A Cautionary Tale About The Music Industry

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Sad story about an old friend of mine, Artie Wayne, who was responsible for millions of record sales (and dollars) as a writer, producer, song plugger and was my old boss at A&M’s publishing company, Almo Irving, back in the 70s.

Sadder still is that he’s had two songs recorded by Michael Jackson that have been re-released a number of times and his last BMI statement was $0! A number of folks have come to his aid and are starting a class action law suit against Motown and Universal Music Group.

Moral of the story? Don’t count on anyone to have your back. Especially in the music business!

Artie is a great guy and has had an amazing life. Read the full story here: http://www.examiner.com/classic-rock-music-in-national/artie-wayne-vs-the-music-industry-can-a-nice-guy-finish-first#ixzz1bME2zPo7

MUSIC BUSINESS INSTITUTE LAUNCHED

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I just received this e-mail today so I thought I’d pass it on. Two of the instructors are Mark Northam and Gael MacGregor. I know them both and they are extremely knowledgeable as well as nice folks. I don’t think you can go wrong here. Most long time readers know Gael from her many postings on MLR. I have no vested interest, just passing the news on.

MUSIC BUSINESS COURSES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

Featuring Online Courses in Music Supervision and Licensing, Music Royalties, Composer Contracts and Agreements, Accounting and Bookkeeping for Musicians, and more.

Global Media Online is excited to announce the launch of The Music Business Institute (http://www.mbischool.com), a new online learning destination featuring music business courses designed to deliver practical, usable knowledge and cutting-edge industry experience from industry pros to participants worldwide interested in working in the film and television music business. MBI is launching with 5 core online music business courses, with more planned in coming months. All courses can be taken by participants on their own schedule, at their own pace, from their own location.

Wacbiz – Suzanne Hilleary

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I’d like to thank Suzanne Hilleary, president and founder of WACBIZ for taking the time to answer some questions about our corner of the world!

1.) Your company’s philosophy.

We believe all Artists should own and control their work. Non-Exclusive is our key word, and we are anti-retitles and blanket licenses.

2.) Type of business model (royalty free, traditional) and why you chose it.

We are royalty free and non-exclusive, you get far more famous and creative titles and Artists this way, it is the only way in the new music world.

3.) How long you have been in business.

I have been in the business 21 years, this business was launched in April 2003, almost 7 years new, I say this as everyday has new opportunities and new Artists!

4.) Credits

We are in house at BMI, ASCAP, SESAC, on the board of the Hollywood Music Media Awards, ABC Radio Fame Games, and placements from MTV, NBC,HBO to FOX, Lakeshore Films to Sony Pictures, Paramount etc.

5.) Your history in the music business.

Starting with 5 years in Management for Tony Bennett, Signing Rock Bands, Placing hit songs like “Smooth” to Carlos Santana and launching a Writers, Artists, Composers to have the best music for film&TV placements

6.) How do you feel about re-titling. NO WAY

7.) What is the average income a user makes with your company.

There is no average as there are over 700 catalogues. TV placement is average at 3k, Film at 10k, Ads at 20K

8.) Do you specialize in one particular genre of music.

No, we represent all music from the Tychlovski Symphony to the Dropkick Murphys and everything in between. If we don’t have it, we find it and know just who to call!

9.) Any best selling genres.

Lately it has been Classic Rock from the 70s, last year it was hip hop, Pop Rock is always asked for too,

10.) Best number of variations (30, 60, stings).

Full Songs always, with Instrumental TV tracks when available

11.) Does the proliferation of so much music and so many music libraries online detract from anyone making a decent income.

What the problem is is “FREE” when young MySpace bands give things away, it takes away from the income Artists deserve. Nothing should be Free, everything has a price as Artist work and musicianship has a strong value.

Thank you Art, I hope that answers those questions clearly…here is my bio form the HMMA site:

Suzanne HillearySuzanne Hilleary, is the president and founder of WACBIZ, LLC, a New York based music licensing company.  Her vast multi-media experience started at RPM Music Productions, management offices to the legendary Tony Bennett.  SHMGMT, Inc was formed as Suzanne went solo in 1998, managing writers and producers while signing acts to major labels.  As a highlight in her career, she placed “Smooth” with Carlos Santana, garnering a Grammy for Song of the Year in 2000 for her client, writer/producer Itaal Shur. “Smooth”- “Supernatural” has sold 32 million records world wide to date.

Music Library POV

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I would like to add a new feature to MusicLibraryReport.com called “Music Library POV”. It would offer the opportunity for music libraries to discuss their “Point Of View” on their company’s philosophy and business model and to comment on other aspects of the music library business. I think this would be an excellent way for both the music creators and the library owners to better understand each others needs and requirements.

Some points might be (in no particular order):

1.) Your company’s philosophy.
2.) Type of business model (royalty free, traditional) and why you chose it.
3.) How long you have been in business.
4.) Credits
5.) Your history in the music business.
6.) How do you feel about re-titling.
7.) What is the average income a user makes with your company.
8.) Do you specialize in one particular genre of music.
9.) Does the proliferation of so much music and so many music libraries online detract from anyone making a decent income.
10.) Best “format” to follow when creating a cue.

If you have any ideas on what you would like addressed please leave your comments.

Making it in the music business.

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This thread was started in a music library discussion but I thought it should have it’s own discussion.