Music Business/Law Tip - "Record Release Set Up"

For an indie artist to maximize their chance of success from a record (album, EP or single) release they should do the following: 1. Have the music available on all digital retail outlets/e-commerce sites (i.e., iTunes, Amazon, etc.). This can be done easily via signing up with a distributor such as TuneCore, CDBaby, Orchard or MondoTunes. 2. Have the music available on the main Streaming services, such as Spotify and/or Deezer. 3. Have a Press campaign in effect (via a PR agent or yourself) whereby the music is being serviced to the tastemaker blogs that support your style of music so it gets reviewed, and a viral buzz can start. 4. Have at least 1 video up on YouTube to support the record. 5. Make sure there is a tour or shows performed to help promote the release. 6. All of the above needs to be coordinated to happen simultaneously. Ben McLane Esq benmclane.com

Music Business/Law Tips - "Online Performance Income"

There is positive news to report to songwriters. Even though record sales are down, because of new technology BMI, ASCAP and SESAC can now much better monitor/track, process and pay-out on performances of songs on the Internet, steaming audio, video, and other digital platforms and new media that are constantly emerging. According to a recent Billboard article, ASCAP reported that last year it had tracked 250 billion performances, many of which were from the digital world. Bottom line, that is new money that is coming to songwriters that did not exist a few years ago. Hence, from what might seem like just a small stream now may someday become a roaring river of new income. Ben McLane Esq benmclane.com

Music Business/Law Tips - "Website Tips"

Here are the 3 key things an artist should keep in mind for his/her website: 1. Create a functional/attractive home page, which should contain easy to see/find links to the following basic elements: music, video, shows, contact info, a buy button for merch/music. 2. Make the website the "artist hub" and point back all the other social networking sites (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to the website. 3. Update the website frequently with new content to maintain fan interest and interaction. Ben McLane Esq benmclane.com