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.
Disadvantages of self-publishing
Less marketing & promotion
Less pay
Not the same possibilities of distribution of your work.
What is a promoter?
A promoter is a person responsible for promoting and publicising events.
They need to figure out unique and affordable ways to spread information about the event while making people want to attend.
They need to be able to predict what types of marketing will work for specific events. i.e. social networking, event flyers etc.
What does a concert promoter do?
A concert promoter organises a live concert, special event performance or a tour. They generate interest in the event through advertising and through Radio and TV. They may also have a say in security, ticket sales at each venue, cover charges, venue decoration, setup, sound lighting and staffing.
What does a club promoter do?
- Club Promoter- Nightclub promoters may be hired by club owners to increase the amount of patrons who show up, especially if they want to increase business on certain nights of the week. A nightclub owner typically works out a deal with a promoter that he or she is paid only if a minimum number of people show up or the bar reaches a set profit (Bar guarantee). Nightclub owners will sometimes receive a portion of the admission charges.
What does a festival promoter do?
- Festival promoter- Becoming a music festival promoter is an outstanding opportunity for the entrepreneur that is seeking to start a part-time business. The business concept is basic and you can get started by first deciding what type of music festival or festivals you want to promote; country and western, jazz, rock, or folk etc. The choices are unlimited, as different music styles appeal to everybody.
Different types of promotion/marketing methods
- Posters on outdoor walls / Fly posting / Posters on car windows / Emailing contacts / Social network sites; Facebook/Twitter/Myspace
- Broadcasting, e.g. local and national networks
- TV - Becoming a professional musician requires a good deal of dedication, talent and sometimes luck. Many musicians dream of the day they can see their videos on MTV, but finding the super power of music promotion can be difficult. Getting your recording played on an advert or at the end of a popular drama can be very rewarding financially.
List 5 things promoters do:
- Secure a venue for a show
- Promote the show (media, posters, etc)
- Work with the artist to make sure all needs are covered (PA, effects)
- Cover the venue costs & costs of promotion (taking a percentage)
- Earn an agreed-to fee or royalties
Marketing and Distribution
a. On line
b. High street Stores
c. Social media
Define Marketing
The action of promoting and selling a product
Define Distribution
The movement of goods (CDs) from the source (record label) through a distribution channel (such as HMV or iTunes) to the customer.
List 5 things marketing & distribution do
- Advertise the product and introduce new music to new fans
- Connect with fans through video streams (i.e. publicity on YouTube)
- Grow your sales
- Target the appropriate audience
- Actually distribute the physical products (CDs etc) to the shop
