My band and I have toured with very known acts and gotten some traction locally. I know what my target audience is and where they are based. However, I feel pretty confused as to what spinning plates to focus on to keep momentum going, and what is a waste of time.
That’s awesome. This is always a tough one as it can be different for different acts! I think I’d have a look at what has worked, built traction and why you think that is and then double down on that and expand what that is. For example if it’s live, I’d focus on more live videos, possibly look at a platform like YT to see if there’s anything you can build there... always play to your strengths 😊😊
I am about to release my first singles, I am completely alone so do you think that I should look for a label or a manager or someone or should I just go around and be like “hey let me play a live show here” and do advertising on social media and that’s it?
How do you form a solid team for your music? I do everything by myself rn and it's overwhelming on top of work/school. It'd be nice to have someone share the load but all of my friends have their own projects
Five years after being signed up to a major record company XTC's royalties amounted to £0, and their debt was nearly £500,000 (mainly as a result of their manager not paying tax on their record sales). After 10 years and many great albums later many people assumed that genius songwriter Andy Patridge was a multi-millionaire. In fact, he says that he had around £300 in his bank account and had to take a job in a car rental firm.
Build your fan base as they are the one's who will buy your concert tickets, merchandise, physical and digital albums and don't forget to keep thanking them and forming a good bond with them as they are the one's who will promote you to others, they are the people who will suggests to other's that they add you to their digital play lists and they'll do all that for free. Prove you already have a people out their who want to see you perform want to hear your music.
I appreciate the insight you give to the new business model of internet sites, am subscribed and watch you frequently... so I certainly don't mean this in any argumentative way... but I've personally been on both, and actually all sides of this story. Managed a hit band, produced a hit band, written hit songs, been a solo artist and also have been the label for acts that very nearly had hits... and i'll tell you the truth... Unless you have a major deal on a major label with pop hits, in this day and age it's easier to be the artist than the label. There's little to no money in it for small labels and the glass jar of Google, Spotify, Apple and Facebook properties make it difficult to compete on a consistent level. Yes you can have that one anomaly song that hits the right playlists and receives millions of streams... but generally it's a fleeting experience. Artists want early believers to sink tens if not hundreds of thousands into their career, then leap frog to the next best thing as soon as someone bigger shows interest. This is the norm. So there are two sides to this story. Also... most artists are not inclined to be their own label or management. Creative types almost always need to pay administrative and promotion minded types. In 99 out of 100 cases it takes a good team, with trust and all best feet forward. If you find this, be loyal and pay a few dues. It can be worth it in the long run. And of course if you're that special breed of new artist who can literally do it all yourself and keep it going, and i know there are a few... then good on you, never give it away!
Notice at 10:59 where the gentleman says 'careful your artistic license is now shared with the label'. Maybe, among other things, specifying in the contract that the label is signing your PROJECT or BAND with that specific NAME, where you write music for or play and NOT YOU PERSONALLY will limit contract clauses for that project or band . So down the line you can work with somebody else. We make a deal for THIS SPECIFIC musical endeavour and tomorrow if you want to make another band or another company that's something entirely different.
Invaluable advice! I've watched two of your videos and will definitely watch more, this is preparing me so well for how I want to build my future as a musician! Thank you, Damian! 🙏
Glad to have you back :) I'm making not that big of a process like getting signed by a record label but my next song is going to be played at a local radio station. This is a huge milestone to me! You have any quick advise or a video about what to look out for?
@@michaelfirmer i mean a small fee u pay to the label, but i realised its scam, i jus needed full confirmation the exact words i was sent; " the form fee is required because we want to know how serious you are" almost got scammed 😅 tbf i didn't think i was real in the 1st place I'm still incredibly small
Great explanation. I was once told, back in the day (Wednesday!) that a recording contract was like taking out a mortgage for a house you'll never own!
"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." - Hunter S Thomson
The record labels in Greece are just RUclips channels. YOU pay them so that they will upload your song to their channel and to all the digital platforms. They don't book concerts, they don't get you publicity. Everything else you have to do it on your own. Their best advice they have is that you sould probably go to a song contest (The Voice, Greece got Talent etc) or to a reality show (any reallity show!). They actually have said that to artists!! Every label just pays attention to three top artists and they keep so many other artists in the dark just to pick one when needed. That's the situation in my country, so I prefer to go solo and independent.
I am curious as to your thoughts when it comes to promoting a brand new band. For example: my new band is recording our first album (singles leading up to an EP release) these next few weekends and are ready to start up our socials. Should we do so during the recording process or wait until we have actual songs ready for release to show people? I’d love to chat and see if there is an opportunity to work together or make a video out of this scenario
It matters where you're from in the US lawyers are paid on an hourly rate ,in my home country you agree on a price before hand But you could also negotiate to pay them when the deal goes through ,but they'll ask for more since it's a gamble on their side
Hi Damian, just wanted to know if it's possible to share a draft contract that will best cater for and protect the artist's interests and also be fair to a record label who wishes to invest in an artist's music single or album. I think it would be good for artists to see such a document n how it's drafted just for the sake of knowing how the deal is structured even as they seek legal advice from a professional. Thanks for the insightful video.
One person willing to put his money for a 50/50 deal on everything. He likes ONE of my songs .do you have to put out an EP (5 song album) in support of a single release?. I’ve never dealt with this stuff before .What to do?
@@DamianKeyes rap music, as shown in your young blud video of how he is the content how whould u do that sort of thing with a group, and is there anymore information u can add to it.
Streaming is a big problem though as the artist's doesn't get paid that well for streaming and when you take of who else you are paying eg if you don't own your own masters as you are not the producer as well as the song writer and composer. Don't forget the engineer either.
Taylor Swift’s record company sold all her masters to at least 2 third parties without her getting paid and without her consent. There must be cheaper ways to be a great music artist without using all services from recording labels and also owning music you wrote and/or performed. Also, can you do things on a small budget if you are not a recording engineer? If this can happen to a superstar it can happen to anyone else.
I AM BACK!
What are you struggling with at the moment?
Here to help!
My band and I have toured with very known acts and gotten some traction locally. I know what my target audience is and where they are based. However, I feel pretty confused as to what spinning plates to focus on to keep momentum going, and what is a waste of time.
That’s awesome. This is always a tough one as it can be different for different acts! I think I’d have a look at what has worked, built traction and why you think that is and then double down on that and expand what that is.
For example if it’s live, I’d focus on more live videos, possibly look at a platform like YT to see if there’s anything you can build there... always play to your strengths 😊😊
I am about to release my first singles, I am completely alone so do you think that I should look for a label or a manager or someone or should I just go around and be like “hey let me play a live show here” and do advertising on social media and that’s it?
How do you form a solid team for your music? I do everything by myself rn and it's overwhelming on top of work/school. It'd be nice to have someone share the load but all of my friends have their own projects
We missed you. Welcome back
Five years after being signed up to a major record company XTC's royalties amounted to £0, and their debt was nearly £500,000 (mainly as a result of their manager not paying tax on their record sales). After 10 years and many great albums later many people assumed that genius songwriter Andy Patridge was a multi-millionaire. In fact, he says that he had around £300 in his bank account and had to take a job in a car rental firm.
I'm glad I did not become a full-time musician. Playing in semi-pro bands in a pub for the locals is fun and a great hobby.
RESPECT TO DAMIAN
Build your fan base as they are the one's who will buy your concert tickets, merchandise, physical and digital albums and don't forget to keep thanking them and forming a good bond with them as they are the one's who will promote you to others, they are the people who will suggests to other's that they add you to their digital play lists and they'll do all that for free. Prove you already have a people out their who want to see you perform want to hear your music.
Cheers Damian, this was really useful. 👍
Simply put: You're among the greatest!
I appreciate the insight you give to the new business model of internet sites, am subscribed and watch you frequently... so I certainly don't mean this in any argumentative way... but I've personally been on both, and actually all sides of this story. Managed a hit band, produced a hit band, written hit songs, been a solo artist and also have been the label for acts that very nearly had hits... and i'll tell you the truth... Unless you have a major deal on a major label with pop hits, in this day and age it's easier to be the artist than the label. There's little to no money in it for small labels and the glass jar of Google, Spotify, Apple and Facebook properties make it difficult to compete on a consistent level. Yes you can have that one anomaly song that hits the right playlists and receives millions of streams... but generally it's a fleeting experience. Artists want early believers to sink tens if not hundreds of thousands into their career, then leap frog to the next best thing as soon as someone bigger shows interest. This is the norm. So there are two sides to this story. Also... most artists are not inclined to be their own label or management. Creative types almost always need to pay administrative and promotion minded types. In 99 out of 100 cases it takes a good team, with trust and all best feet forward. If you find this, be loyal and pay a few dues. It can be worth it in the long run. And of course if you're that special breed of new artist who can literally do it all yourself and keep it going, and i know there are a few... then good on you, never give it away!
Missed you, man. Thank you for your excellent work.
Thank you ❤️
Notice at 10:59 where the gentleman says 'careful your artistic license is now shared with the label'. Maybe, among other things, specifying in the contract that the label is signing your PROJECT or BAND with that specific NAME, where you write music for or play and NOT YOU PERSONALLY will limit contract clauses for that project or band . So down the line you can work with somebody else. We make a deal for THIS SPECIFIC musical endeavour and tomorrow if you want to make another band or another company that's something entirely different.
Awesome like always! Thanks man!
Thanks bro!
Invaluable advice! I've watched two of your videos and will definitely watch more, this is preparing me so well for how I want to build my future as a musician! Thank you, Damian! 🙏
It was really Helpful 👍
Thanks a lot ❤️
Glad to help 😊😊
wooo, that Key person clause is crucial
Yep!
Thanks Damian informative and uplifting!
Glad to help as always 😊
Great video Daimo - thanks for the tips
You deserve more likes and subscribers
Glad to have you back :)
I'm making not that big of a process like getting signed by a record label but my next song is going to be played at a local radio station. This is a huge milestone to me!
You have any quick advise or a video about what to look out for?
all the best for future
Hi, jus want to know when u signed did u pay a fee prior to signing, jus making sure i dnt get scammed, or is it a normal thing
@@k1llsk hey, no I didn't pay to get played at a radio station. And I wouldn't either.
@@michaelfirmer i mean a small fee u pay to the label, but i realised its scam, i jus needed full confirmation
the exact words i was sent; " the form fee is required because we want to know how serious you are"
almost got scammed 😅 tbf i didn't think i was real in the 1st place I'm still incredibly small
@@k1llsk yeah, thats unprofessional behavior. If I imply to my partner that he is not serious, nothing serious can develop.
Thanks for making a concise video! I’ve been wondering about this lately.
Glad to help 👊
your lighting is so great bro wth
Awesome video and information! Thx
Hi legend
Too kind bro!
Great video
Fantastic video mate! Thanks for this learnt more than I knew and those terms to really look out for! :)
Thank you for the information To be aware of.
Great explanation. I was once told, back in the day (Wednesday!) that a recording contract was like taking out a mortgage for a house you'll never own!
Yes, but at least you know what the banks are like. Recording companies lie and deliberately set artists up to go bankrupt.
Great advice as always
You always give such great advice. Thank you for all your uploads! :)
So glad to help - thanks for being here!
Eye opening advice....thanks you
Thanks for Back mate!
👊👊👊
He's back! Yay!
😊😊😊
"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." - Hunter S Thomson
Always love the Dane Cook reference lol.
The record labels in Greece are just RUclips channels. YOU pay them so that they will upload your song to their channel and to all the digital platforms. They don't book concerts, they don't get you publicity. Everything else you have to do it on your own. Their best advice they have is that you sould probably go to a song contest (The Voice, Greece got Talent etc) or to a reality show (any reallity show!). They actually have said that to artists!! Every label just pays attention to three top artists and they keep so many other artists in the dark just to pick one when needed. That's the situation in my country, so I prefer to go solo and independent.
That’s so interesting... solo and independent is the way forward!!
@@bronilive9243 are you spamming my comment??? Hmmm.... I don't like that!!!
@@FeliMoschos Alright can I email you instead, I need your assistance
@@bronilive9243 yes offcourse! you'll find my email adress on my channel's info.
That’s so ghetto...omg.
Trying to book gigs for the band following the total shutdown here. Venues are coming alive again.
I am curious as to your thoughts when it comes to promoting a brand new band.
For example: my new band is recording our first album (singles leading up to an EP release) these next few weekends and are ready to start up our socials. Should we do so during the recording process or wait until we have actual songs ready for release to show people?
I’d love to chat and see if there is an opportunity to work together or make a video out of this scenario
Very Very GREAT video
Do you typically have to pay for a lawyer to check the contract out (like a consultation)? How much does that typically run?
It matters where you're from
in the US lawyers are paid on an hourly rate ,in my home country you agree on a price before hand
But you could also negotiate to pay them when the deal goes through ,but they'll ask for more since it's a gamble on their side
what country are you from?
@@gidd United States
Hi Damian, just wanted to know if it's possible to share a draft contract that will best cater for and protect the artist's interests and also be fair to a record label who wishes to invest in an artist's music single or album. I think it would be good for artists to see such a document n how it's drafted just for the sake of knowing how the deal is structured even as they seek legal advice from a professional.
Thanks for the insightful video.
None of my dreams include contracts or lawyers! 😂 Great stuff Damo! 🐒
ruclips.net/channel/UCI7ZJ7YZYuidLulK9ws4wLg
One person willing to put his money for a 50/50 deal on everything. He likes ONE of my songs .do you have to put out an EP (5 song album) in support of a single release?. I’ve never dealt with this stuff before .What to do?
I got sent a contract from Interscope and idk if it’s real help me out please.
You should check out how Frank Ocean got out of his deal
Im not sure if u know much about this field but how whould u grow a rap group around the pepole themselves if u get what I mean I whould love to know
Are ya talking Facebook group?
Hey! Can you give me some more info? 😊
@@DamianKeyes rap music, as shown in your young blud video of how he is the content how whould u do that sort of thing with a group, and is there anymore information u can add to it.
And, how do you find a reputable lawyer who understands this contract??? Is there a directory? USA
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Heyyyy! Has anyone ever heard of Stream Records Canada Corp? Are they a legit recording company? Thanks for any info guys!
Streaming is a big problem though as the artist's doesn't get paid that well for streaming and when you take of who else you are paying eg if you don't own your own masters as you are not the producer as well as the song writer and composer. Don't forget the engineer either.
you like wednesdays a lot don’t you?
Fave day lol
How you mean '' high end people to push your career forward''.
6:48
are you an attorney?
Nope I’m most definitely not! 😊
Everything else is still a dream except the record label, lol
Don’t sign one unless there’s $ up-front.
Taylor Swift’s record company sold all her masters to at least 2 third parties without her getting paid and without her consent. There must be cheaper ways to be a great music artist without using all services from recording labels and also owning music you wrote and/or performed. Also, can you do things on a small budget if you are not a recording engineer? If this can happen to a superstar it can happen to anyone else.
The problem is ....... no reason to trust anyone!
I think it’s about knowing what you have to give and what someone else receives, that’s the only way to be able to evaluate really 😊
OMG. Selling souls to the devil is real.
How many people are watching this that have no musical ability whatsoever? 😂
My mum is defo one of them! 😂
If I know anyone getting ready to sign a deal, I’m sending them this video.