Number Seven Music Blog: The Music Insider

Why do I need a press release?

• Increase exposure to your fans and potential music industry executives.
• To help your career thrive and flourish.
• A press release/music review can make a big difference in merely existing and actually being known.

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• Lowest price you will find for the quality of work we provide.
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• Will not only distribute to media outlets of your choice, but will also distribute through other media channels.
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• Provide a draft to be reviewed by client before submitting the final draft to media outlets.
• Metrics available to determine how many contacts opened and read your release.
• Key-word tag your release for on-line legacy benefits.
• Utilization of the release via social media.

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The difference between aspiring artistis and unsigned artists is that aspiring artisits usually don’t sell their music commercially because they are waiting for a major record label to sell their music for them. Unsigned artists, however, market themselves and sell their own music.

Getting signed to a major record deal used to be the only option for musicians who wanted to sell their recorded music to a larger audience. The labels had the distribution rights with all the record stores and retail outlets. With the advent of the Internet, various alternative methods for selling music opened up. An act can promote their own music on YouTube, iTunes, their own Web sites, and on the numerous unsigned artist sites on the Web.

A signed artist usually gives up a portion of their expected earnings to receive support from the record label. Many artists don’t make money until their 3^rd release because of promised earnings to the label. Of course, one can argue that after two successful releases, the artist’s earnings go up considerably.  Because labels have the money and connection to promote acts, many aspriing artists seek record labels. But now, there is a viable alternative.

With today’s marketing-savvy artists, artists can promote their act in a variety of places without the help of a label. These independent acts can often bring in enough money to support themselves and still have creative freedom on their music releases. The forecasts show that digital music sales are gaining rapidly on traditional format music sales. 

Independent act, Radiohead, just sold their latest album online and completely cut out the middleman.  With the adent of the Internet, everyone can be their own distributor. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI)predicts that digital sales could account for a quarter of all sales worldwide by 2010.

Both routes (signed and unsigned) will get the music out to the people, but the web now gives independent, unsigned acts the opportunity to reach a level of success without the help of a major record label. That is completely different that 10 years ago, and should encourage acts to get their new music acts. Music management companies can help with the promotions and distribution. It is a new song for a new generation of musicians. What are some sites you recommend for unsigned artists?

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Songwriters who write both lyrics and melody can make a lot of money if they sell their song. Many of these writers are generous with their income. Mechanical royalties on a hit song can bring about 9.1 cents per song. If you sell a 2 minute, 25-second song, and 10,000 copies of that song are sold, you would make $910; if 100,000 copies are sold, you would make $9100; and if it goes gold (500,000 copies sold), you would make $45,500 (probably split with the publisher). Publishing deals can range from 90% writer/10% publisher, to 50% writer/50% publisher. Sometimes, it is worth the 50/50 if publishers are working hard to get the song recorded or have fronted money to sell the song.

The songwriter also receives royalties each time the song is performed, and writers receive a negotiated fee if the song is synchronized in a movie or TV show. If the song is printed, the writer receives a percentage of that as well. Songwriting guilds track this information and pay songwriters who are members of their guild.

There is money being made in the music business, and many songwriters and artists host fundraisers or donate proceeds from their songs for non-profit organizations. More than 40 artists — such as Vince Gill, Amy Grant and Wynonna Judd – helped with Michael W. Smith’s efforts to raise money for Haiti. The proceeds will go to help kids in Haiti. Lionel Ritchie remade “We Are the World” with an all-star cast to also raise money to benefit Haiti. The original “We Are the World” was recorded to raise money for Famine Relief in Africa. These mechanical royalties and performance royalties are going for great causes.

To get started writing a song, remember that a song needs to draw the listener in with an interesting lyric. A song needs to be melodical or “catchy”, not boring. Lastly, a song needs to have good sound structure. That structure should include at least two verses and a chorus. A verse is a stanza, with lines that give the details of the song. The chorus is a section of lines that generally contain the catchiest part of the song. Usually the chorus contains a song’s hook. A hook is a phrase of words or music that catches the listener’s ear. The hook is often the title of the song and is similar to a slogan for a company. Most songs are also enhanced by adding a bridge or a part of the song that makes a statement, reinforcing the hook.

Once the song is written, it needs to be heard before it can be recorded. In Nashville, songwriter nights are performed nightly. Another method is to hire a publisher or song plugger to get the song in front of record labels.

If you do write that hit song, don’t forget to share your earnings with your favorite non-profit organization. What are some of the ways you have had success in selling songs? Click on the bottom of the page and share your ideas.

…let the heart of those who seek the Lord be glad. I Chronicles 16:10.

Music is called the universal language. That is because it communicates heart to heart, and hearts are the same everywhere. One time I was talking to a girl from another country. Our expressions of joy, happiness, and love transcended the language barrier. We communicated on an emotional level. That is what music does. It communicates. Many times, it tells of anger, hopelessness, and isolation. There are other emotions music can convey like happiness, joy, determination, and caring.

Number Seven MGMT at a community Event

 The people’s stories of hurt, abuse, neglect or loneliness need telling. That is why singers and musicians are the first to step up to help those who are hurting. Concerts at churches or community events with positive and encouraging songs can lift everyone’s spirits, even those who are hurting the most. Let’s start communicating. Do you know someone who needs cheering up? Music is one way to communicate caring and love. What are some other ways can we help?

Being nominated for a music awards show is something most acts have dreamed of for years. They have rehearsed their acceptance speech, preparing for the day when it finally happens.  If the awards show is a respected one in the industry, this event can provide an artist or musician with visibility and legitimacy. Additionally, the act can use that moment in the spotlight to introduce and/or reinforce the brand. Whether it is the American Music Awards, the Gospel Music Awards, the Country Music Awards, the Christian Contemporary Awards, or Independent Music Awards, the band or singer (maybe for the first time) is introduced to the audience. Because awards are determined, in many cases, by people in the industry, the awards also convey the endorsement of that industry.  That is why being nominated for an award by a respected awards show is an achievement to strive toward.

Most acts, however, don’t start at the national awards show level. Radio Station contests can provide visibility and respectability on a smaller scale. Acts can enter a local contest and gain some local media attention. Acts shouldn’t expect to win the first time they enter either, because it takes a while to build trust with a radio station or a community of listeners. If the talent is there, each year increases the chances of winning.

Paying for nominations is considered unethical, whether it is a scam or a legitimate contest. Because profits can be derived from contests, there are some organizations who try to deceive performers by promising nominations for a fee. In deceptive contests, you may get mentioned on a web site or in a press release and that is it. Being connected with those contests could even hurt your career.

Winning a respected national award that recognizes creative contributions is an award to be proud of and should be a legitimate goal for any performer. Large talent requires a respectable venue with listeners and a public forum along with some luck, but not a large fee. Do you watch awards shows? Have you ever been ripped off by a contest? Share your stories by clicking on reply to post.

In a song, many listeners are hoping to take a journey to a better place. Leo Tolstoy (1890) said, “Music makes me forget my real situation. It transports me into a state which is not my own. Under the influence of music, I really seem to feel what I do not understand, to have powers which I cannot have.”

A new release by Usher takes listeners into the mind and heart of someone who loves someone else. Other music, such as Jimmy Buffet and Kenny Chesney, takes listeners to the islands where life is slow and supposedly stress-free. Gospel hymns are simply sung, rich in harmony and deep in spirit, and take you to a simpler place where God was real in the lives of the people.

Pure Star Movement, an alternative rock guitar band with urban chopped drumming and epic strings, attempts to captivate the senses and transport listeners to a place of hope.  “With the economic times that we are facing and the personal issues we all experience with friends and family members, music is our escape. Music has helped me through the toughest times in my life and I want our music to be that escape for our listeners,” said Lwan Easton (lead singer of Pure Star Movement).

You are invited to travel with Pure Star Movement, who just released their full-length album entitled “Arrival to Earth.” Their music contains messages of hope, freedom, creativity, and encouragement. You can purchase the new album on iTunes. Do you agree or disagree that music is an escape from reality?

Share your thoughts with us.

Forty billionaires have agreed to give away half of their wealth, according to Rick Cohen in the August 4, 2010 issue of The Non-Profit Quarterly.  Imagine a world where everyone gave half their wealth away.
Non-profits are created to help causes and/or people. Many of the employees/volunteers have personal ties to the causes they support. It is not just a game to them, they truly care about the people they serve.

Americans give generously to disaster relief. In the eight days after the flooding started in New Orleans, Americans gave at least $580 million for relief efforts. In the nine days after the Asian tsunamis, major U.S. relief groups raised $163 million, and in the 10 days after September 11, Americans donated $239 million. Much of the money was raised through benefit concerts. Musicians have always been willing to offer their time to raise money for important causes.

Jaci Velasquez, JoDee Messina, and Legacy Five held a benefit concert for Haiti. A group of gospel artists organized by Kirk Franklin, including Natalie Grant, also gathered to record a benefit song for the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. These are just a few of the ways musicians and artists stepped in to help the people of Haiti recover.

After the devastating flood in Nashville, artists and musicians immediately began planning benefit concerts for those who had been affected by the flood. One benefit concert included Toby Keith, Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top. The concert came together, thanks to the efforts of Tim McGraw and his wife, Faith Hill. Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood, and many other artists also participate in flood relief concerts. If big names are hard for non-profits to get to commit, there are many talented groups and singers who want to give to the community and will do these types of concerts for free.

Number Seven Management represents musical artists who are always giving back to non-profit agencies. Erika Chambers, an Americana singer who has been compared to the likes of Nickel Creek and Alison Krauss, is donating her CD proceeds to the United Way’s Floor Relief Fund. “Won’t Be Shaken By No Storm,” was the song she wrote with Blue Mother Tupelo and 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville’s “Restore the Dream” Fund. You can purchase the song by visiting the United Way’s website (/unitedwaynashville.bandcamp.com).

Whether it is buying the ticket, offering your name to draw a crowd, or working behind the scenes to make it happen, each person can have a part in helping others.  Let’s all keep the spirit of the Fortune 400 billionaires and give of our time and money to help others. What are some ways you have helped other people this year? Have you participated in any fundraising efforts?