GETSIGNED.COM PRESENTS FAST FORWARD Q: What are all the forms in which an artist and his manager receive
their compensation? For example does the label just issue one check
to the artist and he takes out the managers cut? Does the publishing
agency write out a check to the manger or artist or too the label? I'm
really stuck on this and can't find any book which really gives a clear
answer and let me thank you in advance for the opportunity to even be
able to ask these questions.--Chuck, Block Entertainment A: Chuck, here's a thumbnail Sketch: The
4 Major Income Streams Are: 1) Live Income 2) Merchandise 3) Publishing
4) Masters Generally when a band/artist has achieved a certain level
of business success, acumen or organization, they seek the services
of an accountant/business manager who collects all the income on their
behalf. It is that person who will be writing your commission checks
to you. Generally at a higher the manager will not be collecting commission
directly from the source. Q: Hi, Ron. Thanks a lot for your articles, they are extremely helpful.
I was just curious, my band has recorded a six song demo and we feel
like we should shop it around before we spend money on mass producing
it and selling it. Is that a good idea? We feel that there is no point
in making our own when we could be signed any day now. Should we go
ahead and see how many we can sell? That is a way for the label to notice
us right?--T.M. A: It can't hurt to have a real SounScan
number for the A&R research people to get excited over. If you think
you can recoup your costs on the recording and manufacturing- why not
work on getting your product out there. Have you video-taped a live
show? If so send us both the demo & video. Q: Dear Ron, I am a 40 year old singer / songwriter / pianist and
father. I live in A: I would be happy to take a listen to
your material and see if it's something I believe I can find a home
for or not. If nothing else just to get a general sense of what direction
you are heading in with your material. Also, just to let you know your
choice of music style is not the easiest in terms of placement. Q: I was on a major and was dropped after I got in sort of a tiff
with Al Cafaro. Anyway, I went back to my roots, underground and started
a band. I mean, I really worked. I got on a reputable indie (Sympathy
For The Record Industry) and a few others and I've been touring for
4 years. I've been all over the A: A couple of questions first: 1. Where
do you stand with regard to contractual obligations with the Indie?
2. Can you provide me with sales figues and any other info related to
the indie sales, so that I may be able to understand better and possibly
help? Send me any some material to listen to. Also,
any video of live performances. Send it to my office and I'll
give it a listen through when I get it. Ronald S. Bienstock is Senior Partner at
Ronald S. Bienstock and Associates in _________________________________________________________________________________ |