Chris Gotti Breaks Down the Music Business, Starting Add Ventures Music

Chris Gotti Breaks Down the Music Business, Starting Add Ventures Music

  Chris Gotti founded Murder Inc., which churned out some of the biggest hits in hip-hop, but the famed music executive is now moving on with a new company called ADD Ventures. Chris explained to us that his new company offers artists an opportunity to manage their own music with industry advice given by himself. Gotti added that record labels will probably be non-existent in the next 3-5 years, and he predicted that companies like ADD Ventures will replace the labels.

Speaking more about ADD Ventures, Chris pointed out how he helped one of the artists get on the Billboard Top 200 and get his song played on the radio.

You can hear more about Chris Gotti and his new approach to the music industry in the above clip.

E-Moe Speaks on Networking Globally

Glossary of Terms (memorize) Pt.2

Back-End: Industry terminology for receiving compensation at a future date when a project or product becomes profitable. Usually entails no "up-front" money to you.

B.M.I.: Broadcast Music. Inc Performing right society; administers affiliated publishers and songwriters performance right in their songs collects fees payable to those publishers and songwriters.

Booking Agent: A person who acts on behalf of an artist to secure gigs performing music in.

Business manager: Person or entity charged who manages your finances and taxes Usually a C.P.A.

Cause of action: The facts that entitle a person having a right to judicial right against another

Composition: Words and music or just music by itself

Corporation: A for profit company that enables your organization to function as a separate business entity with many tax benefits. Many business owners are attracted to the benefits of the "S" Corporation. Consult a C.P.A. for an information session or do research on the web.

Cross Collateralization: A method by which royalties from one album are recouped against advances of another.

Deal: An arrangement or agreement that stipulates the details of any work, partnership, contractual obligation, or expectation for which you are compensated.

Deal Memo: A letter which outlines the major points or aspects of proposed contracts

  

  

Glossary of Terms (memorize) Pt.1

A & R: Artist & Repertoire, finds talent, signs music artist for labels that they work with. Perform managerial task for artist or work in conjunction with managers.

Administrator: Music publishing company which handles a variety of administrative functions and makes all licensing deals and collects and distributes monies on behalf of another publisher in exchange for fee.

Advance: Up=front payment that counts against monies that may be payable at some time in the future. Non-recoupable advances are payments that are not refundable even if future monies are never due.

Album: A compilation of several master recordings sold as a single unit. Also called a record label or phonorecord or an LP (I.E. Long Play). Compare Single; EP

ASCAP: American Society of composers, authors and publishers. Performing rights society; administers affiliated publishers and songwriters performance right in their songs, and collect fees payable to those publishers and songwriters

Assign: transfers right to another person or party

assignor: Person giving of transferring rights to another

assigns: Those to whom rights may be assigned

attorney-in-fact: Person authorized to act for another

author: Creator, originator, Under U.S. copyright law, the author may be the employer of the person who actually creates the work. See "work for hire"

Licensing your music

  Alot of you may have great songs that have never been heard by the masses, or maybe you don't want to heard by the masses. The music business isn't always about fame, sometimes its just about fortune. Lets say you have a song, it may not neccessary be a hit record, but it a beautiful record. It has a vibe or mood that creates a visual or feel in the consumers mind. Your song may be great for a television placement. Research the music supervisor on your favorite show, these are the people who are responsible for replacing viable music into media. You can do this by either watching the credits or going www.imdb.com and Wikepedia. Pitch your idea to them see if they take up your composition for consideration. Make sure the program pitches music that is similar to yours. Sychronization licenses can be very lucrative, check local television stations and see if they are lookign for new music and always look underneath local broadcast and other outlets.

How to utilize this blog

  I want to teach yu how to use this blog but before I touch bases let me explain something. I don't want to persuade people in any way through my opinions, I only want to give people my perspectives based on factual information. Personally, I am not an advocate of the current school system. I believe that it doesn't teach anybody how to learn. I believe it teaches you how to function in a society that someone else built to benefit a particular sect of people. When I was in school kids would never question the information, and when kids did challenge information some instructors would get upset. I've spoken to doctors, lawyers, psychologist, therapist and what is mind-boggling to me is 85% of what they studied they forgot, and the information they retained the most was pertaining to there major. Its more about indoctrination than the proliferation of the mind. With my blog I want to teach you how to learn, I suggest you get a note book label it music secrets, music tips, or music book or whatever you choose to name it. Real the article and when you find pointers and tidbits that resonate with you write them down  memorize them and apply them. Always keep in mind Memory is the mother of learning, and repitition is the father of learning.

The Secret of Major Record Labels finally revealed the push through and the box out

  Co-Owner of Forbez DVD an independent music artist M.Reck reveals the truth behind the push through and box out methods of major record labels. Recently, Hip Hop artist French Montana of the Coke Boys music group was on the #1 morning show The Breakfast Club. During the interview radio host Charlemagne asked French the reason why "street" music is currently dying in Hip Hop. French Montana then remarked that "The industry places people in positions to present them to people, like this is going to be the new direction of music." What he is reffering to is the push through and the box out method. This is a method where major record labels put tons of marketing dollars behind a artist and then sabotages or shelves his competition(box out). M.Reck goes more in-depth in this vlog above.

10 Things to give up while starting your label

1) Excuses

2)Self Doubt

3)Fear of Failure

4)Procrastination

5)People Pleasing

6)Fear of Success

7)Negative Self Talk

8)Negative Thinking

9)Judgement of others

10)Negative people in your circle

Why music is the most powerful medium on earth

  Marylin Manson once stated that the greatest form of magic is music. Now I know this might go over alot of peoples head so I am going to make the effort to explain this as simple as possible. The great Nikola Tesla once said "if you want to find the secrets of the universe , think in terms of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration. Let that digest for a moment because where going to get kind of deep. When you are dealing with sound you are dealing with vibration. See reality is only a verisimilitude.The most immense lie that has been perpetuated is the existence of our true reality. Our realities are constituted by sound vibrations & frequencies. So he who manipulates sound vibration and frequency ultimately, controls there reality. Matter is only an illusion, time and space don't exist and once you operate from that mentality you then start to alter and bend your reality. Now I want you to think about your favorite artist what do they? When I listen to Nas, Talib Kweli, Kendrick Lamar or Common they make me think. If I listen to Jay-Z, 50 cent, or Young Jeezy they motivate me to go out there, get it and grind. So music is a extremely powerful tool It could make to angry, it can make you sad, happy or make you go out and get something done. Hence, frequency is what evokes emotion and the sound motivates the action. So as music creators understand that you are essentially an archeype of God on earth. It is you who has the choice to choose what is going to move you. Have you every wonder why when you change the stations on your radio you are looking for channels that are connect to certain "frequency?" This is why it is so important to be authentic, because once you go outside of your frequency is when you open Pandoras box. I think a great artist to listen to who has an exceptional understanding is Willow Smith. I am amazed by the wisdom this little girl has, I learn something everyday just by following her on instagram. Listen to her music she truly understands this concept. 

Pearls of Wisdom(Pardon My Language)

  Anybody knows me knows that after I came back from the black mans University, they would tell you that I changed. They would tell you that I wasn't the same to give you an example my street name went from Sha-poppin to Professor Sha. I learned so much while I was away I wanted to share it with my friends on the corner. When I would share information they would say things like "come on my nigga you on your professor Sha shit," or they might say "come on Sha with this Martin Luther X shit my g." I laughed because I understand the mentality of the people I was around. I didn't take it personal I understood I used to be there. I started looking at the world from a different perspective. I understood why the neighborhood I lived in was in the socioeconomic position it was in. I started to understand why my people thought the way they did. I learned not to take things to seriously and allow my emotions to supersede my intelligence.  The people that I was in the sandbox with playing with action figure, were the same people that distant themselves from me when I started to towards a different direction. I had a mentor I told him about the situation and the backlash I was getting from my friends. He explained to me you have to recognize pure wisdom, you have to recognize divine love, he said that is true superior power. The old me would of said man get out my face with that Phil Donahue nonsense. The new me would allow it to marinate and let the answer come to me so I can truly understand the meaning of what somebody is saying. I came to the conclusion when you look at everybody as  an aspect of light, or presence of god. Every person in the world is just another aspect of God, and God makes his presence known through your friends, families, and even your enemies. God thinks, speaks, and acts through all of them. I had to understand life is nothing more than aspects of polarity. When I was young I never liked people saying that I wasn't capable of something, so if they said I couldn't do anything that would give me more of an incentive to prove it. Don't allow people to take you out of your character. Understand everybody is not going to grow as fast as you grow, and everybody is not going to think like you do. Instead of getting upset or angry I left it to itself. Years later those same people came back telling me "yo man you was right son, I was whalling its like god sent you to tell me a message and I wasn't listening." This was after he did a 4 out of a 3-12 sentence for a manslaughter. So listen to those who are around you you never know what God is trying to tell you.

Would you wear this type of Jacket?

How to Choose a Power of Attorney

  Anybody that is familiar with the entertainment industry understerstand that entertainment lawyers are the chi or the life force of the entertainment industry. Most of the in-depth aspects of business is managed by entertainment lawyers. Where people began to fail is not being able or knowing how to choose the proper lawyer. When selecting a lawyer write down a list of questions to ask that relates to there experience. If they ask you questions all questions should be business related. Keep in mind lawyers are going to help you with your business transactions and assure you financial success. So you want to be very selective. Entertainment lawyers make up about 7% of practicing attorneys which makes it very scarce and competitive. Entertainment lawyers can aid you with contacts and also set up essential businesses that in your interest that can aid your brand. Evaluate all of your business needs industry professionals are always seeking aid for business reasons. Have a plan and goal already constructed. Be very hands on a with assistance the more assstance you hand your lawyer the more proactive you are the better. 

  

  

  

How to become an effective personal manager

  I was listening to this interview of Damon Dash a person I admire and respect and I remember him saying that artist always will resent you thats just the way it is when there the creative and your the business man they always will have that resentment. I thought about the artist I was around in my life and the way they would talk about there managers. I was like wow Damon Dash hit the nail on the head. I remember talking to this artist (whos name I will hold for all intents and purposes). He this man literally cried because in my arms explaining to me how his manager did bad business with him and he wasn't privy to how alot of business was handled. What my advice to up and coming managers is develop a reputation of good faith. I'd like to consider my self a visionary or seer. I beleive in a world full of wolves and sheep the shepard always wins. Artist want somebody they can trust. I believe that if you are to become a manager don't make it your bread and butter. I believe if it becomes your bread and butter you will compromise your integrity in your artist. I remember talking to an up and coming artist from New York and what he explained to me is that he would love to sign with Jermaine Dupri. In my mind I was saying I listened to his music I could't really imagine him being on a label like So So Def. What he explained to me was you never hear about Jermaine Dupri taking anybodies money or anybody having a fall out with him. That is when it dawned on me because of Jermaine Dupris reputation there will always be artist willing to deal with him. 

  Remember you are a manager, an overseer meaning that you are organizing, monitoring and guiding an artist. You have to be a mentor, a coach, maybe some what of a father figure and guidance counselor 

all rolled in one. You have to explain there duties, know there expectations, and explain defining there role as an artist. You want to guide them through this maze called the music industry. The artist might be hanging around a crowd that might not necessary be beneficial for the artist. You have to be the one to cordially place this artist to the side and explain that to them in a way they are receptive to. So you have to understand human psychology to a degree, how the film,televison, and music industry operates. Television and film have been essential aspects of developing a star.

  Don't invest in a artist that you not are not passionate about. Don't just choose an artist because uyou believe it will make you a quick buck. Choose a artist that sees the value in you as well as you seeing the value in them. Regardless of the level of respect you have for each other be sure to have a mutual agreement printed out. make sure that there is clauses in the agreement that constitute your distribution of monies in the case you effort severed ties and go separate ways. You just want to protect yourself so that you can be reimbursed out of any out of pocket expenditures. Apply this mentality not only as an artist but in yourself. Focus and make sure you have an entrepreneurial mindset.

More Ways to be compensated as a musician

  1) Collaborate - I love New York it is where I am from. The one thing I learned about my city growing up it is extremely competitive. Which is what makes the city so great but I believe that could become a gift & curse at the same time. I watched how Lil Wayne would do collab after collab which eventually proliferated his popularity. I understand having a competitive nature but I believe you shouldn't be to competitive to the point it interferes with your money. Just think about like you are running country. The diplomatic approach wins you don't want to severe ties or burn bridges would you? That can hinder great art and possibly hurt the world from hearing something special. Imagine if Jay-Z and Cam'ron never made "Welcome to New York City"? So There is nothing wrong with pooling your resources together to generate longevity.

2) Corporate Gigs - Seek local agencies that put together gigs for corporate clients. Look for venues that host events like weddings and convention centers. This can be great because they can provide leads about local planners, coporation employees, and others that also do events.

3) Brand Ambassador - You might have a large following and you might upload engaging post on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. If so you can possibly become an instagram ambassador. In this digital age we have a number of services that allow you to sponsor and advertise different brands and products. Look into different ambassador platforms like Snapfluence or Instabrand.

4) Youtube - This one is probably obvious I think most musicians no that they can monetize there music through this platform. CDbaby and Rumblefish will track down your music being streamed on Youtube allowing it to be utilized for non-commercial use through participation with there Youtube ID program. They will upload it to other user-generated video sites so anytime these videos are served with ads you will be given a percentage.

5) Freelance - Once you know what your skillset is hone in on it. There is more than likely away you can monetize it. If your an exceptional producer maybe in your spare time you can do seminars to aid other producers. If you are a good writer maybe help other artist with there biographies for there press kit. So just get those brain juices flowing the possibilities are endless.

How to sell an album

 When you are making the effort it is obvious that a marketing plan is a must. What you have to do is devise a plan. To many artist concentrate on the what but don't concentrate on the how. More people should identify how they are going to sell an album. Think about if the artist has a fanbase, how much media/social media coverage the artist is gaining. Unfortunately talent doesn't always convert into sales.  The key is to findout who your target market is and figure out how to connect with them. Before you even think about packaging your self as an artist you should think to yourself who is going to purchase my material. You want to get inside the mind of the buyer. For example If you an mc with with in-depth concepts, have socio political content and have a very broad vocabulary you might want to cater to college students. I can't stress how important it is people will not purchase your work if they don't know  that it exist. You want to perform at clubs that would more than likely be susceptible to your demographic. We are in the digital age now where there are tons of people who are creating there own platforms. So you will find tons of internet radio stations, podcast, Youtube channels where you can be innovative. You just have to know which of these platforms is relative to the demographic you seek. Hire publicist and promoters to garner attention to your product. The key is reaching your audience. Your audience is nothing but your reflections. They are people who more than likely want to be you or people that see something in you that they see in themselves. 

  

Hit records gift & curse (My prediction)

  Imagine you go to the studio. You get in contact with some of your favorite producers. You finally choose the instrumentals that cater to your liking. You sit down develop the melody for your song. Then you write out the three verses and chorus. Finally you go into the booth to lay it down after a number of takes you finally finish and now the producers sit there edit, mix, and master it. Cd's get pressed up records get sent to radios. Everything turns out fine the record becomes a smash hit. Now there is a demand for your record. You only pressed up 10,000 records and there are millions of people who want not just a digital download but a tangible copy of the records. manufacturers want give you credit for demand so you might not even get paid thus putting you in the hole. So now a major issue arises because you can't fulfill and order. Now you may say we are in the digital age record sales are on the decline nobody buys albums now more. On the contrary, I believe that you will see a rise in albums. You see when you understand human psychology you understand that we as humans love experiences. It was a beautiful experience when I was a teenager walking to the Music Factory on Jamaica avenue and looking through all of the cd's purchasing my favorite artist. Going home reading the book  looking at the pictures reading the credits. That was an experiece that I beleive is lacking right now. I think sooner or later artist will get more creative and understand the importance of creating everlasting experiences for there fans. People believe that we will never see anybody sell as many records as a Nelly but I beg to differ. I truly believe that if the right artist comes along this feeling will render its self.

  So if you have this problem how could you make up for the demand? This is where networking comes in. You wiegh your options. If the records is successful people want to be apart of that. Favor for a favor look at sources you can possibly borrow from. Get affiliated with a larger label or distributor if you have big demand for a product make sure you target appropriate ones. Contact them and request to do business.

  

Pros of running a independent record label

  When you think about major record labels there is an aspect in music where they fall short. There isn't anymore artist development. So what you have now is tons of talent with no guidance or direction. There needs to be more people that are trained to understand how to mold talent. Greatness needs to be nurtured. When you think about the biggest acts in the world alot of them didn't come out the gate with a major hit record. These acts had to be groomed to become the gargantuan stars that they are. Artist development doesn't even exist in this day and age and it shows fourth in the nature of the artist. It saddens me because I see so many guys with these big records who could of became even bigger stars if they just had the right people placed around them. Some of the best talent come from innovators who put out music from the comfort of there own home. 

  I believe record labels are the new it. They can responde quicker to consumer trends. While majors take a major hit if they sale in the 50,000's and lower. While that number would be significant for an independent label. The beauty of independence to me is if I could use an analogy its like moving from your parents house. When you are under a major record label it is like when your living under your mom and dads roof. You might want to become a an aspiring disc jockey but your parents are saying no that will never work. Go to school get a job graduate go to college and get a better job. Which can be misleading because how do your parents not know that it is your destiny to be this incredible disc jockey and touch a part the music world that has never been touched before. This is the significance of dealing with an independent you make your leadway to do more of what you want. You have much more autonomy when you are dealing with an independent label. The key word in todays age is control the choice is i your hands. You make the decisions you decide if you want to make that record. You decide if that is the route you believe you should go marketing wise. All owness is on your self. Lets be honest who wants to sell a million records and not make any money. There is alot lot of significance to the Kanye West song "New Slaves". Alot of people didn't get the message that he was trying to convey on that record. Kanye is smart he understands the power in ownership.

  I advise you to study artist like Cormega(one of my personal favorites), Little Brother,tech none,    R.A. The Rugged man(The Kevin Bacon of the rap game), Brother Ali, Talib Kweli,  MF Doom(So Dope), Aesop Rock, Earl Sweatshirt, and Immortal technique. These are guys who created a household name with out the major backing of coporate record labels. Take your time and study you will get better through trial and error. Alot of times you hear about artist at complaining about the lack of compassion from major record labels. Just recently Waka Flacka took to twitter talking about how Atlantic kept pushing his album "Flockavelli 2" back. "I just want to say fuck my label" he said verbatim. Alot of artist unknowingly sign away one of the most important parts of there records which is the copyright. Imagine you make an amazing record and you have to ask some guy who doesn't even like Hip Hop nor understands it the right to use the record commercially. The best advantage his having to be able to express your self creatively. I don't want to get tp deep on this post but there is something very powerful about being impeccable with your word. Honesty is the voice of the soul. When money gets involved we can get removed from the true message we want to portray in our music. I believe every true artist has a hidden treasure that needs to be presented to the world. It is up to use to wrap the gift and place a beautiful bow on it. We all have a godlike philosophy that needs to be unleashed to the world. If you don't remember anything from this post just remember this it is nothing like controlling your own destiny.

How to conduct your self doing business

  When you think about the word business what do you think about? I think about the practice of engaging in commerce. When you think about the record business you what do you think about? I think about records or music compositions that act in the form of commerce. When you are in a business setting how would you describe the atmosphere? I would describe as deep thought, pensive, or  introspective. You wouldn't be at a business meeting doing the nae nae right? You wouldn't be doing the stanky leg, right? To do business is to be a consummated professional. This is how you should carry your self when you are engaging in business. You want to take your self seriously first impression is everything. When engaging with people be about your business. To many people out here miss out on opportunities because people don't take themselves seriously. If you don't take yourself seriously no one will take  you seriously. So you want to be professional meaning have business cards they cost you nothing. You can go to Vistaprint.com and get some standard prints for 7.99. Now me personally I make the effort to be attentive to my appearance from my cards to my shoes. I understand that first impression is everything. So I would probably make the effort to create a card that stands out. You will be surprised how far a well adorned business card can take you. 

  I remember my friend was just starting out with his independent label. He made sure everything was professionally done. He put so much money into his brand that people who were established in the business were approaching him saying "hows the label going?""You need any help?" In my mind I was laughing like this is a knucklehead from Queens that fell on some money and made his self look like more than what he was. That is when I thought to myself look the part and people will look at you as the part. So if you have the funds and this is with any business not just the record business. Make the effort to be professional buy paper with letterheads, if you can purchase an office, cut and paste your logo at the top of the sheet of paper, get organized, and have invoices.

  learn to articulate your self. Now I know this can become a touchy subject but I have to touch on this. I'm from the hood so you not talking to nobody that doesn't understand the vanacular used in the hood. I am definitely not a square if you catch me on a rough day I might be using every n, b, and f word if you get me mad enough. The key though is to learn when and where to turn it off. If I go see my boys from the neighborhood I might say "what's goody?"if I am meet a record exec I might say "how are you"? "it is a pleasure to meet you sir". So know how to manuver, unfortunately when people are quick to judge. So we want to be equipped and knowledgeable enough to know we can speak are own language but we can articulate are selves enough to coexist in different arenas.

The Cons of starting your own label

  One of the greatest strengths of a major is its ability for exposure. So it is quite perplexing when I see artist get millions of views on Youtube than sign there rights away. Now just because you own your own record label doesn't mean its going to be flowers and daiseys. Owning a record label can also have its downside. Its easy to own a business but it can be difficult to maintain and uphold a successful business. If you don't have connections to radio program directors or a budget it can be hard to get exposure for your record. Now there are also ways to get around that which I will explain in latter chapters. You ave know exposure is key people can't buy your record if they don't know it exist. Marketing savy and money can go a long way. 

  When you are signed to a major record label you are utilizing other peoples money. When you own your own label most likely you going to be taking it out of your bank account. This sometime can be frustrating when you generate a marketing plan but don't have the sufficient funds to follow through with all the particulars. There also comes the potential of lack of respect. You may be just starting so to publications and distributors your a baby. There are millions of people that have record labels. Like I said anybody can make a label so alot of times they tend to lump you with all the other non professional record labels they come in contact with on a regualr bases. Alot of time you have to prove yourself before you start to garner any type of attention.

Depending whether you have enough money to pay staff the work can overwhelm you. The higher your demand the more work and nothings more harder than being a creative and putting in the foot work it is always better to have a team. Running things by yourself can become strenuous. Speaking to distributors, pressing up cd's, refining cover art, preparing and shipping of merchandise you literally have to be a jack of all trades.

  What is monopoly money to a major is probably your budget. Not having the luxury of a major can become frustrating because you don't have the staff or the budget to compete. It can also be very time consuming alot of people running a label have so little time. That sometimes they can lack a social life. Majors spend a rediculous amount on acts that are not even promised to be successful. Which can be frustrating when your thinking what you could possibly do with that little bit of amount of money. If you can muster it though the rewards are tremendous but trust me there is definitely going to come a time of doubt and time where reality sets in. Overcome your obstacles and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

  

What labels look for in artist

  Labels look for the most talented person they could find, right? Pretty much so isn't that how it should be? Maybe but in all reality this is not the case. There is much more that a label looks for than just talent. There are a number of aspects one must take under consideration. See selling records is somewhat of a science. When you understand this you will get a better idea of what labels are seeking.

You have different types of artist that all possess doifferent talents. Different audiences gravitate towards artist in different ways. Artist who have a great live stage performance tend to sell more records. This in comparison to one who has a great performance in the studio but is sub par on stage. Labels tend to seek for those who already ready have a lengthy following. There perspective is okay 50% of te work is done already we just how to augment it now. understand if a person is likely to come to an artists show than they are also likely to buy your records. Can the artist write and produce or can the artist just write? An artist that can produce his own music is always a plus.

  How does the artist look? An artist with a well put together look can go a long way. What embodies a true superstar is his image. If the artist has a uniqueness about him maybe the way he wears his hat, the way he walks,  an inviting personality that can take you far. Its not necessary about becoming being beauty pageant model but a beautiful personality resonates in photos. A radiant personality is always more attractive. An amazing personality reflects in ones music.

  

  Now what is ironic is even though we are in a drug filled industry. An artist with an habitual use of drugs is definitely a red flag. You would be how many labels, a&r's, and execs pass up on artist with drug abuse problems. You see artist with drug abuse issues tend to not be dependable, not showing up for shows, interviews, important business meetings and ultimately they become a liability. An artist to an label is a commodity and nobody a wants a damaged commodity.

  Lasty, is the artist authentic is there an air of integrity to his music? Music that is honest and vulnerable tends to connect more than that which is dishonest. Don't you ever wonder why an artist first album tends to be his best? That is because it is authentic most artist are still broke after they get there first advance because of the recoup. So if there talking about eating gummi bears and Top Ramen noodles more than likely they are. Records like that where an artist is pouring out his pain are felt because you can feel there authenticity. So get an incredible studio and stage performance, create an incredible image, don't use drugs and be honest make music of integrity don't write about police brutality if you really don't care be authentic as possible.

  

Getting the right type of contract

I will have to admit the complexity of some contracts are beyond the scope of a blog. There is a reason lawyers are in school for years before they take the actual B.A.R. exams. Nonetheless, you want to have atleast a substantial understanding of business contracts. I talk to artist and I ask them what is you plan what type of deal do you plan on getting. Alot of them don't know what a controlled composition clause is or any other terminology for that matter. They just hear about Jay-Z getting a 10 year 360 deal and they think well Jay-Z is smart I guess I should get a 360 deal. Not understanding everything a 360 deal entails. Make sure all different rates get situated. So you have to be an opportunist the industry consist of mostly opportune timing, and making the right deals. So be prepared take the most profitable that meets your most preeminent standards while simultaneously understanding when to walk away from a everything that glitters ain't gold situation.

  

Networking

  Networking is a rolodex of people within side your industry whom can aid you in a number of ways. Networking is a quintessential aspect of the music industry. You want to go to as many places as possible to get to know people. Once you get to know different people they can help support what you are doing. Go around giving out and collecting business cards. As you meet people to develop a repport   and write down quintessential facts about your encounter. The more people you get to know the more possibilities to  recommendations for services, promotion and resources. You never know who somebody might possibly know. A simple contact can lead you a long way.

  Become a likable person when people like you doors open. Everybody you meet is a possiblity to meet another person. I wouldn't recommend doing anything before you start to get to know people in the music industry. So much of this is about who you know especially if you are possibly an artist trying to make it via D.I.Y. method. Resources are priceless and they could give a map at certain crossroads imagine you have to go somewhere and you know where the destiny is located but you don't know what you might possibly run into on the way. When you have connections people can guide you down that road and show you how to avoid certain stumbling blocks. Think of it like a parent a parents job is to kind of guide you so you don't make the mistakes that they have possibly made.

You Have to have a money mentality

   Now I know it sounds cliche but you must have a positive outlook on your efforts. To go even more  in depth. Supreme conviction in endeavors will proliferate you to unbelievable heights. You see there are eternal laws and principles that never change. What the problem is, is people truly do't know the power nor know how to activate the power of the right mentality. The right mentality is a fusion of thoughts and feelings. In other words your mind and your heart. You have to believe in yourself so much that no man, woman, or childs opinion can deter your belief. You must have a prodigious belief system. This is what separates the boys from men, the girls from women, and the havs from the have nots. The right mentality can get you out of poverty and grant you a peace of mind.

  Everyone has somewhat some kind of faith. We all have things that we may believe in beside the fact that we don't have any tangible evidence to prove it. Christians have never seen jesus in the physical form but there believe he is coming back. That is the type of unwavering faith you have to have. Others may not understand your journey or see the light that you see at the end of the tunnel. Just steadfast and keep on believing in yourself. You are never a slave of victim to your circumstances. Start to believe a mentality of invincibility. Know and understand everything in your life is a manifestation of unseen faith. The power is seeing the unseen!

The Art of Busking

Many artist don't actually understand the power of busking. Busking can be a very powerful promotional tool than you think. For those that don't know busking is nothing but a public performance for gratuities. We live in an age of transparency where people want to know who you are. They want to be able to touch you they want you to be tangible and acessible. Believe of not busking can actually be profitable than you think.  I used to take the e train to high school everyday. I once knew a guy who would sing cover tunes on subway platforms. Everyday I would walk pass him and here him sing "I miss you" by Harold Melvin and the blue notes. I would see people of all different ethnicities give his different amounts of gratuities. One day out of curiosity I said "hey man not to be intrusive but you down here alot man do you make alot of money doing this?" He then explained to me "it was slow at first but people start to get familiar with your face they start to leave tips everyday next thing you know you might make $4 to $500 dollars in one month which is not bad for extra income." I said to my self wow I would of never guess that amount. There are several success stories of people that have garnered attention from busking. You have the eastside crackhead who freestyled for a young gentleman in a car the video eventually went viral, You had a homeless man who sang and ended up meeting his idol Busta Rhymes, etc. That same guy I told you about that was possibly making 500 dollars a month also was  promoting his CD's which people also purchased. So Playing underground suprisingly can become very lucrative do not be scared to hustle to get what you want. Carry business cards when you see people gather around you and clap or attentive to your performance give them out. You never know you might be giving them to an label exec. It attracts pr opportunities imagine playing on the platform on the  E train and the next thing you know you are getting booked for a high end gig or appear on a television show. The possiblities are endless!

D.I.Y. Tips for Registering your record label

  There are a couple of ways that you can register a record label. You can do a DBA which is (doing business as) or you can do whats called an incorporated. You can also file a business certificate within your  county. A corporation establishes your business as a separate entity incase of any mishaps that transpire where you could possibly be sued. With a corporation  the business gets sued and not your you or your personal assets. A LLC or limited liabilty company can also be registered as an alternative to a DBA or incorporated. LLC's are good for partnership arrangements and tax options. Every circumstance is different so every case needs different attention. The decision to incorporate mostly depends on ones net worth. Depending whether they possess substantial assets they will more than likely need protection. So I wouldn't recommend this for a company that is just getting started. There are different taxes and costs associated with an incorporated that probably wouldn't need to incur in case of a start up. Sole proprietorship  is for accounting reasons, LLC are much more flexible between profits and loses. They operate pretty much as a hybrid partnership and corporation. So even though it might not be significant tax advantages corporations are very good for asset protection. LLC protects you from business creditors. I highly recommend getting a lawyer you might not need to incoporate right a way. Also in business if you have a partner you might want to document a partnership agreement.  You to know all particular like rights to a song, ownership of trademarks and names. Most states generally employ a rule of sharing the profits evenly including all of there business assets.

The Importance of owning your masters

Jay-Z - I own my own masters no I'm not missing no royalty statements   

  Your master is the original copy of an recording. This is what all copies are ultimately duplicated from. Majority of major record labels will make sure that this is one of the first acquisitions they will make the effort to own. Most of them will own the master in negotiating as part of an agreement. Typically there is no standard about who receives these rights. Speak with an entertainment lawyer about the specifics and the importance of your masters. Especially in regards to signing a contractual agreement. Most major labels understand the power and importance of the master so they will make a rapacious effort for the acquisition of such compositions. Unless you I like that guy above smoking the cigar this can become difficult for some. You see the master copy gives you control of what you do with it in the future. So they understand the master is very resourceful and they make sure they do there due diligence to acquire it.

Getting Distribution in International Markets

  Before you think about getting foreign distribution there has to be a strong demand for your record.  You have different distributors abroad. You have smaller distributors that distribute in one country or region. These distributors are called territories. Than you have larger distributors that work within individual countries or all across Europe. Most U.S. Independent distributors don't distribute overseas. Distributors more than likely have limited access to foreign markets so there is a very small amount of outlets they can send product. Dance music tends to be the easiest to sell in many international markets. The distributors want to hear a story behind the artist. The want to gain a understanding of how the artists story relates to there current market. So you want your artist to establish a presence in the market place that you would like to sale and promote in. So market and promote in the territories that you would eventually like to distribute your music in. One of the best way to market in foreign territories is to hire a representative for your label in that territory. The press varies from country to country.

  The basic premise is identifying you audience in those specific countries. Get touring or get your artist touring in those markets. Utilize the internet to find contacts. As an alternative consider manufacturing and shipping from different country bases. Don't force it only go that route if there is a demand for labels in the specific areas. Remember distributors take a percentage of the dealers price of the record. You have to communicate explain the format of the record, pricing,  and what specific store your would like it in.

Advice for producers coming into the game(Power of Anonymous)

  Music producers are the life support of the music industry. There the spine to each every song so there is always going to be a demand for music producers. With an abundance of music producers how to you get heard? How to you get your music in the hands of a Drake, Future, or Kendrick Lamar?If you strive to be mediocre this post isn't for you. This is for the next Dr.Dre, Quincy Jones, Rodney Jerkins, and P.diddys of the world. If you want to be a successful producer you must find artist and projects that can possibly be potential hit records. What hit records do it open doors for you that otherwise would probably be shut. What is perplexing is you want to do this at the same time, you don't want to necessary aim for a hit records. Most of the time hit records come about by stumbling over them. When Just Blaze and Jay Electronica created the record "Exhibit C". They didn''t go into the studio with the mentality we have to make a hit record. They went into the studio with the mentality we have to make a great record. I say this to say you never know what may go viral what people may most likely gravitate towards. What this will do is create a buzz artist naturally want to know who's the hottest producer out. This is when companies will present contracts because when you have established a list of hit records. Its like recommendation on a resume for a job interview. You are establishing a portfolio ultimately every project is a step forward to more work. We want to gain the attention of artist who being marketed and promoted by record labels. If not them, atleast artist that are being promoted by by themselves. 

  Understand the power of anonymous if you go to New York. People stand there on 42nd street waiting to run into big name artist. Hoping they run into a Jay-Z, a Dmx, a 50 Cent which is cool but a big name artist may not necessary be the one to put you on. It might just be the guy that gets his hair at the barber shop around your way that know Russell Simmons and loves your music, it might be that dude you think is broke because he wears Parasuco jeans but he works in the same office building as Atlantic Records and is very close with an A&R in the building. I say that to say you want to look at the wide spectrum of people that can connect you to the music industry. You never know who someone knows or can do to get you further into the league.

  You have to have an exposure before commerce mentality. A free song can go along way, you don't want to give away to much but it helps. You want to get your name out get people talking. You want to market your self to the point people come looking for you. Always remember that and keep it in mind the strongest and most pertinent part of business is marketing you have got to get your name out there.

  

How to not be uncomfortable with yourself (Insecurity)

  Insecurity is care and concern about the opinions of others and views of the society around you. Power is not having a care or concern about the views and opinions of others and following your internal compass. Internal compass meaning your souls purpose and knowing who you are. Too many of us don't know who we are. As a result too many of us are uncomfortable in our own skin. We look at magazines and we compare ourselves to people. We look at where we are in life and we compare ourselves to chairman of fortune 500 companies, music artist, athletes, and actors. We all have our own personal journeys that we have to go through. What we don't understand is within side those journeys are different roads and paths. We hold this mentality that we are in competition others. Jealousy is simply a secretive competition which breeds envy. God didn't send you on earth to look at a magazine and get upset. We are all here to become the greatest versions of ourselves. The world operates in a symbiotic relationship. We like to believe we are independent which is a farce. In all actuality we are dependent on each other one way or another. If you think of any person of prominence they had great people around them. So its not about drowning ourselves in ego it is about establishing a stringent connection towards god. To be insecure is to not believe in God. To understand that everything happens for a reason is to believe in God. To know that everything is in divine order and you will be alright and to believe in that beyond a shadow of a doubt is to be at one with god. Always keep this in mind that your path was designed specifically for you. God made your trials and tribulations for you and only you. So every event you go through in life, every obstacle, every stumbling block, has been tailored made for to grow and develop the greatest version you can possibly be. Never allow the opinions of other disturb and perturb you from you goals in your life. You are special you are powerful each and every person on this earth has a secret power, A yearning for expression that the soul waits to reveal. Pay attention to your feelings, you desires and most importantly what makes you happy. This is getting connected with you hearts consciousness. In essence your internal compass. Understand that everything that glitters isn't gold. What you may perceive as perfection is drenched in mascara, eye liner, blush and insecurity. Hence, sometimes the grass is greener on the other side because its fake.

My Message to Hip Hop Rappers and Upcoming Artist

   A messsage to artist and consumers of Hip Hop. I went to my sisters house today and she was listening to this 50 Cent song called "Rowdy Rowdy". Immediately I started screaming "somebody done shot the block up son word? He had the same thing you had on son, word? I know you did it so get the fuck out of here you heard I run with niggaz that will spray strip and stay there and shit." It immediately brought back this euphoric feeling. My sister started playing different records she knew I loved from "hate it or love it" "21 questions" "P.I.M.P" "If I ruled the world" its brought back so many memories. Growing up is South jamaica Queens I pretty much was involved in every dysfunctional act you could possibly be apart of. The beauty of being from the qoute on qoute hood was music. Music was our outlet, music became mental therapy for the hood. As she played different songs it dawned on me that Hip Hop has dramatically changed. Now don't get me wrong I love Drake, I love Future I love The Troy Aves of the world, and the Manolo Roses. I just remember a Hip Hip that spoke on subjects that could be related to universally. Right now Hip Hop caters to rich white kids that are growing up in the suburbs. Which I believe is cool Hip Hop is the most influential culture in the universe. I just believe Hip Hop needs to go in the direction of balance. Every body in the world is not partying and wealthy. I'm not saying that I want to hear 40 songs about police brutality either but I miss songs that touched on an assortment of topics, and gave a multitude of opinions and views. I remember as a kid playing basketball at the park at P.S. 176 in Cambria Heights Queens. My friend Carlton brought out the boom box while we was playing basketball. I immediately heard, "If I ruled the world Imagine that, I free all my sons I love love em baby! I didn't say anything but in my mind I said what the hell is that? I didn't know what is was but I knew I wanted to be a part of it. So new artist nothings wrong with turning up and going into clubs seeing its lit. But where are the songs about politics, where are the songs about your views on the current state of affairs. You have people that have made songs about police brutality but there not resonating with the consumer because more than likely the artist is not being sincere. There making the song because it is trendy so you should't just talk about something because it sounds cool. I just would love for more artist to make songs of more substance. The reason why you can get a 80's baby or early 90's baby in the room and play G-Unit, Dipset, D-Block, Nas, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang, Dmx, 2pac, Biggie Smalls, Lauryn Hill etc. Is because these artist brought a certain energy and feeling with there music. As soon as you hear any of there records you start to transcend time. We need more feel good records that can change peoples lives and give people different perspectives on life. There is millions of concerns in the world and I believe it is time for us to start creating a dialogue.

Listen to the first ever rap song I listened to below

A Secret Marketing Trick That Nobody Seems to be doing Anymore

   

  When I was about 16 it was hard for me to find a job. I would apply for McDonalds, Popeyes, KFC, I would commute to the local malls no luck. Finally one day I got a call from a friend of mine named Ruff Ryder. Around this time dvd's were very big in Hip Hop. You had Smack, you had cocaine city which was real big in my neighborhood and you had Sub Zero. So a friend of mine said I know you watch the dvd's all the time would you mind working for one? So of course I said yes get paid to do what I love and do for free of course. So I take a train to there location in J street Brooklyn. I enter  the room I see computers everywhere poster and painting of different rap artist state of the art studio it looked amazing. So I saw my friend he introduced us to every body and handed us a box. We then proceeded to a back room. In side the box were promotional stickers, posters, bumper stickers, etc. I remember asking Ruff Ryder why don't the owner just buy commercial space it wasn't like they didn't have the funding. That is when Ruff Ryder began to explain to me the power of streets teams. Late 90's early 2000's you had something called street teams. Ruff Ryder asked me who was my favorite artist. He then ask me how did I find out about him. That is when it clicked for me i realized that most of the artist I ever gravitated to was because I had friends that would run to my house after school with mixtape cd's which increased my interest even more. The most powerful form of marketing is word of mouth. Being able to interact with people first hand was not a luxury alot of major record labels had. So they kids that were in the streets and allowed them to get first hand information directly from the consumer. This is prior to Soundcloud, Reverbnation, Youtube, Twitter and Facebook. So I learned that there are various forms of marketing but nothing is more powerful then word of moth. Nothing like people talking about your product everywhere its free advertisement. So if you are an up and coming independent label start a street team. They can promote on the internet, setting up displays, or going to concerts passing out stickers, posters and samplers. A street team can become your eyes and ears of the streets. Once you have a street team always show great appreciation for them. Give them bonuses free merchandise, credits on work just to show that you appreciate there work. There are a myriad of marketing companies around the country that you can purchase stickers and send your street teams to high schools(if that is your audience) to distribute them.

  So know the power of word of mouth. You can look at a McDonalds commercial and they will tell you 101 reasons why the big mac is the best burger in the world. That is nothing compared to your friend who you respect and adore telling you man this burger is the best! So create a buzz do whatever you can do to create it and I promise you your music will go a long way.

Understanding the music industry (what am I getting myself into)?

  Understand the music business is not candy land. Now I'm not saying this to instill fear in you in anyway but for those that want to get a better understanding of the inner workings of the music industry from somebody with first hand knowledge here is some insight. The music industry has been notorious time immemorial for its reputation of lack of professionalism, criminal behavior, deception and thievery.  I remember being at award shows and watching your favorite artist on the stage screaming to the top of there lungs pleading with other artist and entertainers just to sit down in there seats just so the show would stop. I've watched people you love and adore that have been in major big screen movies get walked over like doormats. Storys about rappers getting extorted, jewlery being stolen, promoters not compensating artist and people being robbed all because they didn't know how to carry themselves.

No how to move in a room full of vultures industry shady it need to be taking over - Jay-Z

I believe the people that do become the most successful within the music industry is those who know how to type rope the line of streets smart and book smarts and that is what this blog is about. The key to becoming financially successful in the music industry is by the exploitation of sound recordings and music artist. Look terminology that is used "exploitation" which should give you a hint of what type of business you are dealing with. My advice to you is to always keep in mind that this is the music business". It is about monetary gain and how can we accumulate as much commercial dollars as possible. There are a multitude of different people who play a major part in the workings of an artist. You have the creatives: which is like recording artist, songwriters, vocalist, producers etc. Then you have business: Which is major companies, subsidiaries, independent record labels, distributors, and marketing. Than you have professional support entertainment attorneys, personal managers booking agents, business managers, accountants etc. Lastly you have performance which features radio, film, television, cable, concert, and internet.

       The business can be  extremely risky business(especially when you are dealing with majors).You have to realize alot of the music artist that you love  monies are being disseminated amongst industry professionals. I'm talking about the same people I spoke about in the prior paragraph. The good news is the music industry thrives off of newness. New talent, new energy, new ideas, new trends, new labels and new waves. Unfortunately to bring anything to situation to fruition takes some type of financial backing(which there are ways to get around that which I will speak about in future post). See most creatives have loads of talent and low finances which makes them pray for major record labels. Between antiquated accounting practices and inaccurate royalty statements has become an issue. Employment is sometime scarce of value so because the money can be inadequate people go towards more deceptive tactics for financial gain.

Now this is just an brief overview the bright side about all of this is you know me. I will help you navigate through all the vultures. You just have to always keep in mind that this is a business!