This week I wanted to take the time to acknowledge a
not-for-profit organization that has contributed to its community by keeping
the music alive. Based out of Harlem New York, and founded by Vy Higginson
radios first African American disc jockey, The Mama Foundation school of Gospel,
Jazz vocal and R&B arts has been helping talented teenagers and musicians
make a loud sound in Harlem New York.
The Mama Foundation welcomes voices at any stage of
development whether beginner or seasoned. However, most importantly the foundation
provides a place where musicians can go to learn the craft, become more
confident and learn how to interpret songs better by learning how to find
emotional release. In addition, the foundation provides a place for teenagers to
join their own gospel group.
The gospel for teens by far is one of the many attributes
the Mama Foundation possesses. Learning the background story of some of the
teens and learning the many different trials and tribulations the teens go
through in their daily lives becomes moving when you witness the positive
effect the school has offered the them. In many cases the foundation has helped
some of them become more confident about who they are as a person and taught
them to be proud by shouting their name out loud. The Mama Foundation not only
provided the gift of music but the gift of learning how to be comfortable in your skin, know and learn how to love yourself.
Amongst being a service to the community, the foundation
also found success by having the longest running black Off-Broadway play in history.
Mama I Want to Sing is a classic musical that has been widely recognized and
has had an impressive star line up since its creation including Tisha Campbell, Chaka
Kahn just to name a few. Current versions of the play that has been brought to film people can
find music greats such as Pattie la belle and pop artist Ciara playing roles in
the musical.
The Mama Foundation has a rich history behind
its creation and continues to run shows in Harlem and all over the world. To
learn more about The Mama Foundation please watch the attached interview
conducted by CBS news 60 minutes.
References 2012. The Mama Foundation. About. Retrieved from http://mamafoundation.org/index.html. Sunday 23, 2012 2011. Gospel for teens. CBS 60 minutes. Retrieved from http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7361574n Sunday 23, 2012
I believe it wouldn’t be a little far fetched to say that
there has been a boost in entrepreneurial spirit lately, more and more I
stumble across young entrepreneurs opting to take a chance on their idea and
passion in hopes to turn it into a money making machine while on the quest for
financial independence. Within the music industry the entrepreneurial spirit is
well alive, established artists are finding new ways to build off their brand
and venture out into businesses other than music such as selling perfume or
starting a new clothing or shoe line. For the independent artist, we are seeing
them rise to fame on their own by creating successful campaigns to help boost
their notoriety. The common link between these scenarios is that before a
perfume, shoe line, or artist campaign could ever take place, one must realize
the importance of planning for the business.
From an experts point of view, business plan writer Tim Berry explains which components in a business plan that can kill its
credibility. Tim Berry started his career as a journalist and continued on to publish
books such as Business Plan Pro, Three Weeks to Start-up, and Sales and Market
Forecasting just to name a few. He is also a successful business owner of Palo
Alto Software now a multi-million dollar company.From Tim’s standpoint, business plans are a
critical component to the success of a company, he believes that it is not
beneficial for anyone but the entrepreneur themselves to write their own
business plans.
According to Tim, a
key component in a business plan investors look for that can kill its
credibility are: Unbelievable profits, Ignoring sales on credit, and expenses
vs. assets. He says this holds true because most startups are not profitable,
rarely do they make 10% on profits therefore it would be unreasonable for a
plan to project their business will make 30% or more in profits. Waiting to get
paid is a reality within businesses which is why Tim stresses sales on credit
in business plan projections are key, without them included in a plan can kill
its credibility. Lastly Tim says every business plan should accurately list its
assets and expenses accurately.
Another Business plan expert Mark Zwilling is the CEO and
Founder of Start Up Professionals Inc., his work has been published in Harvard
Business Review and Business Insider. According to business plan expert
reviews like Berry, Zwilling shares some basic tips that should never be
excluded in a business plan.He states
the executive summary is a key component in a business plan, investors will not
look at a plan without an executive summary. Making sure the plan is free of
typos is key and making sure the plan is an actual plan. Lastly, lengthy plans
are not ideal, keeping the plan roughly around 20 pages will work.
To learn how to write a business plan Tim Berry offers advice on his website http://www.bplans.com/.
References
Berry, T. (2012 July 31). 3 incredibly common credibility
killers in business plan numbers. Retrieved from http://timberry.bplans.com/. August 5,
2012
Berry, T. (2012). How to write a start up. Retrieved from http://www.bplans.com/. August 5 2012.
NBC's hit music television show The Voice is finally hosting auditions around the country looking for new talent that will be showcased on television, airing fall 2012. It seems like many undiscovered artists are finding new found fame and success from nationwide opportunities such as programs from The Voice, Americas Got Talent, American Idol and a slew of other music talent shows that have been taking over late night television by storm.
Since its very difficult breaking into the music industry independently, gathering the courage to audition for The Voice may not be a bad idea. If you know you have the talent and are having a hard time getting yourself out there, then choosing to audition is the way to go! these days any opportunity an artist gets should be taken advantage of. No opportunity is too big or too small, if the talent and image is there then go for it!
For more information about The voice auditions please visit the website to learn about qualifications and how you can become the next voice America will be begging to hear every night!
The Voice production team wants to hear you! audition at the following locations.
New York: July 21/ 22
Memphis, TN: July 7th
Minneapolis: July 14th
Dallas, TX: July 28/29
Los Angeles, CA: August 11/12
In the realm of reality television, ratings dictate
the life and air play that a show will be broadcast to viewers. For the stars of the
show, being broadcast on television often means an opportunity to earn income,
fame, and other perks associated with the entertainment industry. All of these
gains are enough to make any one jump on board at the sound of a whistle. however, the question is why does it seem when these reality stars sign on, viewers would much rather see them jump off ship.
Lately there has been a backlash on reality tv shows such as VH1's
basketball wives and Love & Hip Hop series now airing.
Apparently viewers have been outraged about the content the network has been
allowing the viewers to see and the portrayl of bad character and behavior that
has been captured. Many petitioning the show to be removed off air, believe
all of the malicious fighting, sex and love triangles are not healthy for young
viewers that may think that type of behavior is acceptable. On the website Change.org, explains it’s
reasoning why they believe creating a petition is necessary “For example, let's
look at the story of Momma Dee, the ex-pimp/ex-human trafficker on the show. In
a city where sex trafficking is pervasive, we desperately need
to hear Mama Dee's story. Yet, VH1 treats her story like it's no big deal. When
sex trafficking is treated casually, like it's chewing a piece of gum, it
perpetuates the problem!”. http://www.change.org/petitions/boycott-vh1-love-hip-hop-atlanta-specifically-stop-dealing-digital-crack-and-tell-balanced-stories.
In response to the negative backlash, some of the characters on the show
have defended VH1 and themselves by stating what is aired is real life, and if
people have a problem with it, then they need to change the channel. To see some
of the controversy click on the link to view a trailer of this weeks upcoming episode of Love & Hip Hop on VH1. http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/809042/episode-3-sneak-peek.jhtml#id=1688464
References
Harper, E (2012). Boycott VH1 (Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, Specifically): Stop Dealing Digital Crack and Tell Balanced Stories. Retrieved from. http://www.change.org/petitions/boycott-vh1-love-hip-hop-atlanta-specifically-stop-dealing-digital-crack-and-tell-balanced-stories. June 28, 2012
(2012). Love & Hip Hop Atlanta > Ep. 3 | Episode 3 Sneak Peek. Retrieved from http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/809042/episode-3-sneak-peek.jhtml#id=1688464. June 30, 2012
As an artist you might have it all, great music,
fun personality, relatable and immensely talented. If a major record label gave
you a shot you know your artistry package will make you an overnight success.
You're doing everything you need to do locally to get recognized such as
performing in local showcases and open mic's, in the hopes that someone whom
works in the music industry will discover you. Although this is a good start
for artists, many of them do not know that making it in the industry is going
to require more effort than performing in local shows.
So you want to be a star? Then you must master the
art of getting yourself out there. Performing locally is a good place to get
acquainted and experience performing live but it won't necessarily win you the
recording contract with a record label. Artists need to expand and gain the
right exposure by constantly being in tune with music industry professionals.
This means that artists need to know what industry scouts are looking for,
learn where they are networking to find talent, and being prepared to seize the
perfect opportunity. Unfortunately for many this is a hard task because there
are not that many organizations that host events on a regular basis and that
are extremely effective on reaching the right individuals.
Recognizing the need for this in the entertainment
industry website www.themusicbusinessnetwork.com aspires
to connect aspiring artists, students, established music professionals and
engineers through their website and official hosted events in the New York City
area. President and Founder Kathryn Sano describes the purpose of her site
"The Music Business Network is dedicated to connecting industry
professionals, students, and musicians with the services that they need in
order to succeed professionally. The Network acts as an intermediary between
members. It facilitates the connection between individuals who are in need of
services to network members who supply the services they need. The goals of the
network are: to provide networking opportunities (through its
events)."(Sano 2012 MBN). Sano's cite is what emerging artists in the
music industry need to support successful careers, her events offer good
networking opportunities for industry professionals to discover talent and for
artists to meet people that may help music projects.
Sano's Music Business Network is an asset for
artists in the New York area trying to get their foot in the door. I would
recommend artists to start getting themselves out there at events that will be
a direct networking genius for their careers.
2012. Sano K.The Music Business Network. Retrieved
from www.themusicbusinessnetwork.com June 16, 2012
2012. Image. About Us. Retrieved from
www.themusicbusinessnetwork.com. June 16, 2012
For years as a lover of all music genres and the
business of the music industry, I know first hand how hard it is for artists to
get their foot in the door. So many negative factors about the industry has
left a bad taste in many peoples mouths and since discouraged our talented
musicians and business professionals from pursuing their dreams. Making a
difference in the music community has always been a lifelong goal for me
because I understand how powerful and inspiring the sound of beautiful music
can be. I want this blog to serve as a tool for emerging musicians, singers,
songwriters and future business moguls as a reference and guide for the
starving artist on how to make it in the industry.
Many of us have heard or know of extremely gifted
artists with the ability to touch lives through song, but yet they have not
been able to land a major recording deal. To yourself you may have wondered
this artist has the whole package, quality music, personality and a great image
so what is the hold up? The frozen truth is that making it into the music
industry has a lot to do with who you know and networking. If this task was an
easy one maybe that talented person would have been signed a long time ago.
Artist have to grasp that utilizing resources is essential to advancing their
career.
In 2007 three business partners understood that
breaking into the industry for unknown artist is extremely difficult and wanted
to connect those artist to already established music professionals looking for
talent. The innovative founders Corey Stanford, Nathaniel Casey and Ronald
Harrison created a brilliant idea of a company now known as Blazetrak.
Blazetrak serves as the first ever online networking for artist looking to get
their music heard by A list celebrities and moguls such as Ruben Studdard,
Matthew Knowles, Big boi and John Rich just to name a few. The company
guarantees that if an artist submits their music through Blazetrak to the
person of their choice, that within 30 days they will receive a personal video
message from the music industry professional giving the artist valuable
feedback and direct exposure. http://vimeo.com/20583755 Although this
idea is brilliant it also comes with a hefty price, Blazetrak translates the
price into credits with one credit averaging 25 dollars a pop. However, it is a
great opportunity for artists that have quality material but no direction.
Blazetrak works! visit the website at www.blazetrak.com.
If the music business was not about the music business, then it would have been called the record business, unfortunately the music industry's only purpose is to gain profit at all costs, even if it's at the artists expense. Business over music is the motto in the industry whether an artist likes it or not, it is the reason why many musicians and entertainment professionals should understand entertainment law in respect to the field they are in. Since the entertainment is in the dog eat dog arena, I was able to find pertinent advice from Entertainment Attorneys Greg Eveline, Michael C. Donaldson, and Mike Young.
In a seminar conducted by Attorney Greg Eveline, he lectures a course specifically discussing the importance of copyrights and why publishing is where majority of money can be made for artists. According to Greg, his advice to songwriters and artists are to make sure that all material is copyrighted. In particular, he mentions that signed artists should always register the performing arts form because typically a record label will have rights to the sound recording and the video recording copyright. He stresses properly registering arts of work is a must for all artists because if not done, the record label will cheat artists out of royalties. Greg states artists should think about copyrighting as owning property because it allows the artist to rent or sell their music. Attorney Eveline also points out that copyrights do not mean artists owns music they register, but that it is merely a claim stating that their music material was created at a certain date and time.
On the other end of the spectrum, directors of documentaries are having a hard time visually explaining a story without using the appropriate music to compliment points they try to make. Entertainment lawyer Michael Donaldson says the reason why it's so hard for directors of documentaries to create stories is because of clip licensing fees. For instance, if a director wants to use 30 seconds of a song clip and use it in two parts of the film, it would cost production at least $6000 to $8000 for permission to license music. In order to lower the costs, Donaldson says he always advise his clients to implement fair use. Fair use is like freedom of speech, it allows film makers to express their ideas through film without having to pay licensing fees. In a way, fair use is like a loop hole for filmmakers to use as a defense in the court of law. Donaldson explains as long as the filmmaker is able to illustrate the point and doing so by only using what they need to get the message across to viewers, then there is a line for defense in court. Lastly, Donaldson says that it is imperative for filmmakers not to take advantage of fair use, he believes filmmakers need to maintain relationships by offering to pay a price they can afford, before using unauthorized material believing they don't have to pay because of fair use.
In another interview, lawyer Mike Long gives advice on how to protect a website without a lawyer. Considering the growth in social networking and digital media, Mike Long's advice for online business owners are very important. In the interview Long states the first rule of thumb in protecting a business is by forming a separate business entity to shield assets such as cars, by forming a registered business like an LLC, or corporation. He states its essential because the company becomes a person shielding the owner from having to worry about loosing personal property. Long goes on to mention every website should have a privacy policy that states what customers rights are and to ensure customer privacy when using the website, if they choose to use their information on the website. finally, Long mentions the importance to watch out for copyright trolls, copyright trolls are people that make a profit purchasing domain names that already belong to businesses.
Listening to all of the interviews gave a lot of insight on where the entertainment industry is headed in the future. in particular, I find information on fair use to be the most helpful for my business because my company creates videos that will need to use music in order to illustrate a point. Also another key point shared by lawyer Mike Young, is to always protect your business by registering intellectual property and safeguarding your online business by purchasing a domain name. To see full length interviews please watch attached videos below.
References
A Seminar in
Copyright Law with Entertainment Lawyer Greg Eveline. Retrieved from
