| |
|
The
November
2003
Issue
of the Gots To Have It, Newsletter contains:
|
|
|
|
| 
 Azim Rashid, CEO of the Ultimate Media Group
GTHI invited music industry promotional expert, Azim Rashid of the Ultimate Media Group. UMG specializes in the marketing, promotion and management of music and music related projects. I've had the pleasure of knowing Azim for a few years now and have seen him in action, promoting some of the top artists in R&B and Hip Hop today, such as Mary J. Blige, Avant, Shaggy, and KC and Jo-Jo just to name a few.
|
|
1. How did you discover your passion for the music industry?
I know this sounds a little ridiculous, but I knew from the time I was 5 that I wanted to be in the music business. Once I discovered Michael Jackson, I was hooked, but the funny thing is that I always, always, always wanted to be like Berry Gordy.
2. What do your find most rewarding about your career?
Right now, not much, but when things are going well, just the satisfaction that I am getting to do something that I absolutely love. Not many people can say that "I am doing something that I love, find rewarding and get paid to do it." Working with artists, watching their careers grow, meeting new people and finding ways to overcome challenges that are presented, that's what makes me love the game.
3. What's a favorite promotional idea used in a campaign?
That's a hard one, let me think.... it was probably the Guy Dance 2K promotion. On Guy's last album, the first single was called "Dancin" and we held dance contests in 15 different markets. The winners from these radio stations got a trip to Virginia Beach to meet Guy, preview the new album and of course compete in a dance contest, judged by Teddy, Aaron, and Damian for $2000. It was fun and the stations loved it.
4. What's your best advice to give someone starting out in the music industry?
I could write a book about this, because I am highly opinionated on this subject. My first advice would be to make sure you get an education! Sounds old school I know, but advanced education teaches you how to think outside of the box. Secondly, do it while you're young. I'm not an age discriminator, but the music business is fueled by youthful energy. Besides, you have a lot more free time in your 20's than you do in your 30's after "LIFE" has settled in. Everyone has to start at the bottom and those are usually younger people with no heavy responsibilities. Thirdly, seek out an internship, even if it's not in the particular field that you want to work in. The exposure in and of itself is priceless and you may find a good mentor and if you're really lucky, a future job. Last but not least, if you don't L-O-V-E the music and L-O-V-E to work, find another career path. I think that so many people are jaded about what this business is all about and are clueless to the long hours, sacrifices and just plain hard work that go into having a career, in any business, but especially in ours. One of my mentors says all the time, "If you don't love what you're doing, go do something else!" and I totally agree.
If you'd like to reach Azim to set up a consultation, contact him at:
Azim Rashid
CEO of the Ultimate Media Group
AZ568NJ@aol.com
|
Music Industry 101
Top 10 things you should do to get into the music business...
By Craig Davis Senior National Director of R&B Promotion, Jive Records
1. Go to college -- a school with a strong communication/business school.
2. Intern at a record company -- most record companies have internships, check with Human Resources
3. Intern at a radio station -- (call the radio station close to your home you listen to).
4. Work at a record store -- It's a great place to study up on music and the distribution of music.
5. If you are trying to become an artist, you need to constantly write music daily and keep good logs of your music.
6. Record your music on anything you can get your hands on -- it doesn't have to be a professional studio.
7. Go out and network with people in the industry -- there are music conventions for every type of music. Also, go to industry parties.
8. Join music organizations -- if you’re a writer join ASCAP or BMI. If you're trying to break into the music business join RIAA or similar organizations.
9. Start your own company -- If you have an idea or if no one is doing what you envision, do it yourself. Most new trends are started by people who do it themselves.
10. Never give up. Doors will close on you, but keep pushing.
So, Ya Want to Start a Record Label?
By Connie Howell of Constant Music
It seems as though people are trying to start record labels almost daily. The problem is that none of them know what to do first. I get questions all the time about this topic, so I wanted to share some info about it with all of you. This is not about creativity, this is about the business of music.
If you're thinking of starting a label, I hope that this answers some of your questions. The first thing that you should do is make sure you really, really want to do this because it will not be easy. If the answer is yes, the next thing is to learn everything you can about BUSINESS, not just the music business, though you will need to learn all you can about that as well. But keep in mind that at the end of the day you are running a business, so you will need to learn fields like accounting, management and marketing, to name a few. After that, create your business plan.
One of the things that a business plan can do for you is show prospective investors why it would be in their best interests to invest in you and your company. You have to make people want to be a part of your project. Make the deal too good for them to refuse. As for what should be in your business plan, here is a list of SOME of what you should include:
What is your objective? Will you be a record label only? Will you publish music as well? Will you handle your own promotion? Will you seek a distribution deal or will you press and distribute the CDs yourself? The list goes on but you see where I am going.
Market Analysis – Who are you targeting with your music and are they the right demographic for you based on research?
What is your promotion strategy? – How will you get the word out about your music?
What is your sales forecast and what outlets will you use to sell the music?
Lastly, and this is most important:
Outline a detailed financial plan. This is where you put your projected profit and loss statements, projected cash flow and balance sheet. Take into consideration how much money you will need, how you plan to use it and how you will turn it into profit.
The financial plan is the part that the prospective investors or loan officers will be most interested in, and it will determine whether or not they see your company as a sound investment. So make sure that you do the research and keep things as real as possible. This means don’t go overboard with the numbers(i.e. you probably won’t make five million in the first year. But with hard work and a little luck, you will someday).
The topic that usually follows the above is about distribution. There seems to be a lot of misconceptions about distribution deals, so I will try to sum up some of the important points distributors look for. Although they look at a lot of things pertaining to your label, I think you’ll be in good shape if you consider and work on the following items:
1) Is the music HOT?
2) Do you have the resources and the means to release new albums consistently (at least every few months)?
3) Will you support your releases (touring, airplay, videos)?
4) Do you have the resources to launch effective marketing and promotion plans so people will buy your releases?
5) Have you released any albums in the past and how have they sold?
6) Do your artists have a following? If yes, how big?
7) Can you afford to press up additional product if necessary?
8) Are any of your releases currently in stores (probably on consignment)?
9) Are you currently receiving any radio or video airplay?
There isn’t an exact number of units one has to sell in order to get a deal, but, in all honesty, the more you sell on your own, the easier it will be for you to obtain a favorable deal. So, if you have a system in place where you are selling your CDs in your area, continue to do so. Once they notice that you are consistently selling units, their interest will peak and they'll come a 'callin'.
(If you really want a point of reference, let’s take Master P. His first album "The Ghetto’s Trying To Kill Me" sold over 100,000 units independently. His second album "99 Ways To Die" sold over 200,000 units. This made the industry take notice and several major labels came out of the woodwork offering him a deal).
I hope those of your pursuing a career in music found these tips usefull! Good luck!
|
The Atomic Dog Comes Home to Roost:
Kazaa is Just the Beginning
Written by Lena L. West To say that the music industry has been affected by technology would be a serious understatement. One only needs to mention Napster at a networking event to witness sparks fly and tempers flare. |
But, exactly how is technology changing the industry. It’s bigger than Napster or Kazaa – WAY bigger. Technology is causing the lumbering Big 5 to re-engineer the way they have approached their industry for the past half century. So, with change happening now, what are the results of this critical paradigm shift?
1) Music is less of a product and more of a service. CDs and record (yes, records) sales were once the big push. But, now that those media are becoming more and more obsolete (iPod anyone?) the focus is back on creating quality music and a positive aural event.
2) It’s not just music anymore. More and more artists are putting interactive elements on their CDs to enhance the listener’s experience. For instance, Wu-Tang Clan has added games and interactive "shorts" to their CDs.
3) Online marketing will reign. As the line between home and work fades and as discretionary leisure time increases, people will experience an increase in time and inclination to make sure that what goes into their ears (and thus their minds) reflects more on who they are and reinforces their values. And, since more and more people are logging on and staying on, artists will have to increasingly rely on online marketing to create the personal bond with fans that’s needed to increase listener loyalty. A case in point: the last couple of TAFKAP’s (Prince) albums.
4) Fee schedules will be a thing of the past. Both performance and mechanical royalties will go by the way side and profit sharing plans will be implemented. Queen Latifah has already started doing this with Flava Unit Records.
Of course, there are more changes and results to come – both good and bad depending on which side of the fence you’re on. But, this fact you can take to the bank: technology won’t leave music alone.
Lena L. West is the Founder & CEO of xynoMedia Technology, a technology consulting firm that specializes in helping business owners who feel like hostages to technology. Download your free copy of The Technology Planning & Strategy Workbook at http://www.xynomedia.com © 2004 Lena L. West. All rights reserved.
|
| 
RSVP TODAY!
Give ‘N Take Network for WOMEN
Go here for DETAILS and to RSVP online: www.giventakenetwork.org/events.html
ABOUT US:
Simone Kelly-Brown is the President and CEO of Gots To Have It Marketing, Inc.. For over 10 years, she has been working with small business owners who are just starting out and want to get their businesses off the ground with innovative marketing.
GTHI is a firm that specializes in marketing and empowering entrepreneurs with a series of workshops and networking events.
For further information view:www.gotstohaveit.com
For Women's Networking view: www.giventakenetwork.org
Until Next Month!
Own your power and have continued success,
Simone Kelly-Brown
CEO/PRESIDENT, Gots To Have It Marketing, Inc.www.gotstohaveit.com
If you want it, you Gots To Have It!
So...whatta ya think? Please feel free to send us your feedback on this newsletter.
If you just signed up, see what you've been missin':
(View all of our past letters by clicking here): Gots To Have It, Archives!
|
|
