Business Plans? Are they necessary?

An article in the New York Times details the opinions of several business plan experts about the importance of an entrepreneur writing a business plan. A study was conducted in 2009 by the University of Maryland’s business school to find out how important business plans were to venture capitalists, who fund entrepreneurs and start up businesses (New York Times). It was found that several venture capitalists rely more on experience and gut feeling rather than the details of an entrepreneur’s business plan (New York Times).

Bayside Pre-Order Bundles

Bayside

Bayside, the alternative rock band from New York, announced last month that they would be releasing a cover EP this fall. Their last full-length album was “Killing Time,” which was released in February 2011 (Billboard). Since then, Bayside has been touring with Taking Back Sunday and the Vans Warped Tour. This fall, Bayside is hitting the road once again with Taking Back Sunday, who is promoting the 10-year anniversary of their album, “Tell all Your Friends.”

With news of the cover EP, comes the news of new Bayside merchandise and bundles. Starting today, fans can pre-order the CD along with 8 different merchandise bundles through their online store. Various bundles include combinations of hats, scarves, hoodies, and shirts, varying in price from $22-$120. Each bundle comes with the album, a sticker, and a signed poster, along with whatever other items the fans select.

An Artist Manager's Dream or Nightmare?

Idolator

Billie Joe, lead singer of Green Day, gave quite the performance at the iHeartRadio Music Festival last week. According to WPTV, Billie Joe’s reaction was in response to his set being cut short during the concert. After throwing around a few f-bombs, Billie Joe went on to smash his guitar on stage, outwardly displaying his anger and frustration. For the past few days, fans have been buzzing about the performance and the allegation that Billy Joe has checked into rehab for substance abuse (Alternative Press).

Punk Goes Pop Volume 5 Release Date

Punk Goes

Fearless Records just announced that ‘Punk Goes Pop Volume 5’ is to be released on November 6. This album is the fifth volume in the Punk Goes Pop series and includes performances by The Maine, Mayday Parade, We Came as Romans, Breathe Carolina, and Forever the Sickest Kids. The collection is well known for their other albums such as ‘Punk Goes Crunk,’ which features alternative rock artists covering R&B songs, ‘Punk Goes Classic Rock’, which features classic rock songs, and ‘Punk Goes Acoustic’, which features alternative rock songs.

Yellowcard's Southern Air Review

Yellowcard

Yellowcard emerged in the early 2000s and quickly became well known for their quick tempos and violin incorporation. Their first album with Capitol Records, Ocean Avenue, released in 2003, was amazing in terms of technicality. With songs like “Only One,” “Empty Apartment,” and “Way Away,” listeners were introduced to something they had never heard before. Violinist Sean Mackin added more depth and emotion to the songs and complimented Ryan Key’s vocals. The band played on the Vans Warped Tour and toured with Matchbook Romance (Billboard). Since then they have released a few albums, Lights and Sounds in 2006, Paper Walls in 2007, When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes in 2011, and now Southern Air (Yellowcard).

Using Industry Podcasts

WCCO

Every individual that is involved with the entertainment world needs to become aware of the various types of legal issues that can significantly affect your business. One of the most important topics when it comes to entertainment is copyright law so knowing the misconceptions about the law can decrease your liability risk. Keeping up to date with current events as well as industry podcasts can provide extremely valuable insight and expert resources.

The first podcast was presented by a Minnesota Law radio program examines “The Myths and Misconceptions of Copyright Law.” Within the half hour program, Marsha Stolt, an attorney that specializes in copyright, trademarks, and intellectual property, details the basic information that everyone should know about copyright and intellectual property. 

Entertainment Law - Know the Basics

Entertainment Law

When it comes to the music industry and entertainment world, one must be extremely careful when entering contracts and agreements. Taking the time to read the fine print and seek legal advice can protect you from making costly mistakes. Misunderstandings and ignorance are not valid excuses when it comes to the contractual obligations you agree to with your signature. It helps to be versed in at least the basics of entertainment law, so you know what to look out for in an industry that has a tarnished reputation.

In a recent article, The Hollywood Reporter states that the singer Dev is suing her record label Indie-Pop over her recording contract. She signed the contract in 2008, which gives the company 75% of her income. In today’s industry, labels are looking for other revenue streams due to the popularity of digital music and the shift away from consumers purchasing physical albums. The record labels are making money by taking a percentage of merchandise and ticket sales in addition to music sales. I wrote about 360 deals in an earlier post, “Developing New Revenue Streams.” Many artists are upset with their contracts when they realize how much this really amounts to. Now Dev says that she was pressured into signing the deal and that she didn’t adequately review the document or seek legal counsel. The article states that Dev is accusing Indie-Pop of manipulating her and saying that the company didn’t look out for her best interest.