Ignorance can be bliss, if Unannounced!

I recently listened to an artist who was talking to a group of Music Executives. He was obviously trying to sell his band to the professionals that stood before him by candidly announcing “We are ready to take our career to the next level, however, we know NOTHING about the music industry!” I cringed immediately. He should have saved his breath and just stamped “take advantage of me and my band” on his forehead.

So many bands make the mistake of letting their ignorance show to the WRONG people. Now, don’t get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with being honest. Honesty is appreciated when you are speaking to your manager, friends and parents; but not to lawyers and record execs who have absolutely no loyalty to you, especially when they have only one concern and one concern only – How to make money off of you!

Everyone is so quick to say how the “Record Labels are destroying the Music Industry” but that isn’t quite true. The Majors (and many Independents) couldn’t ink the ridiculous deals they create if bands refused to sign them! It’s simple supply and demand. Bands CHOOSE to ignore that the Music Business is a Business and once they are locked into a deal that takes them for all that they are worth, they begin to complain about the unfairness of their label. Granted, some labels have issues with not delivering and/or meeting certain financial obligations after the execution of a deal, however, the MAJORITY of issues come from the fine print in the original contract in which the band didn’t take time to research.

Folks, IT’S NOT the job of the industry to educate YOU in its business; It’s YOUR job to educate YOU as well as perfecting your craft. If you only learn one thing from me ever, I want you to learn this:

It’s better to educate yourself and seek a QUALIFIED manager than to seek a LABEL on your own, to sign you!

Think about this for a moment. The job of the manager is to further your career to the best of their ability because you are their investment. They are going to work extremely hard in order to reach the highest possible level. They know that their blood, sweat and tears is worth the fight because they believe in you! Therefore, they care about your performance, your physical and emotional health, the toll of the road, right down to your personal life and balance as a whole. They have loyalty to you and become part of your band family. They take the heat and stand up for what is in your best interest without ever missing a beat. They consistently place themselves under the tremendous stresses of the industry while maintaining the role of “parental figure” for the band. Managers are truly the backbone to your establishment. (Pretty impressive, huh?)

Now, do you really think the record label is going to care about you in the same way? The record label ONLY cares about one thing and that is: How many records can you sell? The minute your band stops selling records, they shelf you. They do not care about the band behind the music and/or you as a person. There is no loyalty and most of the time, they will require you to fire your manager (and use theirs) upon signing the deal. Sadly, in many cases, this is when the band slowly starts their downward decline. Why? It’s because the label will approach the band FIRST, if possible. They will send out an A&R rep (close to the age of the band) and promise “the world”. Their job is to excite you on the hype, not the details. Once you are wrapped up in the glam, the contract comes out. When your manager states that “this contract isn’t really in your best interest”, the A&R rep is quick to let the band know that the manager is “holding you back from the dream!” The next thing you know, the one person who cared the most is left behind, bitter and with reason. When that happens, I blame the manager. I blame the manager because many times, it’s a direct result of the manager working harder than the band and allowing them to be spoiled without proper discipline and respect. (Other times, it’s because the band has the brain of a small cabbage and deserves the fate to come:) )

Either way, the bottom line is this: Knowledge is power and in the Music Industry, you can never have enough! As a musician, you MUST remember that success is NOT just about sheer talent. It’s about having the total package (talent, balance, style, attitude, commercial appeal etc.) combined with a qualified management team that will get you to your goal. Always remember where you came from, keep your head level and trust in those you work with. As the ole phrase goes – be careful who you step on on the way up, because they will be the people you pass on the way back down.

Oh and before I forget – If you are ever in the position to “pitch your band”, let your manager do the talking because you probably do not possess the type of information the Execs are looking for. No one expects you to know everything (ie: differences between a P&D and the 360 deal etc.) but announcing that you don’t, isn’t helpful in negotiation. Just save it until you are alone with your manager. Until then, just smile and nod while s/he does the talking and remember that ignorance CAN be bliss, if unannounced!

What You need to know about Music Conferences & Festivals

Ahhh – Summer. I love the summer. It’s the marking of multiple Music Conferences, Festivals and other Events nationwide; which also means – “A Time for Opportunity!” Whenever I hear about an artist who needs a record label, a tour and/or even networking prospects…now is the time! Being the Executive Panelist Coordinator for the Atlantis Music Conference & Festival, I get asked a multitude of questions and I figured I would cover what a “Music Conference” is and how it can benefit you!

First off, once an artist averages more hours a week practicing than socializing they should consider investing into a Music Conference. These Conferences should be for (in this order) Education, Networking and Shared Experience. Now, many conferences boast about the opportunities to be “discovered” and “signed” but what does this mean? In reality, is it enough alone to justify the investment? Let’s break it down.

The discovery aspects are most likely not going to happen until you have a team in place that has connections strong enough to get the music industry to your show. If your ONLY motivation is to go play at a conference in the hopes an A&R HAPPENS upon your show and signs you, that’s not a wise investment, more of a gamble on a penny stock; meaning, never say never, it HAS happened, but the odds are not in your favor.

However, at Atlantis, if you feel you are ready for that record label deal and you DO NOT have a team in place; Atlantis can provide the platform for you through the “Music Industry Face-off”. It’s where your band is guaranteed a spot to perform directly in front of an A&R panel and the Majors in your genre. You receive immediate feedback on the spot and YES, we have had record contracts inked for those who were undeniably talented. (That happened again this past September 2007!) Please note: The Music Industry Face-Off is NOT part of the normal registration. Therefore, if you are looking for this type of opportunity and plan on coming to Atlantis, make sure you register for the Music Face-Off instead of the regular submission in advance especially since spots are limited and there is a deadline. Also, not ALL conferences offer this type of opportunity. Make sure you ask the conference you are attending if they do and the qualifications of the panel.

Now, let’s say you ARE accepted to perform out of the thousands who submit, whether it’s Atlantis and/or your Regional/Local Event. The biggest mistake I see our artists make is showing up to the venue, playing their show and leaving immediately afterwards and not taking advantage of attending any of the 4 days of education, networking and experience at their fingertips. Many Music Conferences have panels that are an incredible resource! Some of the topics covered are Songwriting, Producing, A&R, Touring, Promotion, Distribution, Legal, Management, Marketing, Recording, Building your Career through the Internet, DIY and Major Label options! The panelists are the Cream of the Crop, the Top Industry Professionals that you may never have a chance to reach and/or connect with at any other given point.

Now, some conferences only focus on getting a “major label deal” which isn’t always helpful. I truly believe that a conference needs to provide much more than that. At Atlantis, our unwavering mission statement for 11 years has been to service the artists through education, dedicated feedback and to service the industry by providing the greatest platform of discovery for new talent Worldwide through our showcases in all genres. We do not have an opinion of Indie vs. Major vs. DIY, our role is provide knowledge about all the above so that our artists can make the best educated decision as it relates to their goals.

Even with all of the benefits of a conference for an aspiring musician, the number one question is “How much is this going to cost us?” I took the time to total up the average 4 person band below as if you were coming to perform at Atlantis. (Keep in mind, gas prices vary area to area, but I based it on Atlanta, Georgia gas prices because my mother didn’t answer the phone when I called to ask her the average gas rate is in UpState, NY currently, so blame her if it’s off a quarter or three!)

Out of Town Artist

$35.00 – Submission Fee, if submitted on time.
$129.00 – One Bedroom Suite at the Granada if booked by August 30^th, 2008
$12.00 – Parking overnight at the Granada
$240.00 – Van Rental, 2 days @ $120 a day, unlimited mileage
$126.00 – Gas, average trip 540 miles @ $3.50/gallon at 15 miles a gallon for a 12/15 pass van.
$240.00 – Food – 2 days, two/three meals a day, $30/person a day, 4 members per group

$782.00

This equates to approximately $195.50 per band member! Stick $47.00 aside each week for a month and you are there! (I have seen bands spend more on cigarettes and beer.)

Now, is it better to attend multiple conferences or try to develop a “buzz” at a single event? In other words, should artists be spending travel money to reach the executives or should they wait for them to come to their local/regional event? It is best if you can afford it, to attend MULTIPLE conferences. NEVER wait for the industry to come to YOU! Go to where they are all congregated in ONE place. Every conference is different. Make sure you do your homework. If you are a Rock band and the Music Conference only specializes in Country with Top Country Pros, you are wasting your time. Look for the event that provides you the most for what you do and specialize in. Also, make sure the panelists you are going to see are qualified to be speaking. I have attended events where the so-called “pros” are nothing but local, self-proclaimed industry that couldn’t get you a deal even if their life depended on it.

At the Atlantis Music Conference our panelists have consisted of Steve Schnur (Worldwide Executive of EA Games), Dallas Austin (Super Producer), Matt Serletic (CEO of Virgin Records), Steve Gottlieb (President of TVT Records), Mathew Knowles (President of Music World), Three Doors Down, Shinedown, Teddy Riley, India.Arie, Jermaine Dupri (Executive Vice President of Urban Music at Virgin Records) and many, many more. We also have showcased artists such as Mastodon, Queens of the Stone Age, Maroon 5, Los Lonely Boys, John Mayer, Cee-Lo, Bone Crusher, Cartel, Tony Rich, Keri Hilson, Bryan Michael Cox, Goodie Mob, Lost Prophets, The Lost Trailers, Sugarland, The Wright’s, Trapt, Bowling for Soup and Kottonmouth Kings and last year more than 100 Sonicbids artists played at Atlantis!

Even if you submit and you are rejected to perform, you NEED to attend more than anyone else. At the Atlantis Music Conference, any artist who submits a package and is rejected receives one complimentary registration good for the entire conference. We do this for a reason. It’s so you can learn exactly what piece of the puzzle you are missing that stands between you and the career you are looking to further. So make sure you ask the conference(s) you plan on attending if they will still allow you in. If they do, take FULL advantage for the information provided so you can build your career in the right direction.

Bottom line – Depending on where you are in your career and what your goals are for tomorrow, there are opportunities all around you unlike many years before where you had to “know someone who knew someone”. I am biased and will tell you everyone should go to a music conference every year, especially Atlantis! However, it really depends on your needs and personal choice. If you are ready to advance past the local bar gigs but aren’t sure how, then you need to attend. Even if you aren’t an artist, conferences are a necessity for networking between booking agents, managers, radio, legal, sponsorship financiers and many other crucial members of the musical team! So what are you waiting for? Get off your rear and get in gear! Opportunity is knocking and you need to be there and if you decide that the Atlantis Music Conference is your destination, I will see you there! Make sure to say Hello!

To learn more about the Atlantis Music Conference visit us at www.atlantismusic.com or call (770) 499-8600. The 11^th Annual Atlantis Conference is slated for September 17-20^th, 2008 in the Heart of Atlanta, Georgia. In 2007, Over 32,000 people attended from 11 different countries! If you are looking for a career in any aspect of Music (including Music Education) then you need to be here!

An Opinon Survey – Part I

I want to twist your brain a bit today and plus, this will be fun! I have written a series of questions below. Think about the following and then leave your answers at the bottom of this blog.  In a few days, I will explain what you answered and why it is important.

You do not need to explain your thoughts unless you want too and there is no wrong answers, so do not be shy!

1.  You are thirsty and you have three options for water. You can either:
A.) Purchase water that has additives and not all that great tasting for a monthly fee plus a percentage based on consumption and have it delivered to you through your faucet.
B.) Go to a natural spring, flowing with delicious and refreshingly pure water five miles from your home and fill up jugs and bottles for free.

2.  The United States of America has implemented a new economic plan for the country that has also been adapted by other Countries. The plan pertains to your residential dwelling and in this example, you have a home that you have built from ground up and have paid for completely over the years.  Now, here is the situation:  The US Government has created a group called The Habitat Building Association (HBA) and they send you an agreement that you have the option to sign.  If you sign, the HBA will own your home and you will be required to pay them a fee for an extended period of time to retain partial ownership over something you once owned 100% of.  In return, they will place their HBA sticker of approval in your window. They will do nothing further for you. Do you:
A.) Sign the HBA Agreement
B.) Refuse to sign the Agreement?

3.  You love chocolate, a lot! Hershey introduced a new chocolate bar that just came out into the market, so you immediately go out and buy a few.  After the first bite you discover that this chocolate might just be the greatest candy on the market; and you decide you MUST share this chocolate with a friend. Do you:
A.) break a piece off and give it to them to try.
B.) describe to them how amazing it is and then advise them to go buy a bar because you aren’t sharing!

4.  You buy a revolutionary new type of Frozen TV Dinner. It heats in the oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes and becomes a mouth-watering meal.  The label states is “Do Not Heat In Microwave and/or any other heating device under ANY circumstances.” Do you:
A.) Follow the instructions.
B.) Be a rebel and put it in the microwave just to see what happens?

5.  You have a successful lemonade stand. You sell the drink for $2.00 a cup.  One day you find a better cup than your wax coated paper cup.  This new one is made of a harder substance.  Though its not a reusable cup, it doesn’t get soggy and comes with a complimentary straw! What makes this even better, the new cup costs WAY less than the old cardboard one.  You decide to increase the charge to $4.50 a glass. Is this:
A.) Fair and Free Enterprise at its best.
B.) A rip-off since the lemonade hasn’t changed.

6.  Americo Vespucci stumbled across land that was populated with Indians. He then placed his Countries flag in the ground and said he discovered this great land that later became known as America.  Is it right to claim Ownership over something when it already has been in existence and controlled by others for years?
A.) Fair
B.) Not Fair

7.  Back to your lemonade stand.  You are racking in cash like crazy since you added your new cup line. Your Lemonade maker comes to you and says he would like a higher percentage of the profits since there is much more than before.  You say:
A.) Sure, fair is fair and even with giving him a higher percentage you still will be making more than you did pre-hard cup days.
B.) No Way! Your idea, Your cup, Your money!

8.  You cut firewood for the National Lumber Association. Your current contract with them says that you must travel where they tell you, cut down X amount of trees, cut them into log pieces and stack in area specified.  As a reward, if you choose, you can cut extra to take home to your family.  After a few years of this, the Lumber Association has fallen on hard times (according to them) and they tell you that you can continue to do what you are doing, BUT a percentage of the personal lumber you are cutting must go on their trucks for other areas they service. Do you find this:
A.) Fair since they do employ you – one hand washes the other.
B.) Complete Bullsh*t, it’s your wood and basically you would be working for free.

Place your answers below and soon, I will explain. There is NO wrong answers, so don’t worry about picking “properly”.

Have Fun!