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The Muse's News |
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Issue 3.1 - April 2000
ISSN 1480-6975
[ Back to The Muse's News Index ] [ Home ]
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I n T h i s I s s u e :
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@-- Editor's Musings
@-- Q&A with Nancy A. Reece from Carpe Diem Copyright Management
@-- Music Reviews - by Ben Ohmart
@-- Songwriting Book Review - by Jodi Krangle
@-- NEW! - Song Spotlight & Critique - Help your fellow
songwriters improve their craft by listening to a song and
making suggestions to the songwriter directly. Read here for
more. (Back by popular demand...)
@-- Featured Article - PROMOTING ON THE WEB: THE VALUE OF
DIRECTORIES - by Jodi Krangle
@-- Musical Notes - Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
@-- Muse's Clues - by Irene Jackson
@-- Indie Label In Spotlight - Andrea White, Label Manager with
the Indie Label, Daemon.
@-- On Site Featured Article - An article already online for your
viewing pleasure.
@-- Classifieds & Useful Services
@-- Contact information
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ISSN 1480-6975. Copyright 1998 - Jodi Krangle. For more contact
information, see end of issue.
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If you enjoy The Muse's News, why not suggest it to friends?
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----------------------------------------------------
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
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Well folks, I'm going to keep this particular Musing *really* short
because this issue is already quite long and I don't want to stint
on other stuff. ;-)
My only real announcement just now is that Bruce Donaldson in
Mannheim, Germany has won a copy of our reviewed book this issue,
MUSIC PUBLISHING 101 CRASH COURSE by Regina Smith. I know he'll
find it extremely useful reading and I hope a few more of you will
consider picking up a copy - especially if you read Nancy's
Copyright & Publishing Q&A column avidly every month.
Otherwise, as usual, please check
http://www.musesmuse.com/whatsnew.html for up-to-date additions to
the web site (there's always something new!). There are big things
on the horizon here at The Muse's Muse. Nothing to announce just
yet though. I promise I'll keep you posted.
All the best,
--Jodi
Back to Menu
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C o p y r i g h t & P u b l i s h i n g Q & A :
with Nancy A. Reece of Carpe Diem Copyright Management
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Q: I have been approached by a non-profit group to put together an
album with some song parodies that I have written and frequently
perform for fun. If this album was a not-for-profit production, or
any income derived from some sales (to offset costs) was used by
charity or by the non-profit group...what permissions, or waivers,
or fees would we expect to incur? - Thank you. -- Mark
------------------
A: I think that there is another Q&A on parody in the back files,
so take a peek. The best way to be sure that you are doing a
parody and not a derivative work is to ask yourself: "What am I
poking fun of or calling attention to" .. The parody must be of the
SONG. It is not considered a parody if you take the melody and
make funny lyrics dealing with another matter.
A parody requires proper mechanical licensing. A derivative must
have permission from the copyright holder and more than likely the
lyric will quickly become their ownership and not yours.
------------------
Q: Nancy, Hi. I am rhythm guitarist for a newly formed rock group
in North Wales, UK. There are 4 of us, aged 16 to 18, and we are
currently writing our own material, with the aim of playing local
gigs, and possibly (hopefully) securing some sort of record
contract. We would like to do things properly, and I was wondering
if you could provide some sort of guidance, or a sample, of a
contract that would be legally binding - basically saying that all
profits/copyrights etc. are to belong to the band as a whole, and
not to individuals. Any other information you could provide about
legal or business matters for a new band would also be greatly
appreciated. -- Phil D.
------------------
A: Hey Phil.
I'm glad to hear that you are wanting to do the right thing from
day one by getting the papers in order. With underage guys in the
band, a guardian would also need to sign any agreements for them to
be binding. Because you are in the UK and I know precious
little on regulations there, I must refer you to an intellectual
property counsel where you live for assistance.
A group partnership agreement should be easy to draft. I would
recommend that it say that the company (the partnership) is owned
in equal parts and then set up a division for the publishing. Then
the group would own equal shares of the publishing. The writer's
shares can then be agreed on per composition and added into the
publishing catalogue.
We can draft these types of agreements here in my office for a fee
but I would still have counsel review them in your territory to be
sure they are binding.
--Nancy
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New Questions & Answers for March 2000 can be found at:
http://www.musesmuse.com/pub-march00.html
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*****
Carpe Diem's owner and president, Nancy A. Reece has been
involved in the music business since 1983. She was the president
of an independent advertising agency for eight years as well as a
successful personal artist manager for nine years. She
represented the careers of several recording artists and
songwriters including those with EMI, Zomba and Liberty Records
as well as Benson, Starsong, WoodBridge, Temple Hall and N'Soul
Records. She also represented, for a number of years, a Grammy
and Dove nominated record producer. Reece has won awards of
excellence in print magazine advertising and has been named as
one of 2,000 Notable American Women (1995) as well as being
listed in the International Who's Who of Professional and
Business Women (1993). She was also named Cashbox Magazine's
Promoter of the Year (1989).
**If you would like to ask Nancy a copyright or publishing
question for our continuing Q&A section, please send your e-mail
to nreece@musesmuse.com. She can't guarantee she'll get to all of
the questions, but she'll certainly try.**
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M u s i c R e v i e w s : by Ben Ohmart
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Larry Murante - Water's Edge
Light sounds from a fine crooner who lifts up your soul in songs
like 'This Ship', with its interesting piano and acoustic guitar
marriage behind the vocals. But it begins with 'katie lights
another cigarette / she pulls it to her mouth / she takes in one
big breath / she blows it out', from 'Katie's House'. A cross
between folk and country. If you don't like it, you can leave. It's
Katie's house. 'Streets of Seattle' sounds like the hit single to
me. The nude voice in front of the good guitar lick/tune tells the
story of a city most of us don't know. I know it rains a lot there,
but now I know a lot more. Full color song. 11 songs from a voice
that would make a good pirate. The way he holds his note at times,
he could out shout the splashing water ahead of him. Indeed, he
seems a traveler.
lmsings@aol.com
---------------
Jonasay
5 song EP from guys I'm sorry I haven't heard of. The name sounds a
little familiar but now they will stick in my mind. They have to
after songs like 'Ultraman' and 'Waiting For Godot'. Product so
clean you could eat off them. And 'Coming Down' is nearly 6 minutes
of smooth ballad that robs a little from smooth jazz, add some good
vocals, and there's a cry song coming your way. Beautiful stuff.
ind@jonasay.com
---------------
OTHER NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Bobbie Lynn - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-lynn.html
Lynette Schultz - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-schultz.html
Mann Wolf - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-mannwolf.html
Kelly Brock - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-brock.html
Amy Syd - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-syd.html
Blue Taxi - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-bluetaxi.html
John Taglieri - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-taglieri.html
Che'Zuro - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-zuro.html
Go-rin-no-sho - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-go.html
Rude Awakening - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-rude.html
Kellie Powell - http://www.musesmuse.com/mrev-powell.html
---------------
******
Ben Ohmart has had 100s of stories and poems in zines and
journals, and had 4 plays produced last year. His lyrics will be
on 2 CDs this year, 1 a gothic album, the other a rock album.
He's currently writing films, with hopes of having one done in
Malaysia soon, and is also trying to break into the prison of
television. He's white, 26, single and loves British comedy. He
lives in Boalsburg, PA, and enjoys watching rabbits eat his
garbage. Contact him at: ohmart@musesmuse.com .
**Ben has kindly consented to do music reviews for this
publication and also for The Muse's Muse itself. If you have an
independently released CD or tape that you'd like to get
reviewed, send it off to: Ben Ohmart, P O Box 750, Boalsburg, PA
16827 or drop by his Music Reviews web section at
http://www.musesmuse.com/musicreviews.html for more details.**
Back to Menu
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S o n g w r i t i n g B o o k R e v i e w s : by Jodi Krangle
MUSIC PUBLISHING 101 CRASH COURSE (Made Simple & Easy)
by Regina Smith - http://www.101crashcourse.com/
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Does music publishing confuse you? If it does, MUSIC PUBLISHING
101 CRASH COURSE by Regina Smith is the book for you. While it's
always best to seek the services of a certified professional if
you're talking about anything near legal advice, this book explains
the ins and outs of music publishing in simple, easy-to-understand
terms that will, at the very least, give you the right questions to
ask the professionals when you talk to them. A lot of this
information should definitely be a part of any songwriter's
education - especially in light of the fact that most songwriters
are handling the business side of their career in as much detail as
they handle their creative side. Chapters include the history of
copyrights, copyright protection, registration (this is a US
publication, remember. Some of the rules may not apply to you if
you're living and writing outside of the US - but the general idea
is there), sampling, infringement, fair use, advances and
recoupment, the songwriter/publisher relationship and a lot more
that you'll find incredibly useful. The back of the book also has
a great appendix that includes listings of songwriting associations
with all their contact info, music conferences and libraries. Are
you one of those many songwriters that handles your own business?
If so, make sure you know about publishing. Knowledge is power.
Arming yourself with the knowledge in Regina's book could mean the
difference between being screwed and making the money your song is
worth. I'll end this review with the author's own words:
"Persistence, perseverance, determination and driving ambition are
incredibly important elements in having success in this business.
I hope you have plenty of it." Thanks, Regina.
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NEW!S o n g S p o t l i g h t & C r i t i q u e :
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It seems quite a few of you are still interested in this particular
section of the newsletter. So by popular demand (which will last
only as long as I have other songs to put forth in the newsletter -
so if you're considering writing to me - don't consider - DO IT.
:-)) here it is again.
If you're going to respond to this latest offering, please make
sure that your criticism is constructive and that you cc' your
messages to me at critique@musesmuse.com if you don't mind those
comments being printed in this newsletter or on the web site.
Here's the Spotlight for this month:
*********************
Mike Smith - Strength
Lyrics & Music are in the same location at:
http://www.woden.com/~mikey/strength.html
The music sample is real audio - but for a free MP3 sample, you can
listen at http://stage.vitaminic.co.uk/pyramid/
Send your critiques to Mike at mikey@woden.com
*********************
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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e :
PROMOTING ON THE WEB: THE VALUE OF DIRECTORIES
by Jodi Krangle
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Chances are that by now, if you have a web site, you've figured out
you need to promote it on the web before anyone but your family and
friends will be able to find it. There are lots of good services
for this sort of thing. One of them is offered through The Muse's
Muse @ http://www.musesmuse.com/promo.html. Not all services are
created alike, however. Make sure you ask a lot of questions -
firstly about how many places you're being submitted to. Also make
sure that you're not paying any more than $50 USD for the service.
Anything more is a rip-off. The Muse's Muse, for instance, offers
a 3 month package, submissions 2 weeks apart (which means you're
submitted 6 different times) plus e-mailed reporting for that $50.
Make sure you're getting your money's worth!
But there is one thing these services *can't* help you with (and
shouldn't, in my opinion): submitting to DIRECTORIES. Web
Directories such as Yahoo! and The Open Directory Project
(dmoz.org) aren't search engines. They don't "crawl" your site
once given the main url. They don't automatically catalogue your
site at all. They categorize based upon the whims of a human
editor. What does this mean to you, the web site owner?
1) CONTENT IS STILL KING:
Your site should have some content before they'll allow it to be
placed in their directory. Try having some information on your
site such as in depth stuff about your band or your background, a
performance date listing, press clippings, maybe even interesting
trivia about the band or yourself. Try also to have a good bunch of
links that you think might be relevant to those dropping by. One
of the BEST ways to spread the word about your site (even better
than submitting to search engines!) is to exchange links with other
people and having a section set aside for that purpose just makes
it easier.
2) CONSIDER GETTING YOUR OWN DOMAIN NAME:
I hate to tell you this, but unfortunately, directories are less
likely to categorize a site on IUMA or MP3.com or any service like
that. Even if they do, you're likely to be low on their totem
pole. MP3.com and sites like it certainly do serve a purpose - and
a valuable one at that - but they very rarely have any appreciable
content and they also are usually only one page. I always advise
those serious about promoting themselves on the net to get their
own domain name (it's not very expensive at all these days. Try a
service like http://www.register.com/), or at the very least, a web
page on a free service with some actual information present on more
than a few pages. The more the site has to offer, the better
disposed the human editors at the directories are likely to be
towards it.
3) CHOOSE YOUR CATEGORY CAREFULLY:
If you have a sizable amount of content, try submitting yourself
to more than one but try to limit it to no more than three at the
start. Once you're already accepted and the editors have glanced
around your site, it's possible they'll consider categorizing other
sections of it if you try again later and you're certain those
individual sections have merit all on their own. For instance, I
have several sections on The Muse's Muse that are categorized
separately. The classified section appears on its own within
Yahoo! and so does the Songwriting Lounge Chat page. I also have a
listing for the home url of the entire web site. This is all
legitimate because each section *does* stand alone. In any case,
the bottom line is that you should choose a category that fits the
subject matter of your web site as closely as possible and if you
have different sections with stand-alone info you feel is valuable,
submit those to the appropriate category too.
4) DON'T KID A KIDDER:
Don't try to put one over on them. These are human editors,
remember. Yes, they display their content alphabetically, but if
you try putting an "A" in front of the title of your entry just to
get yourself listed higher, it's likely to get your submission
tossed in the figurative wastebasket instead. Think about your
title carefully. If you can start the title of your web site with
a word that has something to do with the content of your web site
and is also higher up in the alphabet, that's great. Give it a
shot. But don't be obvious about it and try to keep the title down
to five words or less. Most of the time, it's just best to go with
the actual name of your web site and leave it at that. I'd also
advise that you stick to a description that's 25 words or less. On
Yahoo! this is VERY strictly enforced. On dmoz.org, much less so -
but they're a little more likely to edit your entry if they place
you. It's always best to make their job easier. Also DON'T try to
get yourself listed twice in the same section by removing the www
at the front of the url and submitting both versions.
(Ex: http://www.musesmuse.com and http://musesmuse.com) It won't
work and it will annoy the editor - something you don't want to do
if you're trying to get placed.
5) NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF DMOZ.ORG
You probably already know how important it is to be listed on
Yahoo!. But how much do you know about dmoz.org or The Open
Directory Project? If you don't know a lot, visit dmoz.org, have a
look around, then visit Hotbot.com, Lycos.com, AOL's Netfind
(http://search.aol.com/) & Netscape.com - to name a few. All of
these locations use filtered dmoz.org information for their
listings - which means that if you get placed on dmoz.org, you'll
eventually find yourself in ALL of these listings at once. There's
about a week to two week delay between finding yourself listed on
dmoz.org and the filtering down of the information to the other
sites that draw their results from that location. This is the best
darned directory you never heard of. If you haven't gotten
yourself listed there, DO IT NOW. It takes a little bit less time
to get listed than Yahoo! at this point (though they're getting
slower) and the results will be amazing.
6) IF YOU AREN'T GETTING A LISTING, BE *POLITE*!!:
After about three weeks of waiting and not seeing your entry
appear, it's pretty safe to say that the editor is either really
far behind, or you're not in the running. Write to the editor. At
the bottom of each section you've submitted your site to on
dmoz.org, you'll find a link to the editor's profile. You can find
his or her e-mail address there. On Yahoo, e-mail
url-support@yahoo-inc.com and include your pertinent info,
including site URL, your e-mail, date you submitted your site, and
the desired categories within that communication. But above all,
BE POLITE. These are real people you're writing to, not robots.
They appreciate a kind word and a polite inquiry just as much as
any of us would. They also get thousands of submissions in a day.
Give them something to smile about. By the time they read your
note, they'll need it! If you're not listed, simply ask them why,
if there's something you need to change about your listing in order
to make it acceptable, and mention the information suggested above.
It might take a little more effort to be nice, especially if you've
been waiting a long time, but it's always worth it. Trust me.
Another tip for getting listed faster with Yahoo is to try
submitting your site to the relevant category within a regional
Yahoo. This is really only useful if you're located in the States,
unfortunately, but if you are, it can sometimes take as many as
weeks quicker to get listed there than elsewhere on Yahoo - and
those results get filtered to the regular Yahoo! site after the
next database update.
Promoting yourself on the web is getting easier all the time but
while it's possible to automate a lot of things, submitting to the
directories really should be done manually - and by YOU - the
person who best knows your web site. Give it a shot. What do you
have to lose but anonymity?
Good luck!
******
Jodi Krangle resides in Toronto Canada (specifically Thornhill) and
is the proprietess of The Muse's Muse Songwriting Resource at
http://www.musesmuse.com/. In her day job, she's the Marketing Director &
Webmaster for a gaming software development company called Zillions
Development Corporation (http://www.zillions-of-games.com/). Jodi is also
an active musician and voice over professional. In her spare time,
she can often be found doing studio vocals, writing songs (though
not as often as she'd like), performing with her folk group, Urban
Tapestry (http://www.inkspot.com/ut), and working on her web site
until the wee hours of the morning.
Back to Menu
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M u s i c a l N o t e s : Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
In the interest of conserving space, I will only be including
changes to this listing in this newsletter. All other contests
and market information that have already been listed here, are
displayed at http://www.musesmuse.com/contests.html &
http://www.musesmuse.com/markets.html . Please check there
regularly for updates!
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"THE B# NEWSLETTER" IS A MONTHLY MUSIC BUSINESS NEWSLETTER
exclusively for independent musicians. Each issue presents
POWERFUL articles by such TOP Indie Execs. as; Tim Sweeney, Suzanne
Glass, Derek Sivers, Holly Figueroa, & Mark Baxter! VITAL info to
enhance every aspect of your career. See subscriber testimonials
at http://nba.jumptunes.com/, then click on the "Clients" button.
Get a sample issue with a blank Email to bsharp0300@GetResponse.com.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Listen Loud Publishing is looking for some great R&B love songs.
Also some great latin/dance music.
Send demos to:
LISTEN LOUD PUBLISHING
1006 HYDE PARK CT
CLEBURNE TX 76031
Email: jbeaupre@flash.net for more details.
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ATTN: SINGER/SONGWRITERS WITH A CD MASTER:
If you are a singer/songwriter with a Mastered CD of your song or
songs, I will be glad to review them. We are not PUBLISHING,
WHAT WE DO AT HIGGINS MUSIC GROUP
We work with several styles of music: Country, Southern Gospel,
Christian Country, BlueGrass, Contemporary Christian , and R&B.
Our radio promotional CD's use one cut from each of 10 carefully
selected artists. We print a color picture (about the size of a
quarter) of each singer on the face of the disc , and we mail out
to 1000 DJ's and we track the activity for each singer/artists
airplay and report back to you. We are the best, most effective
Radio CD service in the USA..DJ's have worked with us extensively,
and ALWAYS give our discs a listen/play. We are very careful to put
only the BEST cuts of the BEST sounding songs/singers on each
project. The majority of our artists are Independents, but we
have also had many Major label artists, as well...such as Randy
Travis, Linda Davis, Emmy Lou Harris, Lee Ann Womack, Mark Wills,
Jeff Carson, Sawyer Brown,etc. We also have the Christian Country
Music Assn. and Power Source Magazine under this umbrella, and we
have the annual CCMA awards show at the Ryman Auditorium. Be sure
to mark to MY attention!
ATTENTION: RUTHIE STEELE
CCMA-HMG
PO Box 101336
Nashville, Tn. 37224
Email: DJpromoDJ@aol.com if you have questions.
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IN SEARCH OF FRESH NEW TALENT:
Abet Music is holding a songwriting contest in search of fresh new
talent to showcase to industry professionals nationwide. At Abet
Music, our goal is to give indie artists a chance to be discovered.
Fifteen winners will have their music included on our annual
compilation CD and presented to our A&R friends at major labels
throughout the country. Prizes will also be awarded to winners in
six categories, including Song of the Year, Production, Lyrics,
Music, Vocals and Musicianship. Winners will be announced on
October 31, 2000.
Check http://www.abetmusic.com/ for more details
or e-mail: avo@abetmusic.com
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ONLINEROCK IS A WEB-BASED COMMUNITY FOR MUSICIANS, MUSIC
PROFESSIONALS & DIE-HARD MUSIC FANS:
Visit OnlineRock and build your free Web site, post classifieds
on our musician's 'sounding board,' learn about the latest music
gear, recording technology and more. OnlineRock's mission is to
empower musicians so that they can promote, distribute (and soon
sell) their own music to fans anywhere in the world. Drop on by
http://www.onlinerock.com/ when you get a chance.
(You can sign up for a free web site with OnlineRock directly
through The Muse's Muse!
Have a look at http://www.musesmuse.com/onlinerock-form.html )
Back to Menu
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
On television last week I saw an in depth interview with Billy Joel
where he discussed his life, his successes and failures and, most
importantly of all, his songwriting! I realize that the subject of
songwriting doesn't appeal to the masses the way listening to music
does, but wouldn't it be great if you could tune into a show every
week that was ALL about just that? Well, you CAN!!
The "Lyrical Line" (http://www.lyricalline.com/) is a wonderful
songwriting resource that has been mentioned in this newsletter
before, and digging around it last week, I came across a page that
features a radio show called "I Write The Songs"
(http://www.lyricalline.com/show/index.html) . You can listen to
the show every week in Real Audio format, plus several weeks of
shows are archived so you can listen anytime! Mary Dawson, the
creator of the show, also happens to write a column for the Muse's
Muse called "Mary's Musings"
(http://www.musesmuse.com/marydawson.html). Joining her is Sharon
Braxton, who's expertise is in the area of the legal aspects of
songwriting and media journalism.
At the time of this writing, the most recent show is an interview
with Jason Blume discussing his adventures in the business of
songwriting. Jason also participated in the Muse's Muse chat in
the Songwriter's Lounge on Jan.17. But other shows featured are
all to do with songwriting itself, including the "Songwriter Spring
Training Series", which discusses the three basic commercial song
forms in great depth, including their history!
Another show is a critique session of songs that are sent in by
listeners, and yet another is titled "A New Year's Test For Serious
Songwriters" which is designed to test your strengths and
weaknesses as a songwriter. But you have to hurry to catch up on
the shows that are archived there before they disappear!
******
Irene Jackson is a performing songwriter from Victoria, BC in
Canada. Aside from writing, recording and performing, she also
maintains a website for songwriters that includes tips, articles
and more links of interest. Her latest CD "Motor Scooter" has
had attention everywhere from Japan to South America, and a new
release is due out sometime in 1999.
Songwriting Tips: http://www.irenejackson.com/tips.html
Homepage: http://www.irenejackson.com/
Songs on MP3:
http://www.mp3.com/artists/20/irene_jackson.html
Back to Menu
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I N D I E L A B E L I N S P O T L I G H T :
-- Andrea White, Executive from Daemon
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Ever wonder what it's like to be with an indie label? Or what
might be required of you if you sign with one? Andrea very
generously took some time from her busy schedule to answer those
very questions...
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Q: How did you get Daemon started? Can you tell me what was
involved and why you decided to do it?
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A: I was working in retail and environmental activism and had
recently quit my job. Amy and I had been friends for years and she
just called me up and said " You want a job?" She needed someone
to oversee the label since she's on the road so much and also
wanted to have someone who was like minded in political concerns.
I had a small informal interview and we went over everything that
would be my responsibility. I was a bit overwhelmed but I love a
challenge and this was it! Also, being able to have a mix of
music, business, and political activism all in one was a dream for
me.
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Q: You speak about Amy needing someone to work with her "who was
like minded in political concerns" Can you explain what those
political concerns were - and what they've become over time (if
they've changed or been refined since you first started there)?
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A: The environment, politics, and big business are a concern in
every decision we make. From our cds being digipaks made of
recycled materials and soy inks to printing all our press kits on
recycled or hemp paper. We've done several benefit cds over the
years. One to help with gun violence concerns and another to help
with Native American environmental issues. Now we're currently
helping to campaign for Low Power Radio.
We just feel that it's important to be a socially responsible
business. Support local/small businesses etc. There is a great
book by Ben & Jerry that explains this concept and is very
inspiring. The book is called "Ben & Jerry's Double Dip - How to
Run a Values-Led Business and Make Money Too." Just look what
they've done!
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Q: It's really wonderful to hear that while you're helping to
develop the talent of musicians and songwriters, you're also
looking out for the environment and the social issues of the day.
How is it that you choose the talent you represent on your label?
What things do you look for in an artist?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A: Usually what we look for it great songwriting. Doesn't matter
what genre. We have singer/songwriters, pop, rock, trip-hop,
hip-hop and even an alternative country artist. Most of the time
someone from the label has seen the artist play and then we kind of
get to know them first. We were doing these all-ages Saturday
afternoon shows in Atlanta for awhile and would ask local bands we
wanted to see. It was kind of a showcase for them but they didn't
know it. We ended up signing three local bands that way. Also,
Amy sees a lot of artists in her travels and often brings the
artist to us to see if we like them. If so, we'll sign them. We
all have to agree.
We've only signed one band from a demo tape believe it not. A pop
band called Three Finger Cowboy from Birmingham, AL. They had sent
in a tape and Amy didn't get to it until about a year later (we get
a ton of tapes) and she called me and said "I love this band - we
have to sign them" Of course I couldn't remember the tape and was
afraid they would have split up by then. We got lucky though. We
had them come up to Atlanta to play, loved them, and asked them to
join our family.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Q: What happens after you decide to sign an artist? What do they
have to do and what do you have to do to get the ball rolling?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A: First, a contract is in order. They are very basic and pretty
much are in favor of the artist. The only unusual thing is that we
require the artist(s) to work 20 hours in our office helping to
promote themselves. This isn't to do the label's work but so they
can learn how a label is run. We want them to know how things
operate so if they go on to bigger and better things they'll have a
better understanding of how a label is run and can make more
informed decision in their future. It's also a lot of fun and
gives us a chance to get to know them better.
We give them total artistic freedom. We decide on a budget and
they decide where they want to record, mix, and master. With this
money they hand over a master and artwork for their cd and we do
the rest.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Q: Great! What's "the rest" ? ;-)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A: Well, first we manufacture the cds and set a street date. We
decide on how to tackle promotion - since our artist could be folk,
rock, hip-hop etc - everything is different. We send promos to
print and retail stores and follow up with phone calls. Radio is
different for each - with some we do it and others we'll hire a
radio promotion company. We also have a very high traffic website
and add each artist to this.
We basically do everything but book the band. Once they give us
tour dates, we follow them with promotion also. Print, interviews,
instores etc. Our big problem at this point is getting the bands
to tour. Artists will get nowhere if they don't tour with their
release. No touring equals no sales. To help curb this, we've
recently decided that we'll work/spend as hard as they tour. This
makes the bands a bit more responsible for their success. Too often
a band has this idea that once they've been signed their work is
done. We can spend months promoting their cd but if they don't
make a name for themselves we're just spinning our wheels.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Q: This makes a lot of sense. Any tips for artists on how they can
get themselves gigs? Have you found anything in particular that's
worked well in the past for the artists you represent?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A: Well, we can usually tell which of our artists are going to do
well in the booking area. It's persistence! Unfortunately it's
not as easy to get a booking agent these days and most bands find
they have to do it on their own. It can get very discouraging when
you don't get a response from a club but just keep pushing. We
also try to encourage our artists to hook up with others and tour
together. Both bands will have clubs that they do well in and this
gets the other in the door. Sometimes if you offer a package deal
it works out.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Q: What do you think the advantages are for an artist going with an
indie label? Pros and cons?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A: With a small indie you'll probably get more attention from the
label and hopefully the artists will have a bit more personal input
and freedom.
Majors have the money though and are able to give tour support and
dump a lot on advertising. Just remember though - the more they
spend, the harder it is for you to recoup.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Q: What's in store for Daemon in the future? Where's the label
going and what new releases is the label particularly proud of that
you'd like to mention?
-----------------------------------------------------------------
A: Daemon just turned ten years old and we are in the process of
making a documentary and booking a small tour of the southeast with
different artists of present and past. We're also going to put out
a solo release by our owner, Amy Ray.
We'll just keep plugging along and hope to bring some good music
your way.
My favorite new releases are Rose Polenzani and ph Balance. Rose
is a singer/songwriter from Chicago with haunting lyrics and ph
Balance is an Atlanta trip-hop band fronted by local diva Pam Howe.
******
Andrea White has been the Label Manager at Daemon for over four
years. She has a 12 year background in environmental/political
activism and has also been involved with the creation and promotion
of environmental education for children as well as concert
promotions. She lives in Atlanta with her 3 cats and 2 dogs.
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" O N S I T E " F E A T U R E D A R T I C L E :
A Muse Ment
by Danny McBride
http://www.musesmuse.com/amusement.html
Danny leads us through this slightly comical inner discussion about
attending workshops entitled "The Art & Craft of Songwriting".
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C l a s s i f i e d s & U s e f u l S e r v i c e s :
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THE MUSICIANS TIP SHEET
A free newsletter for musicians which includes many industry
contacts and informative information about the music industry.
To subscribe please send an email to:
musicians-tipsheet-subscribe@egroups.com
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THE SONGWRITING EDUCATION RESOURCE
Stop by the educational songwriting website run by professional
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OnlineRock, a Web community giving bands and musicians free tools
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SongLeads - professional tipsheet for songwriters regarding who's
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Jodi Krangle ............................................. EDITOR
Kathryn Obenshain ...........................GRACIOUS PROOFREADER
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Muse's News is a free monthly newsletter for and about
songwriters. Subscribers are welcome to recirculate or reprint
The Muse's News for nonprofit use as long as the appropriate
credit is given and the ENTIRE text of the newsletter is
included (including credits and information at the end of each
issue). Others should contact me at editor@musesmuse.com.
All articles copyrighted by their authors.
Back issues and other information will be available at:
http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html
The Muse's News is part of The Muse's Muse, a web resource for
songwriters: http://www.musesmuse.com/
For further information, send your e-mail to:
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adinfo@musesmuse.com - How to place a classified ad, pass
on market information or sponsor
The Muse's News.
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editor@musesmuse.com - To submit articles,reviews,ideas,etc.
SNAILMAIL: Please contact me first at editor@musesmuse.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back issues of the newsletter can be read at the National
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