Do
Music publishing is the great unknown for many a musician and budding music biz type. Heck, it's the great unknown for a lot of people with jobs in the music industry. Although publishing itself can be complex, the work a publishing company does is fairly straightforward and quite similar to a record label. Learn more about music publishing companies.
How To Become a Promoter
Are you wondering how to become a music promoter? Working in concert promotion is a lot of fun, but it requires a lot of hard work as well. Learn more about how to become a music promoter, including getting started on your own and working for a large concert promotion company.
Become the Opening Band
Playing as the opening band at a big show is a fast way to get your music to a larger audience. Find out how to get that coveted support band slot.
Music Industry Investors
You've got the dream, the drive - now you just need the dollars. Getting music industry funding can make or break your music career, but it can be hard to know where to look. Find out about these common sources for music money to see which of these music investors is right for you.
Book a Venue
Your first step in promoting a gig, whether you're a musician or a promoter, is to book the venue. Find out more about how to book a club or book a venue for a music show, including how to negotiate a good price and other ins and outs of club bookings.
360 Deals
360 deals are becoming an increasingly common deal structure for major label contracts, but not every thinks they give the artist a fair shake. Learn more about these multiple rights deals and why they're so controversial.
Tour Manager Profile
Tour managers make sure things go smoothly on the road. Find out about music tour managers, including how to get a job as a tour manager and what a tour manager does.
Get a Gig
Playing live is the best way to build a loyal fan base for your band, but getting a gig can be hard work. With all of the competition out there for stage time, find out how to make sure your band makes it to the top of the heap. Also find out to get in front of the right audience for your music.
Music Jobs Pros and Cons
If you love music, there are plenty of music careers from which you can choose. The question is - which one is right for you? Learn how to choose a music career so you end up with a job in music you love.
Music Biz Home Truths
There is a lot of misinformation out there about the music industry, and if you are trying to break into the business, this misinformation can be a real problem. Here are some music industry home truths and what you need to know about the music business.
Start a Band
First things first - before you can do anything else with your music, you need to form a band. Putting your band together means building a foundation that you can work from to get your music heard - and making the wrong choices can lead to oh-so-much hassle. Learn more about starting your new favorite band.
How Much Do Band Managers Get Paid
So, you've decided to hire a manager - now comes the hard part - how much should a band manager get paid? What exactly is a fair percentage for an artist manager to request, and how much should you try to negotiate? Here's what you need to know about artist manager percentages.
Sound Engineer
Sound engineers make sure the songs the bands are playing sound great to the audience. Learn more about this job and if it might be right for you.
Put Videos on YouTube
Once you learn how to put music videos on YouTube, you can share your music videos with fans everywhere. Using YouTube is free, so when you put music videos on YouTube, you tap into a valuable stream of free promotion. It couldn't be easier to put your music video on YouTube. Learn how.
Session Musician Work
One of the hardest parts of getting started with session work is figuring out how to find work as a session musician. Learn more about the different employment paths a session musician can take to build a music industry career.
Cover Art Designer
Having the perfect artwork makes a great record that little bit more special. Even with the rise in digital music, album covers and CD covers still matter to people - some digital music sites even let people download the artwork and liner notes with their songs. Find out how to break into album artwork design and what the job is like.
Make Money as a Musician
You need to make money as a musician if you want to make a living doing from your songs, but sometimes that is easier said than done. Learn more about you can make money from your music so you can leave the day job behind.
Promote Music Online
Online music promotion can be a musician's best friend, but it can also be extremely overwhelming. Learn more about internet music promotion options and how you can do an effective job of promoting music online, including a look at online music promotion sites.
Impress at Music Business Internship
Music business internships can be the first step in landing a music industry job, but you've got to impress at your music industry internship if you really want it to be a foot in the door. Before you show up for your first day of work, find out how to knock the socks off the top brass with these six tips for impressing at your music business internship.
Sync License
Music licensing can get confusing. Learn more about a music sync licenings, including when you need one and how a music sync license works.
Door Split
Door split is a term you might hear from a promoter when you're booking a gig. What does it mean, and what makes a fair door split deal?
Producer Contracts
If you are recording an album and working with an outside producer, then you are going to need a music producer contract. Learn more about music producer contracts, including what makes a fair contract and which parts are negotiable.
Catalog Number
In discussions about record labels, you might hear the term catalog number being used a lot - and if you want to have your own record label, catalog numbers are something you're going to have to become very familiar with. Learn more about music catalog numbers - CD catalog numbers, record catalog numbers and more.
Promoter
What are the responsibilities of a music promoter? A music promoter can be hugely influential to your music career, so understanding their role is key.
PR
Music PR is a big part of promoting your album - it's how you get those reviews that make people want to check out your music. Learn more about music publicity and when you should shell out for it.
How to Find Tour Sponsorship
Touring is expensive business, so musicians and labels frequently turn to tour sponsors and concert sponsorship opportunities to help them foot the bill. Of course, competition for these kinds of sponsorships is intense, and there are other things to consider, not least of which is what your sponsor wants in return for their cash. Find out how to find music tour sponsors and what to ask before you settle on a concert sponsorship deal.
5 Things To Do Before Your First Concert
If you're a musician, few things are as important - or intimidating - as your first show. Even though you may not be able to keep the nerves entirely in check, there are things you can do to make sure you night is a success. Here are give things you should do before you play live music for the first time to make the show run smoothly and make sure you get invited back for a second performance.
How Should I Pay My Music Producer?
Recording costs are always a big deal for musicians, but one aspect of those costs can make a major impact on how cost effective releasing an album is - the music producer's fee. Figuring out how much you should pay a producer is tough - it varies by genre and by the producer's cache - but there are some general guidelines you can keep in mind. Learn how to navigate the world of music producer fees and discern a fair deal from one that is going to be an obstacle to your music industry success.
Licensing vs. Distribution
Many smaller labels are faced with a decision between licensing and distribution, especially when it comes to getting their albums out in foreign territories. What's the difference, and which one is better for you? Find out the ins and out, and the pros and cons.
How to Copyright Your Music
How do you copyright your music? The process is easier than you might imagine, and copyrighting definitely has its privileges. Find out how to secure a US copyright for your songs.
Points
Music producers often get paid a deal that gives them points on a record - find out what album points are and how they affect a deal.
Distribution
Distribution is the key to getting an album into the shops. Find out what is involved and what kind of distribution deals are common.
Promoter or Booker
Music promoters, bookers, agents - what is the difference? When you're just dipping your toes into the live music waters, it can be confusing trying to figure out who is a concert promoter, who is just booking your shows, and who is just trying to get your cash. Learn the difference between the different people involved in booking gigs and who you should just stay away from at all costs.
Find Distribution
Distribution is the key to getting your album in the stores, but finding it easier said than done. Find out how to get started and what to look for in a distributor.
Mechanical Royalties
Understanding mechanical royalties can get a little complicated for bands, labels, and publishers alike. Learn the basics and find out who should be getting what.
Find Musicians
You've got the songs, now all you need are the people. If you're not sure how to start your band member search, these tips will point you in the right direction.
Demo Don'ts
Have you been sending out demo after demo, but nothing seems to be happening? These demo no-nos could be stopping you from getting the record deal you want.
Five Steps for Stage Fright
Nearly all musicians experience some degree of stage fright, and for some, stage fright is downright debilitating - especially when it strikes when you are already ON stage. If you tend to freeze up on stage once you see the audience, try these five tricks for regaining control and enjoying your show.
Master License
If you want to use a recorded version of a song in your visual media project, you will need a master license for music. A master license sometimes works in conjunction with a sync license - learn more about a master license for master recording rights.
One Sheet Template
One sheets, or record sales sheets, are used by distributors to sell releases to stores. Information that could help the store sell your album should be included on the album sales sheet, as well as information the record shop needs to know, like the dealer price for the record and the formats. Find out how to put together a good one sheet that shows your music release in the best light possible.
A&R
A&R people hold a lot of power at a record label; they have the power to make and break deals. Find out more about artist and repertoire.
How to Take Band Photos
Having a good band photo can help you get more press - find out how to take a band photo that is sure to get some attention.
Manager
Artist managers run the day to day business side of things for musicians.
Music Supervisor Profile
A music supervisor works to place music in films, TV shows and advertising. Find out what a music supervisor is and what music supervisor jobs are like, including how to become a music supervisor.
Self Release Pros and Cons
Should you release your music without a record label? There are pros and cons to putting out your own music without a record deal behind you - learn more about the ups and the downs to decide if you should start sending out demos or start working to get your record into the shops yourself.
Demo Dos
You know the record demo don'ts, now learn the record demo dos. These tips will help you help yourself to the best chance of getting some label attention for your demo.
Tour Merchandising
When you're a touring band, the merch you sell at concerts is a big part of your profits. As you get started playing live, your concert merch table might consist of you selling some CDs after you jump off stage, but as your gigs get bigger, you'll find out that tour merchandising is big business. Learn how tour merchandising works and as a musician how much you can expect to earn from your band t-shirt sales.
Five Things NOT To Do When Your Band Plays Live
When your band is playing live, of course you want to turn up and give the crowd your best show - but that isn't the only thing that goes into making the night a success. The way you behave at your show can have major implications when it comes to ever getting booked again - especially if you're new to the touring circuit and trying to build a good reputation for yourself. When you head out to your next concert, avoid these band no-nos and be sure you're invited back to play again.
How to Book a Tour
Find out how to book a concert tour for your band. Taking your show on the road is easier than you think - find out more about booking a concert tour.
Sony BMG
Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Inc., is one of the so called "Big Four" record companies, along with EMI,
Music Promoter Contracts
Contracts are a good way for music promoters and bands alike to ensure their show goes off without a hitch. Find out how to write a contract that is fair to both parties and covers all the important points.
Playing Live 101
Playing live just might be the best thing you can do for your music career. It gives you a chance to connect with your fans, attract new listeners and show off your musical chops to other people in the music industry. A lot of people shy away from playing live because they are not sure how to get started. Learn all about how to book a show and make the most of it, from how to book a venue to how to promote a concert.
Seven Things To Do When Your Band Plays Live
Acing a live music show involves so much more than just playing a good set. Sure, your fans want to hear you playing your best, but convincing those fans to come back time and again requires a little extra elbow grease and planning. Before and during your next show, put these seven things to do when your band plays a show into action and watch those audience numbers climb.
Twitter for Music Promo
Twitter is taking the internet by storm, but can you use it for your music career. Find out how musicians can use Twitter to promote their music.
Hip Hop Producers and Reps
Hip hop producers and hip hop beatmakers occupy a unique space in the music industry, and getting started in these field often requires a different approach that in other genres. Find out more about getting started as a hip hop producer and beatmaker and what role representation plays in the process.
Label
What is a record label? Get the definition of record label and find out more about what they do.
Five Reasons to Get Music Publishing
Like a musician wondering whether they really need label support, many songwriters wonder whether they should get a music publishing deal or go it alone. There are pros and cons to each plan, but signing a music publishing deal brings with it certain benefits. If you're weighing up publishing, consider these five reasons a music publishing company may be able to help you reach your music career goals faster.
Good Cities for Music Jobs?
Does where you live make a difference for your music career? Find out if you need to relocate to make it in music.
Network in the Music Industry
In the music industry, networking is a must - but just how do you do it? These tips for music industry networking will tell you how to network in the music business - even if you hate to network.
Tour Press Release Template
You want bums on seats for your shows? Then you need to let people know they're happening! A tour press release is what you need to get media coverage of your upcoming show - this press release template shows you how.
Music Business Terms
If you want to walk the walk, you have to be able to talk the talk. Use this crib sheet to brush up on your music industry vocab so you always sound like you're one step ahead of the game.
Do I Need a Record Deal?
: Do I Need a Record Deal? : Do you need a record deal? With everyone talking about how much the music
Should I Quit the Band?
Bands are like any relationship - sometimes they just don't work out. Find out when you should jump ship and when you should stick around to work things out.
Start Record Label with No Money
: Can I Start a Record Label with No Money? The advice here is general in nature and is not intended
Gig Booking Step by Step
Get over your gig booking phobia with this step by step guide that takes your from getting a promo package together to taking the stage.
Agent
Agents - you've heard about them, but what do they actually do? Find out what to expect from an agent as a band - or what to expect to be doing if you think you might want to become an agent.
Music Business Degree
Do you need a degree to work in the music industry? Find out about music business degrees and whether you need a degree to work at in the music business.
Indie Label Pros and Cons
What's the best choice for you - an indie label record deal or a major label record deal? Learn more about the pros and cons work getting an independent label record deal.
Indie Label
Indie Record labels are self funded label not connected to one of the Big Four labels.
Rider
Riders are an important part of any gig promotion contract. Find out what exactly it is, and what you can expect to get.
Tour Manager
Tour managers are there to make life on the road go more smoothly. Learn more about their responsibilities and what the job entails.
Guest List
Concert guest lists can be a lot of fun for the musicians and a big headache for whoever is in charge of it. Learn more about what a guest list is and if being on the guest list means the same thing as having a backstage pass.
Pay for Opening Bands?
Many bands get their start as opening acts. How much should you make when you play, and what kind of deal should you avoid?
Four Industry Issues
What are the top music industry issues? Forget about file sharing and check out four issues you really should be worrying about instead.
Load In
Load in is a term used in concert promotion and show booking. Learn more about why knowing what time load in is is important to for your gig.
CD Baby Review
CD Baby offers an easy option for indie labels to get their music into the hands of their customers, without having to worry about a more traditional CD distribution deal. It gets lots of praise, but is it worth the hype? Find out.
Music Business Funding
Deciding you want to work in music is the easy part. Paying for a music career? Now that's hard work. Find out about your different music business funding options so you can keep your music career dreams alive.
Session Musician
Is work as a session musician right for you? Find out about life as a session musician including how to find session musician work in this career profile.
Backline
: Backline is another word for gear or equipment. When a gig is booked, sometime before the concert,
Who Pays for Recording?
Should the band pay for recording costs, or is that the responsibility of the record label? Find out whose name should be on that studio invoice.
Do I Need a Work Permit?
Touring can take you across many national borders, but what about the legality of those border crossings? Depending on your circumstances, you may need a work visa in place before you play. Find out how entertainment work visas apply to you.
Spot a Bad Deal
Unfortunately, the music industry is rife with people looking to make a quick buck off of your dreams. Spotting a bad deal will save you a lot of heartache down the line. Learn the signs of a deal that should have you running in the other direction.
Music Genre
Genre is a term that is used a lot in the music industry, but what is a music genre? Get the definition for genre in this entry in the music industry glossary.
What is the Difference Between Commercial Radio and Non-Commercial Radio?
In the world of radio, there are two very distinct kinds of stations: commercial radio and non-commercial radio. Knowing the difference between these two types of radio is the most basic part of planning a radio promotion campaign that works. Here's what you need to know about commercial radio and non-commercial radio.
Platinum Album
The term platinum album sales is one that gets thrown around a lot but what is a platinum album? How many albums does a record have to sell to be platinum? Learn more in this definition of platinum album sales.
Avoid Music Scams
The path to music industry success is littered with scams. Find out what you should NOT pay for in your music career so you can avoid these music industry scams.
Music Industry Internship
A music business internship can be a great way to learn about the music industry and make connections that will help you find a job in the music industry. Learn more about how to find a music business internship.
Opening Band Etiquette
Being the opening band can be an excellent way to increase your audience and reach new fans, but there are certain rules of the road support bands should follow if they want to be invited to be the opening band again in the future. Check out these opening band etiquette tips to be sure your band gets more chances to take stage in the future.
Work With Your Manager
Artist managers can make a big difference in your music career but they can only help you if you know how to work with them. Find out how to work with your artist manager.
Band Member Contracts?
Band member contracts are a tricky line to walk, and a lot of artists feel uncomfortable even considering them. These contracts, however, may be important for your band - find out why.
ReverbNation Profile
Reverb Nation makes managing all of your online identities a breeze. Get the answer to what is reverb nation and find out how to use Reverb Nation for music promotion.
Apply for Music Business Funds
Paying for a music career is just about the hardest part of keeping the whole thing going. Bands, record labels, promoters, music managers, agents and often face a constant battle of completing their projects while paying the bills. But how you get your music business funding and what you do with the money makes a big difference. Find out what you need to know before you try to get a loan to start a record label or any other music business purpose.
Digipack
Digipack sleeves may look nice, but they're not the answer for every release. Find out more about this style of CD packaging.
Do You Need a Music Publishing Deal?
When you sign a music publishing deal, your life as a songwriter can improved dramatically - or not so much. A less-than-active publishing company can cost you some serious earning potential, plus, if a publishing company does a job you could be doing yourself, you're losing money that you could have kept. Do you need a music publishing deal at all, and what should you consider before you sign? Find out.
Demo Recording Costs?
A music demo is a demonstration of your songs and your sound, and it is your calling card when you're trying to land a record deal, find a manager/agent, get a promoter to put on your show. A record demo is an important thing to have, but does that mean your demo recording costs have to be through the roof? Find out.
Hire Music PR?
Music PR can be extremely helpful in getting the word out about your band, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Find out when you should stump up the cash for a professional and when you should try to do your own music promotion in house.
Create a MySpace Music Page
Many bands find that MySpace Music is the place to be for them. Find out how to cash in on the free MySpace buzz and create your own MySpace music page.
Radio Plugger
Do you want to help influence the radio playlists? Then you may want to become a radio plugger. Radio pluggers promote music to radio stations in hopes of getting the artists they worked for played on air. Learn more about radio PR and radio plugging, including how you can find a plugger if you are the artist and how to become a radio plugger if you think it might be the career for you.
Money and Music 101
Making money in the music industry is always hard work. In fact, it can be hard to get your music project off the ground without the right financial backing. Get the lowdown on how to make money in the music industry and how to get music business loans and music grants.
Choose Songs for Demos
Choosing the right songs for your music demo is so important - after all, your music demo is your introduction, and first impressions count a lot. With so much riding on your demo, find out how to make a music demo that stands out.
Keep Fans at Shows
Playing a show is a great way for musicians to earn new fans, but to make the most of every concert you have to do a little bit of gig promotion work at the show. Find out how to make sure your audience comes back to hear your music again and again.
Hire a Music Lawyer
If you are facing music contracts, you may be wondering how to hire a music lawyer. There is more to the process than just looking up a lawyer in the phone book. You need to hire an entertainment lawyer that can handle your case and fit your budget. Learn more about hiring a music lawyer.
Do I Need a Manager?
As a musician, how important is it to have a music manager on board? Find out more about whether or not you need an artist manager to get your music career off the ground.
What is a Session Musician?
Session musicians take part in many tours and recording sessions. Understanding their function, and how they should be paid, can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
Universal Music Group
A brief history and profile of the world's best selling major record label, Universal Music Group. This mega label plays hosts to many of the biggest names in music, but their past is not without controversy.
Questions to Ask a Manager
Hiring a music manager is a big deal. Your artist manager is someone you will work closely with during your career, so it makes sense to put some effort into finding a good management match. How do you hire a band manager? Find out the questions you need to ask when you hire a music manager.
Q&A with Sound Engineer Kas
Think that sound engineering might be the music industry career for you? Seasoned sound man Simon Kasprowicz (aka Kas to his friends) shares some insight into the job and his advice for getting started.
How Does a Record Label Decide What Advance To Pay
If there is one thing musicians look forward to when they sign a record deal, it is getting an advance check - but how do record labels decide what kind of advance to pay a musician? There are lots of factors that come into play, but across a multi-album deal, one of the most important things to figure out in advance of your contract is the formula for future advances. Here is how labels decide what to pay you for your record deal advance checks.
Blanket License
In music, a blanket license is an important tool used to approved a large amount of music en masse for organizations that use music frequently. Find out how blanket licenses are issued, how much they cost and how the licensing fee is used to pay songwriters and music publishers.
How Are Performance Rights Royalties Paid
As a songwriter, performance rights royalty payments are an important part of making a living. But how are performance rights royalties paid out? The system can be a little confusing, but understanding how music royalties work is critical to making sure you get the money you deserve for your work. Find out how performance rights royalties are distributed and who should be sending songwriters a check.
Electronic Press Kit
Electronic Press Kits, also known as EPKs, are becoming more and more popular in the music industry. Find out what is an electronic press kit and find out if an electronic press kit needs to be part of your music promotion package.
Find Wedding Singer Jobs
How do you find wedding singers jobs? Getting booked as a wedding singer means a lot of pavement beating up front, but once you perform a few successful gigs, wedding singer jobs may come looking for you. Find out how to get started as a wedding singer and how you can build your own wedding music empire.
Should I Go All Digital?
With CD sales falling, many bands and labels are wondering if a digital only release is the way to go. Find out the pros and cons to see if this is the solution for you.
Understanding Royalties: 5 Terms To Know
Music royalties can be difficult to wrap your head around. Who gets paid what when? By who? Royalties are paid for THAT? Royalties AREN'T paid for THAT? The right way to comb through the royalty confusion ISN'T simply to walk away, however. You just have to take understanding music royalties step by step. Before you delve into royalty madness, commit these five terms to memory - they'll help you get a grasp on the topic, fast.
Who Pays Mechanicals?
Who is respsonible for footing the bill for mechanical rights royalties and how are they distributed?

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