FAQ

Mechanical royalties are per-unit payments collected by record companies for the manufacture and distribution of songs on CDs and tapes, usually based on the current statutory rate as fixed by the Copyright Act. In 2004, the rate is 8.5 cents per song or 1.65 cents per minute, whichever is greater.

There is no one simple answer to this question. It’s a competitive market so you need to do your homework and develop a solid fan base. Start by building your e-mail list. The people who sign up are your best customers for your music and merchandise. Let people know when you’re performing next in your e-mail correspondence to draw them in for your next gig. When you’ve built up a local following, you should expand to a few new towns. Check out sites like MySpace.com, Friendster.com and other networking sites. Create a great web site and stay in touch with your audience. You might want to hire a publicist and gradually expand your touring area, in turn building your e-mail base. And make sure your CD sales are being tracked so you can build a story around that. You can also network at key industry events around the country like SXSW, CMJ or the DIY Convention. Build your e-mail list; build your network of people who support you; and you will evolve from there.

It is usually the job of a publisher to pair your songs up with artists. This is one of the creative functions a publisher provides.

You should sign with a manager when the opportunities a manager can create are better than the ones you can create yourself. Or if you are spending more time deal making than writing songs, you should get a manager. A good manager drums up new business, coordinates your existing business activities, and generally advises you and propels your career forward. Managers get a percentage of your earnings, so your ideal candidate (a) believes in your career and its possibilities, (b) is aggressive in seeking out new revenue streams, and (c) is looking out for your long-term best interests in any deals that are made.

You can set up your own publishing company by filling out an application at your local performing rights organization.

Technically, your song is copyrighted as soon as you finish writing it but you should register it with the Copyright Office since it will provide you with protection against anyone who tries to use your song without your permission (see How Do I Copyright My Songs?). The cost to register a song (using form PA) is only $30 and is a good investment. Although attorneys don’t usually recommend it, you can also do the “poor man’s copyright,” which entails putting written songs in a sealed envelope and mailing them back to yourself from your local post office.

Most offer online registration. For example, you can affiliate with BMI by logging on at http://bmi.com/join You can call your local office to get the paperwork by mail, if you prefer.

Registering your copyrights is not required but it is highly recommended since doing so will give you certain protection under copyright law in case you need to sue someone for using your song without your permission.

In today’s competitive climate, major and indie labels are looking for something unique, talented and well developed. Record labels are in the business of making money from the artists that they sign. The labels want bands and artists that have built a following by touring and that have already sold self-released CDs. Be smart, do your homework!  Know where your fans are, develop savvy marketing strategies that will help you stand out from the rest of the unsigned artists. Apply to play at a BMI showcase in your local area. Apply to showcase at one of the top music conferences, such as SXSW or CMJ. Attend seminars and other educational workshops where key a&r people will be in attendance and contact the local colleges, radio stations and newspapers to further publicize you. Built a unique, informative website that includes a bio, photos, song samples and tour dates.

All of these approaches are suggestions and should be part of assembling your game plan for your future. The best way to attract label attention is to build a success story that will help you stand out from the rest of the unsigned artists and help gain the attention of the industry

First and foremost you should consult an entertainment attorney before signing any contract, as there is no such thing as an “industry standard” contract.