A: Production and Promotion Flashcards
Production and Promotion Organisations
These are companies that create, promote and distribute music.
Define a recording company
A Record Company is a business which deals in recordings. A record company pays for everything that needs to be done to make a CD or release a commercial song.
Name three major recording company Labels
Universal Music Group
Sony Music Entertainment
Warner Music Group
Advantages of signing to a major label
Money (massive companies, they have a huge financial advantage and big budgets)
Experienced at promotion on a large scale, lots of industry connections
Large size so get the best deals on manufacturing (the more CDs produced, the lower price per unit)
Advertising & links to broadcast media
Disadvantages of signing to a major label
It can be difficult for artists to stand out in such a big pool of artists
Artist unfriendly deals (multi album deals, label gets a higher percentage of money taken)
They are more mass media driven (artists get less say in what they write and perform!)
Examples of Independent “indie” labels
Southern Fried Records (created by Fatboy Slim for House Music)
XL Recordings
Domino Records
Advantages of signing to an “indie” label
They cater to the artist more, and are more interested in and PASSIONATE about their music
More artist-friendly contracts
Close personal relationships (you get to speak to someone on the end of the phone!)
Disadvantages of signing to an “indie” label
Lack of funds
Less publicity & promotion
Less contacts with mass media / connections within the industry
Less money for tours and events
What is a Music Publisher/Publishing Company responsible for?
Ensuring that songwriters/composers receive payment for their music – used commercially.
What does a music publisher do?
A Music Publisher owns or administers copyrights in songs and licenses them to companies and other entities that use music, such as record labels, radio stations and advertisers.
Why? To make money!
The Publisher then collects the license fee, keeps a small cut (percentage) and pays the rest to the songwriters (or their heirs, if they have died).
What does a music publisher own?
: A Music Publisher controls the copyright to the words and music of a song, NOT the original recording of the song - Recordings are generally owned by record labels.
Definition of Music Publishing
Usually linked with printed music. The business of music publishing is concerned with developing, protecting and valuing music. Music publishers play a vital role in the development of new music and in taking care of the business side, allowing composers and songwriters to concentrate on their creative work. They look after the royalties to a composer’s work.
Advantages of a major publishing company
Large Distribution Networks (increases sales)
Quality of design, marketing and promotion
Regular payment
Disadvantages of a major publishing company
Artists usually need to go through an agent (you have to get one and it costs money!)
Harder to have music published when the company is large
More editing to your original work (does it look and sound like you intended it to?)
Advantages of Self-publishing (eg online)
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 for a specific genre that is different.
