FAQ - Business

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.

Home recording is so inexpensive to do that it shouldn’t be an obstacle for anyone. A nice home studio can be set up for under $1,000. You also might be able to work something out with a local recording studio, which are often in need of business since the home recording revolution took hold.

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A synchronization license for the use of a song as an accompaniment to a film or television show. The rate is usually negotiated by a music publisher.

Agents are all about finding gigs/shows for bands, but they can also help set up sponsorship opportunities for tours and help with logistics in general.

The sleeve should be the place that anyone who enjoys your music can find out information about how to contact people vital to your career. Include the name, phone number and e-mail addresses for your publishing company, record label, manager or attorney. You should always include your band’s web site and email addresses with an easy link for signing up for your mailing list. Don’t clutter the sleeve up with inside jokes and special thanks to all of your friends - busy professionals, like music supervisors and festival bookers, want easily accessible contact information.