Knowing Trade Organizations

RIAA

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a well-known organization that works with various artists and recording companies within the music industry. The RIAA has several purposes including certifying sales awards, protecting intellectual property, and conducting market research. It is much different from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), which handles various licensing and distribution of royalties.

Developing Stage Presence

In order to get fans excited about music, the artist has to be excited about their music. The perfect way to get others hyped and excited is by developing a stage presence. The way an artist portrays themselves on stage is a direct reflection of who they are and what their music means. An artist that moves around, dances, and is passionate, truly cares about what they are doing and connects with the audience better.

Myspace

Recently, I went to a concert at The Chance Theater to see one of my favorite bands. One of the opening bands couldn’t connect with the audience because they lacked experience performing. It was a little awkward to watch because they didn’t know how to move and bumped into each other. The audience was stiff and unsure of how to react to the music and the overall performance of the band. Even though the band tried to encourage the crowd, it seemed like a forced, unnatural effort. The band needed to calm their nerves, practice, and become comfortable.

DIY Artists as Project Managers

Several bands and music artists are opting for the do-it-yourself route to putting out albums, distributing merchandise, touring, and marketing themselves. Cutting out the traditional record label means more money in the pockets of the musicians but it can also mean more money coming out of their pockets. Still, whatever it costs financially, doing things yourself might pay off more in the long run (though it means not having the resources and exposure a label can provide).

Kill Hipsters

Just recently, two well-known bands have announced that they might switch from the traditional model to the DIY model of the music industry once their contracts are up.

Developing New Revenue Streams

In the music industry, it has become a bit difficult to sell full albums due to advancements in technology that allow streaming or purchasing of individual songs. Many fans prefer to purchase only the songs they like instead of a full album for $9.99 or more. The dilemma now is how to make up these lost profits and generate more revenue in a time where some physical formats of music are not being sold.

Fearless Records

Record labels have been fully aware of this and have a solution in the form of 360 deals. These deals take a portion of all of the revenue artists generate including that from merchandise and ticket sales. About.com has more information regarding these types of deals.

Personal Branding

The hardcore band from Ocala, Florida, A Day to Remember, recently teamed up the Make A Wish Foundation. It was the dream of Zak Spang to play on stage with the band. Alternative Press Magazine reports that during a show in New Jersey, his wish came true.

A Day to Remember

A Day to Remember is well known within the rock genre and has played at many famous music festivals like the Warped Tour.  With their upbeat tempos and occasional screaming vocals, the band can be perceived to be a tough, high-energy band.

Welcome

Welcome to An Artist’s Interlude, an online resource for artists looking to take the next step in their careers. Information pertaining to marketing, management, distribution, legalities, and other relevant news will be shared through this blog.