Music Career with ReverbNation

    Besides creating music, I’ve found a platform for musicians to share and sell their music. The site is called ReverbNation. It’s just like Soundcloud, where a musician can upload, share and promote their music. ReverbNation offers a better opportunity to musicians such as connect with industry professionals and fans. This site also provides tools, applications and services for musicians to launch their music career. It’s a great way to communicate with fans. ReverbNation was launched in 2006 and been successful ever since. Their main goal is to advance a musician’s career. I really do think it’s a great site for musicians to manage their career. By browsing through the site, I can tell they take musician very seriously. It looks professional, clean and vibrant.  There are more opportunities for an artist such as performances, placements on TV/Film and music for big brands.  Artists mainly perform in music festivals such as Summerfest, HardRock, Firefly and many more. It’s a great way to gain fans. ReverbNation has a feature called Crowd Picks. It’s when everyday people can listen to your music and let’s ReverbNation know what the listener likes. This is how ReverbNation determines top song and artist on the site. It’s pretty cool when your music gets a little fame in front of the site. ReverbNation provides the best for musicians. There are tools that they provide to create your profile.  Tools such press kit, site builder, widgets and apps. This set of tools is for musician, who wants to professionally present him or herself for Industry professionals. There are tools for engaging with fans such as FanReach and SocialSync. Musician use these tools for connecting with fans through emails and social media with one click. The best tool that they have is selling your music directly to fans on their profile or through digital distribution. Musician can sell their music on streaming services and gets to keep both rights and royalties. If you want to take your music career to the next level check out ReverbNation. Some people don’t want to pay the whole price so there are different price options. Tools can be sold separately.  Check out their opportunity video!

References

Doernberg, M. (2015). Reverbnation. Retrieved from http://www.reverbnation.com/

Video:  (2015). Opportunities on ReverbNation [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz4rHOJ4sLc
 

 

Publishing Issue: Music Streaming Services vs. Songwriters (ASCAP & BMI)

PRO’s complained that streaming services are not fair to their songwriters.  They just want to update the calculating royalties for songwriters and composers. Representatives are using antitrust consent decree. It’s an anti trust law made back in 1941. The issue is brought to the federal government to determine everything. Everyone knows streaming is taking over. Currently, Jay Z bought a streaming service called Tidal. He’s hoping it will be a big streaming service such as Pandora, Spotify and iTunes.

CEO of ASCAP, Elizabeth Mathews, stated, “The use of music has increased exponentially, but the payments have not followed.” She thinks some day the there won’t be any PROs anymore and everyone will switch to streaming.

I think that the songwriters do get paid too little.  Many listeners always play music from streaming services daily. Some songwriters never got paid. There’s an article about singer-songwriter, Ne-Yo, complaining about the streaming services and wants to warn other songwriters.  Here the link: http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2015/04/23/ne-yo-streaming-companies-enjoy-billion-dollar-revenues-at-our-expense

It takes 1 million streams for a songwriter to receive $90. If there are multiple songwriters in one song, then that $90 is split.  On the other hand, Tidal want artists to have more control of their songs. There are advantages and disadvantages for both the consumer and songwriters.  

Streaming service companies are defiantly taking advantage of consent decrees and songwriters. Songwriter Equity Act that can help shape up the licensing system. There might be a change, but no guarantee. Technology is changing our future and it does affect the music industry. It’s hard for a songwriter to make money because of publishing companies, collaborations, piracy and streaming services. I do agree with Ne-Yo because streaming services are a billion dollars companies. Streaming companies generate revenues from subscriptions and advertisements, but listeners can listen to free music all day.  

Ted Talk Review: Simon Sinek

The brand that embodies the why, how what format is Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola has been a brand for many decades.  Coca Cola is a beverage company. Their purpose is to spread happiness across the world. The company sells drinks online, stores, and vending machines. The drink satisfies loyal customers and yet continues to do so. Unlike Pepsi, Coca-Cola has a different way of sending messages through people. Their goal isn’t to change the world, but to bring a smile on a person’s face. The brand represents their main color. Red represents passion, happiness and love.  By using positive message, that is how this company thrives in the industry.  You really can’t compare beverages out there because each messages are different.  I’m sure everyone across the United States drank Coca-Cola at least once.

    Two products I researched are Beats by Dre headphones and bought Promaster Selfie Stick. Beats by Dre headphones were developed by Dr. Dre in 2008. When the products were released everyone went out and bought them. I didn’t really care too much about it because I usually wait years later to buy it. Before I researched, my friends suggested that I should test the product. Under the law of diffusion, I fell into the category of early majority.  I fall in this category because I’m very practical and I wouldn’t try the product right away. I don’t always waste my money on something I haven’t tried yet. I ask for advice from friends and decide whether to purchase the product or not.  When I researched I saw good and bad reviews that’s why I pursue this product in a unique manner. I recently purchased Promaster Selfie Stick because it’s new and looks very essential.  I think it’s a great idea because many people can take better pictures without stretching their arm too far. Some people might consider it’s a horrible idea, but I think it’s pretty cool. Under the law of diffusion, I fall into the category of innovators.  I fell in this category because I like to try new products that look important to have. It’s a creative, fun and essentially that’s why I pursue this product in a unique manner.

Citations

Buzzfeed. (2015). Promaster selfie stick. Retrieved from http://www.buzzfeed.com/charliewarzel/whether-you-like-it-or-not-everyone-is-going-to-be-wielding

Coca-Cola. (2015). happiness. Retrieved from http://us.coca-cola.com/happiness/

Dr. Dre. (2015). Beats by dre. Retrieved from http://www.beatsbydre.com/aboutus

TED Talk . (2009). Ted: Simon sinek. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action

One Million Cups Video Review

     A presentation that I will be reviewing is Talent4Startups. The business pitch is mainly about an online startup company. It’ s a free matchmaking platform for startup founders to connect with talents. It’s a non-profit and the focuses on helping instead of competition. I saw many strengths and weaknesses during the pitch presentation. His strengths are connecting with the audience, speaking clearly and pacing himself. His weaknesses are looking at the slide show during the presentation, saying “um” and many words on the slides. I can tell he was nervous at the beginning. Later on he got comfortable presenting. He really connected with the audience by asking questions and interacting with them. He spoke clearly. I can understand him by his accent. He did a great job on pacing himself. He talked for a minute on each slide. I had noticed that he kept looking back at the presentation.  I think he wanted to make sure his words and the slides matched or he was just nervous. It was constant. I also noticed that he said “um” a whole lot. He said “um” in every other sentence.  I think that his nervousness again, but I’m not sure. There were many words on each slide. I couldn’t see any of those words from my point of view. Overall, he did okay. I know that he could have done a lot better If wasn’t so nervous.  He can improve on slides. His presentation was better than his slides. The slides had way too many words. I would recommend having a picture and/or having few words with bullets. I would put a word and describe the business that way instead reading right off the slide. He did well without having note cards. When I would present to the class, I would carry note cards with me. If I didn’t present with note cards, I would also read my slides. Practice makes perfect. For the business concept, he should improve on explaining more about his platform. The presenter should talk about what’s in the platform, how everything works and how to use the platform. He briefly talked about it. I would recommend having a visual layout of his platform on his slideshow.  

Industry Liabilities Blog

Warner Music Group Settles Lawsuit

There was lawsuit against Warner Music Group for unpaid intern.  Kyle Grant interned for them back in August of 2012 and Justin Henry interned for them back in October 2007.  There were roughly around 3,000 ex-interns that filed a labor violation claims against the music group. According to Hollywood Reporter (2015), there will be a settlement around March 9^th. Other companies such as Viacom, NBCUniversal an ICM settled their claims. I personally think that Warner Music Group should pay the amount because there are other ex-interns that made claims. Warner Music Group is slowly having a bad reputation. I was actually thinking about interning for that company. After reviewing this article, I’ve decided not to. I don’t want to be the next person filing a lawsuit against them.  

Michael Jackson’s Family and AEG Case

Back in 2010, Katherine Jackson filed a 1.5 billion lawsuit against AEG Live (concert promoter). The family believed that the concert promoter company hired Dr. Conrad Murray to kill Michael Jackson by giving him anesthetic. According to Hollywood Reporter (2015), the family though that it’s an “involuntary manslaughter” at that time. In 2013, the jury ruled that AEG Live had nothing to do with Michael Jackson’s death. In 2014, the family had a new trail, but was later denied by appellate court of California. The court looked at the past trails, summary decision and facts. There was still no evidence of the claim. I believe that the family should go after Conrad Murray. AEG Live hired him as independent contractor, but the company nothing to do with his death. The family should find peace and stop going after AEG Live.

American Idol Winner Files a Claim Against American Idol

Phillip Phillips was the season 11 winner of American Idol. After his stardom, he believed that companies had manipulated him into getting jobs. He felt forced performing for idol sponsors for free and wants to comfortably run his career.  When the last album released, Phillip Phillips didn’t know the title. Talent Agency Act of California states that person need as to be license in order for them to act as agency.  The problem is that Phillip Phillips signed multiples of contracts before becoming an official winner. He thinks that 19 Entertainment violated the act because the company is not an agency. He also had commission and producers problems. The rate was too high.  Everything that 19 Entertainment did wasn’t Phillip Phillips best interest. I personally think Phillip Phillips should’ve negotiated. 19 Entertainment is just following what the contract says. It’s a lesson learned for him and other future contestants can learn from this too.

References

Gardner, E. (2015, January 26). 'american idol' winner files bold legal claim to escape 'oppressive' contracts (exclusive). Retrieved from http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/american-idol-winner-files-bold-767088

Gardner, E. (2015, Janurary 30). Warner music group settles lawsuit over unpaid interns. Retrieved from www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/warner-music-group-settles-lawsuit-768614

Siegemund-Broka , A. (2015, Janurary 30). Michael jackson's family can't revive $1.5 billion aeg case. Retrieved from http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/michael-jacksons-family-cant-revive-768684

How Sound Affects Us

I will be doing my blog on Ted Talk “The 4 Ways Sound Affect Us” by Julian Treasure.

http://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_the_4_ways_sound_affects_us#t-51431

Physiological

  Sound can affect us in many different ways.  It can be nice and not so nice.  Many sound around us are accidental, noises such as streets, birds and cars.  This means we are unconscious about these sound.  It affects our breathing, heart rate, and brain waves.  When we listen to sounds like the ocean, the deep resonates is being at rest.  The ocean sounds calm and stress free. 

Psychological

 A power sound that affects us is music.  Music makes a difference to our emotions.  When we play up-tempo music, we get a happier.  When we play slower music, we get sad.  When creating music, you really have to decide how do you want your audience to feel about your music.  The key word is “feel.”  You can create a song that’s meaningful or fun.

Cognitive

  You cannot understand when two people are talking at once.  We have to decide which to listen to. We have a small auditory capacity.  When working in a loud busy office, your productivity is reduced. So many noises are distracting you.  When creating music, I advise you to work in a quiet environment.  This is an easier way to focus and your productivity level will go up.

Behavioral

  The fourth way sound affects us is behaviorally.  People tend to move away from unpleasant sound.  Others who cannot move away from the sound such as construction workers and music producers can damage their health.  Music producers that works in the studio, needs to get their hearing check.  When I produce music, I want my music very loud.  I always get a health check up in case anything is damage.

   Music is very powerful because we can recognize and associate it. Every brand has their own sound.  Music producers out there has there own sound too such as Timbaland.  When we hear a song, we can easily identify who produce the song. I encourage you to find your unique sound and learn how it will affect the audience.

How Sampling Transformed Music

  TED Talk video I picked is How Sampling Transformed Music by Mark Ronson.  Sampling transformed music in many ways.  Music producer, Mark Ronson discusses the art of sampling.  Sampling is about taking a part of a song and creating something new.  Today, many music producers use sampling and other producers wants to be original. Without technology, there would not be any sampling or music.   Years ago, sampling has been a threat to music because there would always be legal issues.  When digital samplers came around, everyone would sample anything.

  This TED Talk video really speaks to me.  I personally sample, I would take interesting sounds and create something new.  I don’t always do it because I want to create my own sound. I love the art of sampling and building off things. I’ve been doing this for a couple of years. I would practice and expand my creativity by using music sampling.  Producers usually sample from drum kits to vocals. Two main genres that use music sampling are Electronic Dance Music and Hip-Hop. Hip-Hop has been here for a very long time.  In the early 80s, DJs played around with vinyl records and then sampled from different songs.  There is a difference between sampling and plagiarizing. When sampling, you have to get permission from the owner of the song. Without permission, there will be a court battle such as Vanilla Ice case. I’ve been studying music sampling for a very long time. At first, I was confused about music sampling and I have come to realize music sampling is apart of art.  We can express ourselves through music.  It can be from composing, songwriting, producing and DJing.  Many people disapproved of this because it’s shows lack of originality.  

   I personally think it is a great idea to sample, but do it the correct way.   I use music sampling because I grew up listening to Hip-hop. It's where it originated from. I would find it interesting when music producers use samples and turn it into a completely new sound.  To get better at creating new sounds, I would research different tips.  Music sampling is just another form of art.

TED Talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/mark_ronson_how_sampling_transformed_music#t-776926

Citation:

Weinhaus & Potashnick. (2014). Famous copyright infringement. Retrieved from http://www.fairwagelawyers.com/most-famous-music-copyright-infringment.html 

Music Industry. (2014). how music sampling works. Retrieved from http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/music-sampling1.htm