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Tips to the Artist June 2001 |
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This is a column I
read off “Rapstation.com” and believed it should be shared with you: A record company is quite often nothing more than a bank that loans you money to provide services. The reality is that 9 out of 10 artists signed are dropped within 18 months or put on the shelf. You should research a label extensively. A recording artist should work with an entertainment lawyer to look at any offer you get. Shopping for a label is like shopping for a house. The first offer you get is not necessarily the best offer. It is important to create a buzz as an independent artist to get interest from a major label (if that is the way you want to go). There is no one way to get the attention of a major label. However when you have strong sales on an independent basis, many times labels will notice you. The label will bring a team of publicist, A&R people, accountants and promoters to work on your behalf. They work for you because the label will bill the cost of those professionals time back to you. A small or independent (indie) label situation is also an option to many recording artists. However it is important not to get tied down to a long-term project. Make sure the label has the finances to support your project. Going the independent route like the hip hop group, The Hierogylphics, can be profitable. It provides a way for an artist to ensure long-term artistic and financial security. Remember, scope out the info before you lock it down and get professionals to peep the situation as well. I also would like to add these comments: (S.P.) For those regions with little to no exposure but plenty of artist or companies doing the same thing within those regions, I say remember there are hundreds of ways to be involved in the business of hip hop. If being an artist isn’t working but you have plenty of contacts (clubs, djs, radio) then maybe you would profit more as a promoter or manager. The field of hip hop needs DJs, VJs, promoters, booking agents, magazines, E-zines, record pools, more radio shows, street teams, managers, lawyers, producers, secretaries, retail stores, security, clubs, etc. Also, again for those who live in regions like the description stated above, you should focus on what you are good at. Trying to do everything means your not focusing too strongly on anything. If you are financially sound, then this may not really apply to you, but if you have less than $40,000 for your label or company, and your staff is three or less, don’t try to produce albums, be a graphic company, make movies, do promotions, try and manage other groups, and record your very own solo album all at once. Gradually build your company. If you get a region on lock in one field of the industry, expand to the nearest region beyond that one. Once you are profiting on a normal basis from more than one region, then you should try to expand. |
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