UNIT 1 THE MUSIC INDUSTRY

Transcription

1 UNIT 1 THE MUSIC INDUSTRY Revision Notes Aylesford School Sports College Music Department

2 Section1: Organizations in the Music Industry Venues Small & Medium Local Venues Spaces that range from pubs to clubs and small theatres that host music regularly or as part of mixed arts performances Host a wide range of music, from small niche genres (styles of music that aren t really popular) to pop and club bands and singers Local promoters may use the venue for gigs and for club nights Advantages: Intimate atmosphere, close to audience, more accessible for local bands, caters for the community Disadvantages: Poor sound quality & equipment, smaller audience numbers, less publicity/ promotion Large Multi-Use Spaces Includes arenas and sports venues (Wembley Arena, Wembley Stadium, O2 Arena); West-end theatres; and outdoor venues (Glastonbury) Host touring productions linked to TV programs, rock and pop acts, stand-up comedy, site-specific theatre, circuses, festivals. (X Factor Tour, Dancing on Ice Tour etc) Advantages: Excellent sound & technical facilities, huge publicity & promotion, higher fee from tickets sold Disadvantages: You have to be already famous to perform at a large venue (less easily accessible), the cost of hiring a large venue, less intimate interaction with audience. Question As a promotor you have been asked to promote an up and coming folk band in your local area list 3 venues that would be suitable and why.

3 Health and Safety and Security Concerns at Venues Heating, lighting & ventilation Electrical equipment safe Toilets & drinking water clean First Aid & Emergency exits in case of fire Obstacles appropriately lit/indicated (i.e. stairs) Adequate parking & parking arrangements 7. Flow of people in and out of venue 8. Secure ramps/stage scaffolding 9. Noise levels 10. Control of number of people coming in through ticketing Some Examples of Relationships Between Venues and the Industry Tour Managers Promoters Venues What other organisations would venues need to have links with? What possible qualifications do you think employees need when working at a venue? What are the legal requirements are needed for a venue to hold an event?

4 Promotion and Production Record Labels Record labels sign up Artists and bands and record, market and distribute their artist s albums around the world for a percentage of the money earned by the Artist Major Record Labels Record labels that have many artists signed to their label Big Three (since 2012): Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group Usually involved in the most popular styles of music (Rock, Pop, Country, etc) Advantages: Money (huge financial advantage), promotion & connections, large size so best deals on manufacturing, advertising & links to media Disadvantages: Difficult to stand out in such a big pool of artists, artists tend to get less money, more mass media driven than interested in your style of music Independent Record Labels Small record labels that have few artists signed to their label Examples: Southern Fried Records (created by Fatboy Slim for House Music), Pickled Egg Records (Leicester, quirky, retro-futurism), Fat Cat Records (Brighton, Post Rock) Usually involved in any styles of music Advantages: Cater to the artist more, Artist earns more money, close personal relationships between Artist and Label Disadvantages: Lack of funds, less publicity & promotion, less organised because more informal, less contacts with media.

5 Some Examples of Relationships Between Record Labels and the Industry Broadcasters Artist Managers Record Labels Distributers Question Explain the advantages and disadvantages of signing with a major recording company. Question Explain the advantages and disadvantages of signing with an independent recording company.

6 Music Publishing Often linked with printed music, music publisher s work with composers/singer songwriters to develop the music and distribute it to relevant consumer. They can look after any royalties for composers and singer/songwriters. Major Publishers Publishers that have a large number of composers/singer songwriters signed up with them. Advantages: More distribution of songs (increases sales), quality of design, marketing and promotion, payment Disadvantages: Usually need to go through an agent, harder to have music published when the company is large, more editing to your original work What do music publishers do? Create a spider diagram of who do music publishers work with?

7 Self-Publishing Some composers and songwriters publish their music online through websites like Soundcloud and their own websites Advantages: Don t need to go through an agent (you can send your work directly to them), you are more in control with the editing process, can be a stepping stone to a larger company, may cater to a specific genre that is different. Disadvantages: Less marketing & promotion, less pay, not the same possibilities of distribution of your work. Some Examples of Relationships Between Publishers and the Industry PRS Record Companies Publishers What are the legal constrains when self- publishing? Where can you get legal advice? How can musicians publishing their own work protect their work?

8 Promoters What are promoters? What do Promoters do? Some Examples of Relationships Between Promoters and the Industry Venues Record Companies Promoters Additional Notes:

9 Marketing and Distributers What do they do? Marketing: Distribution: What do marketing and Distributers do? Some Examples of Relationships Between Marketing and Distribution and the Industry Shops and online shops Record Companies Marketing and Distribution

10 Service Companies and Agencies Royalty Collection Agencies These are companies that work for composers and songwriters to collect money from any company or individual that uses their songs Companies: PRS Licenses the composer s copyright (royalties) for live public performances of your songs. MCPS Licenses the composer s copyright (royalties) for sound recordings on any physical format (CD, digital, etc) PPL Licenses the right to perform sound recordings & collects royalties for record companies & performers on recordings Some Examples of Relationships Between Royalty Collection Agencies and the Industry Shops that broadcasts music Record Companies Royalty Collection Agencies Who would need a PPL license to play music? Who would need a MCPS license to use music? What are the differences between PRS and PPL?

11 Artist Representation Management Management is in charge of managing the artist s day to day life. They represent the artist by: Some Examples of Relationships Between Management and the Industry Promoters Record Companies Management PR (Public Relations) Public Relations are in charge of the artist s relationship with the public. How do they represent the artist by: Some Examples of Relationships Between Public Relations and the Industry Artist Managers Record Companies Public Relations Media

12 Agent (also called Booking Agent or Talent Agent) Booking Agents are in charge of the artist tour. How do they represent the artist during the tour by: Some Examples of Relationships Between Management and the Industry Promoters Tour Manager Booking Agent Stylists Stylists are in charge of creating a style for the artist. They represent the artist during the tour by: Some Examples of Relationships Between Stylists and the Industry Stylists Tour Manager Artist Manager

13 Hire Companies Many artists will use hire companies to rent really expensive equipment like vans or trucks; rehearsal and studio space; halls for community performances; sound and lighting equipment. Advantages of hiring equipment/space: Disadvantages of hiring equipment/ space: Some Examples of Relationships Between Hire Companies and the Industry Sound and lighting engineers Roadies Hire companies Transport Companies Many Artists will use transport companies to move equipment and personnel around to different gigs. Transport could include lorries or vans for carrying equipment or buses or sleeping coaches to carry around the artists and other personnel to the gigs. Advantages of hiring transport companies:... Disadvantages of hiring equipment/ space:

14 Some Examples of Relationships Between Transport companies and the Industry Promoters Tour Manager Transport Companies Unions Unions are trade bodies that are used to protect and promote people in the music industry. Unions in the Music Industry Musicians Union (MU) Who do they represent? Musicians, Music Teachers, Instrumental teachers Equity Who do they represent? Actors, dancers, stage managers, choreographers, directors, backstage crew BECTU (Broadcast Entertainment Cinematograph Theatre Union): Who do they represent? Media & entertainment trade union, representing broadcasting, film How do unions represent their members?

15 Trade Bodies Trade bodies are individuals and companies in a specific type of business or industry who organise themselves to promote common interests. These trades will work together to negotiate with governments; negotiate with unions, etc. Trade Bodies in the Music Industry Who do they represent? MPG (Music Producers Guild) Who do they represent? APRS (Association of Professional Recording Services) Who do they represent? PLASA (Professional Lighting and Sound Association)

16 Section 2: Jobs in the Music Industry In this section you need to list the responsibilities and skills of each job role. Musicians Examples: Orchestral player, vocalist, accompanist, DJ, Programmer, solo artist selfemployed or freelance Additional Notes:

17 Examples of how musicians work with others in the Music Industry Other artists Managers (once signed) Producer Record companies Sound Engineers Musicians Media - TV,radio etc DJ/ Remixer Examples: Clubs, discos, host concerts, gigs.

18 Example of How DJ/Remixers Work with Others in the Music Industry DJ Club owners Radio audience Studio manager Technical people Composer, Song Writer Additional Notes:

19 Examples of How Composers/ Song Writers work in the Music Industry Song Writers Producers A + R Publishers Recording Companies Example: Record Producer Producers

20 Some Examples of Relationships Between Producers and the Industry Recording Engineers Artist Producers Example: Conductor Musical Directors Additional Notes

21 Some Examples of Relationships Between Musical Directors and the Industry Recording studios Managers Orchestras/session musicians Agents Conductor Example: Sound engineer Live Sound Technician/Engineer

22 Some Examples of Relationships Between Live Sound Engineers and the Industry Head Roadie/ Manager/Tour Manager Musicians, artists, band Management at venues Live Sound technician Example: Backline technical support Roadie

23 Some Examples of Relationships Between Roadies and the Industry Musicians, bands, artists Management at venues Music Promoters Roadie Equipment hire /transport companies Example: Guitar tech, drum tech Instrumental support

24 Some Examples of Relationships Between Instrumental Support and the Industry Engineers Technicians Musicians Inst. Tech support Front of house engineer Additional Notes

25 Management and Promotion Roles Artist Manager Some Examples of Relationships Between Artist Manager and the Industry Venue booking agents Recording studio manager Recording companies Manager Music Publisher

26 Venue Manager Some Examples of Relationships Between Venue Manager and the Industry The public audience Artists, bands, groups Media and advertising Venue management Music Managers

27 Studio Manager Some Examples of Relationships Between Studio Manager and the Industry Musicians, bands, artists Session Musicians Promoters Studio Management Staff in studio

28 Promoter Some Examples of Relationships Between Promoters and the Industry Bands, artists, musicians Media Venue managers Music Managers Promoter Advertising agencies

29 Marketing Market and sell records locally, globally and regionally Some Examples of Relationships Between Marketing and the Industry Music stores etc Media Promoters Music Managers Director of marketing Marketing staff Publisher companies

30 Artist and Repertoire (A&R) Responsible for finding and developing new Artists for a Record Label Some Examples of Relationships Between A&R and the Industry Record label companies Managers Artists, bands Producers A + R A + R Admin - budgets/costs

31 Recording Roles Recording Engineer Assistant Engineer Tape Op Technical Manager

32 Tech Support Maintenance and Repair/Electronics engineer/installation Producer

33 7. 8. Session Musician Mastering Engineer CD Manufacturer

34 How Recording Studio Personnel Work Together Producer/Manager Artists, Band Mix Master engineer Technical Manager Session Musicians Engineer Maintenance + Repair Electronic/Installation CD Manufacturer/Distributor Tech Support Assistant Engineer Studio supply companies

35 Media and other roles Music Journalist/ Blogger Examples: writer, music critic, and music reviewer full time, part-time, freelance Additional Notes:

36 Some Examples of Relationships Between Music Journalists and the Industry Agents Managers Venue owners Editors of publications Music journalist Promoters Broadcaster TV/Radio Examples: Radio producer, Program/Music director, Radio DJ, Video jockeys

37 Some Examples of Relationships Between Broadcasters and the Industry Music Director Station Owner DJ Managers Broadcaster Software Programmer/App developer Retail and Distribution: Retail Retail and Distribution: Distribution Moves the finished CDs from Record Company Warehouse to Shops 3

38 Employment Patterns Full-time Employment Standard is hours/week. Contract may include pension, paid holidays, sick time. Will usually be a long-term contract. Used for any permanent members of the industry Part-time Employment Contract which is below the standard hours/week. Contract is usually a long-term contract and is used for any permanent members of the industry Freelance Contract Self-employed & is not committed to a particular employer long-term. No long-term contract! Used for any work that is not permanent like session musicians or for bands playing in Weddings or at a venue What are the differences between Full-time long term? What is the difference between a permanent contract and temporary contract? How to Get Paid Before Before you work, you will normally be contracted. A contract is a legal relationship where one person, group or organisation enters a formal relationship with another to complete something. After Once you have completed the job, you then produce an invoice to claim your fee. An invoice is usually a single-page document. Before the process of agreeing, negotiating and bargaining takes place before a contract is issued. Once the contract is produced, it is usually reviewed and studied to ensure that the contract reflects the negotiation and that this is correctly recorded on the contract. The contract is not signed until all parties are content with it. However, in many cases the contract is disputed later on and often-expensive legal battles break out. After when a contract is completed, an invoice is drawn up, which claims the money promised in the contract. In contracts that extend over a period of time, it is usual for the contract to include payment points and milestones that trigger payments and ensure cash flow.

39 GETTING A BREAK & STARTING OUT You may be asked a question about how to get a break in the music industry. Here is an example of a 10 point plan to break in the music industry. Be passionate, hard-working, resilient, patient, and don t give-up Have an instrumental/vocal coach to guide your technique & musical skills Do voluntary concerts in local venues (bars, theatres) to gain experience & put on your CV Send examples of your work (demo) to music agents, record labels & publishers (if composing) Use social media to promote yourself (YouTube, Sound Cloud, blog) Create your own personal style (music and clothes) 7. Sign contracts with caution and read the small-print (have a lawyer/solicitor for advice) or join a union 8. Find an agent/manager who will cater to your musical needs & requirements 9. Take care of yourself (healthy lifestyle) 10. Network as much as possible (social media, playing as a preceding act for more famous artists KEY THINGS TO REMEMBER FOR YOUR EXAMS Look at how many points there are for each questions. This is how many points you will need to make in your answer. E.g. if it s worth 2 marks, write down 2 things! If the exam says EXPLAIN it will normally be worth at least 2 marks. Therefore you need to state the answer, and then give a reason why. For example, the question might be: Questions: Explain one reason why it can be a good idea to have a manager. Answer: It can be a good idea to have a manager because they will be able to find you places to perform. This means you don t have to give up as much time on finding venues to perform and they will make sure there are people there to watch you.

40 If your questions is asking you to DISCUSS means you need to consider different aspects of a topic and how they interrelate with other areas of the industry. You also need to discuss the extent to which they are important. The word IMPLICATIONS may also come up in your exam. This means the consequences of something and conclusions that can be drawn. You should give the BENEFITS and the DRAWBACKS of the issues that are being discussed. For example if the questions was: DISCUSS the IMPLICATIONS of hiring equipment for a concert. You might discuss reasons what the benefits would be to hiring equipment (less to move to the venue/cheaper than buying) and then compare it to what might be the drawbacks of hiring equipment (costs if damaged/condition it may be in to start with). You may also be asked to EVALUATE something. This is normally looking for you to weigh-up the pros and cons of something. Always EVALUATE the POSITIVES and the NEGATIVES and say WHY. Information from EDEXCEL: What you need to know about the exam You will take a written test on the same day and time as other learners your teacher will let you know the date of the test. You will have 15 minutes of pre-test time to allow you to read the test paper through before the test begins and then you will have one hour to complete it. You should aim to answer all the questions on the paper. Your written test will contain the following types of questions: multiple-choice questions where you are given a list of possible answers and you have to choose the answer(s) that fit short answer questions where you are asked to give a short answer worth 1 2 marks long answer questions where you are asked to give a longer answer, which could be worth up to 8 marks. Test tips

41 At the start of the exam, make sure you have read the instructions, that you can see the clock and that you feel comfortable to write. Watch the time you should aim to spend about a minute per mark. Some early questions may take less time than this and some later ones may take more time. If you get stuck on a question move onto the next one and come back to that question at the end. The space given for your answer will show you the type of answer required, for example, if two answers are required you may see the answer space divided up for two answers. Remember that you can use more paper if necessary, for example, you may make a mistake or you may need more space for your answer. Plan your longer answers read the question carefully and think about the key points you will make. Are there any rules? You need to treat the written tests just as you would any other formal exam. For example: you should not talk or distract others you can t take any materials into the room you can t use any device to store information. Remember, just as with any other formal assessment, breaking the rules could lead to you being disqualified.