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By Linda M. Sekulic
For all of the indie bands who ever wondered
why everyone else is getting the deals instead of them
- I have news for you – these bands are definitely
not getting these opportunities just handed to them, in
fact some of the greatest music business deals of all time
have been produced by the bands themselves – in other
words, they are creating their own opportunity. They are
going to get the deals – not waiting for the deals
to come to them. The sponsor is just the money partner,
really. Your responsibility lies with the notion that your
band will promote their products somehow in your grand
business plan, on an ongoing basis, so money loaned can
be “recouped.” Once recoupment (contractual
debt) is out of the way, a band can then start to make
some kind of profit.
Always give the other party sufficient
time for review, and let them get back to you. Also, there
is no rule that is “set in stone” that says
a band can only go after one deal at a time, either. Let
the money partner know they are not the only entity you
have approached. Perhaps you could even tell them that
there are other major sponsors “on board” and
they will not be taking a risk alone. |
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Gaming is also becoming a huge music related
industry, due to some rock bands getting lucrative contracts
with video game producers. New Age TV series are looking for
a more “edgy” music
them to add more appeal to the story. For example, the series
Supernatural – they have used a lot of well known rock
tracks in a lot of their shows. TV Commercials for specialized
products and services are another avenue of profit and international
promotion all at the same time. Who wouldn’t go for that?
Even in the Sports arena - Wrestling & Ultimate Fighting
for example – a huge world market. Consider hockey, football,
soccer, baseball, you could just keep on going. There are plenty
of opportunities out there, you just need to be creative.
grand scheme of things
The retail industry is also a huge player
in the “grand
scheme of things” - a large clothing chain would be another
good idea, as that ties in with merchandising for the band. Breweries
are also large world scale sponsors in the music industry. Everyone
knows good times and loud music naturally go together with beer.
It kind of goes with the territory. Budweiser, Labatt’s
Blue, etc.
A world scale cell phone provider. Communications is another
big promotional area that works pretty well out there in the
world market. The internet and texting can go pretty far, in
terms of miles, and markets. A hip new market needs a hip new
sound to go with it.
Owning your copyright is absolutely necessary and very critical.
That way you are assured of getting the proper percentage of
royalties, when it becomes publishing time, or time for airplay.
Copyright all recorded material prior to any promotional record
release parties, or any radio airplay.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BRANDING: If you take into consideration
the demographics of your situation – what is the age group
of your audience? What is the geographical area that generates
the highest amount of ticket sales? Do you have any existing
merchandise – with your own logo? How many albums do you
have out? Are you presently signed to a record label? Do you
have a Manager or Promoter or Agent? Do you get radio airlplay?
You can then develop an appropriate “plan of attack” and
have a pretty good chance at being successful – because
you are prepared.
Basically, this is the “rock ‘n roll “ recipe
for success. Don’t burn yourself by not paying attention.
Always remember: failing to plan is planning to fail.
Linda has been a musician for
over 40 years playing several instruments, including bass, guitar,
drums, vocals,
For over 16 years she has working in the field of Entertainment
Law and is the President of an
Independent Record Label for over 20 years. Formerly listed
in the Who's Who Music Directory, then listed annually, in Music
BC's Business directory, her largest business deal to date:
a distribution deal (with Spinner Distribution) involving 20
bands that were unsigned, and had no existing management for
a compilation CD to market in Europe.
Volunteer for the New Music West Festival, and Music BC (formerly
the Pacific Music Industry Association)
Linda M. Sekulic is the
Owner/President POP RECORDS INC
She can be reached for
inquiries at linda_sekulic@yahoo.ca
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