A: Service Companies and Agencies

Question 1

Definition of Agency

Answer 1

An organisation (or business) that provides a particular service on behalf of a business or person (such as the artist)

Question 2

What does PRS stand for?

Answer 2

Performing Rights Society

Question 3

What does PRS do?

Answer 3

Licenses the composer’s copyright (royalties) for public performances of your songs (broadcast, live, recorded).
Every time a song is performed, PRS ensures that royalties are paid to the song’s writer.

Question 4

What does MCPS stand for?

Answer 4

Mechanical Copyright Protection Society

Question 5

What does MCPS do?

Answer 5

Licenses the composer’s copyright (royalties) for sound recordings (i.e. CDs, ringtone). It will be in physical format (i.e. digital).
Every time a recording of a song is sold, MCPS ensures royalties are paid to the song’s composer.

Question 6

What does PPL stand for?

Answer 6

Phonographic Performance Limited

Question 7

What does PPL Licensing do?

Answer 7

Licenses the right to perform sound recordings & collects royalties for record companies & performers on recordings.
Every time a recording of a song is played or sold, PPL ensures the performer of the song (and their record company) gets paid royalties.

Question 8

What does “Management” do?

Answer 8

1. Works on behalf the artist (or band) to promote their career
2. Runs their business affairs
3. Secure the best financial rewards for their clients so they can concentrate on making music

Question 9

List the different types of management involved with artists.

Answer 9

Tour manager, Production Manager, Technical Manager, Business Manager, Road Manager.

Question 10

Purpose of company/agency and what do they do?

Answer 10

They all play a role in the careers of recording artists, record producers, songwriters and musicians

Question 11

Why are managers important?

Answer 11

A band, musician or artist could not develop without their expertise and contacts (networking).

Question 12

Advantages and disadvantages for musicians working with management?

Answer 12

A - You can give ideas of what you want to achieve as an artist, and they can use this to guide your career.
D - Sometimes managers can take over and they cost money.

Question 13

List three things PR (Public Relations) do for the artist.

Answer 13

Promote a new release or artist to the media

2. Liaise with labels and the media to get album reviews & profile of the band with interviews
3. Generate as much publicity as possible

Question 14

List the different types of public relation agencies involved with artists.

Answer 14

Counsellors, PR Officer, Press relations, Publicity, Plugging, Promotion.

Question 15

Advantages and disadvantages for musicians working with public relations.

Answer 15

A - Good reviews, profile and coverage from experts.
A - PR company logos can carry a lot of extra weight in the Music Industry.
D – Expensive, and often very busy

Question 16

List three things that Agents do for the artist.

Answer 16

1. Liaise with bands/artist to agree on tour dates and requirements of tour as well as goals (promoting a new album for example)
2. Take care of financial and logistic requirements
3. Contact promoters and venues to pitch the bands and agree on performance dates.
4. Arrange contracts with promoters regarding pay and equipment.

Question 17

List three things that stylists do for the artist.

Answer 17

1. Help the artist/band create a style that reflects their music/genre and help them stand-out.
2. Choose clothes, hair-style and jewellery.
3. Help artist create an image.

Question 18

Why use sound & lighting equipment hire

Answer 18

Technical expertise.

2. Quality of equipment
3. Engineer to take care of sound/lights so that the artist can focus on the music

Question 19

Why hire rehearsal and studio space?

Answer 19

. To record a single with best quality equipment possible

2. Excellent acoustics for rehearsal
3. To perform to a small audience/ community event

Question 20

What do transport companies do?

Answer 20

1. Transport equipment when on tour
2. Roadie to carry equipment & install
3. Hire a sleeping coach for tour around the country

Question 21

Advantages and disadvantages for musicians working with hire companies / transport companies

Answer 21

Cheaper than buying and transporting your own equipment to a tour/gig.
Can be expensive to hire depending on the sixe of the tour/gig/venue.
Ability to hire equipment but have you the professional bodies to work the equipment