Urban Music Professionals (Big Jon Platt, Malik Levy, James Leach, KISS FM and Morty Wiggins) Handle Their Business At Maxwell's in Oakland, CA.
August 7, 2006 (Press Release) --
Maxwell’s Restaurant and Lounge was buzzy as over 75 participants attended the GRAMMY IN THE STREETS PT 2 Series “Handle Your Business for the Urban Music Professionals" taught by Urban Music Professionals.
The keynote speaker was Executive VP/Head of Urban, Creative and West Coast - EMI Music Publishing, Big Jon Platt.
His focus is to advise, develop, channel and nurture established and emerging artists. A partial list of his clientele has included Jay Z, Kanye West, Usher, Pharrell Williams, Omarion and Snoopy Dog. His discussion highlighted the pros and cons of the music publishing business, how to get your songs to the key players, how to discover untapped talent (he goes out into the streets for talent and not listening to demos in his office) and how to break an artist in this competitive business.
His advice is to know the business; know your value; develop relationships because its the key to this business; take risks (Larry Jackson, KMEL (mainstream hip-hop and rap radio show) took a chance and played Mary Mary's gospel song, Shackles, on the air); get into publishing because this is where the money is (you can get paid forever) and know the industry terms (i.e. writer's fee, song split, etc). Also, he indicated that publishing is a part of the video game, ring tone and soundtrack arena.
Panel One: Get Your Business Started featured industry veterans Leslie Stoval (Happy Birthday Girl and KBLX On-Air Personality); Malik Levy (Director/Writer/Publisher Relations - BMI LA); Big Jon Platt (Executive VP/Head of Urban, Creative and West Coast - EMI Music Publishing); Ralph Tashjian (CEO of SMC Recordings) and James Leach (Director/Writer/Publisher Relations - SESAC).
First, you need a business plan including your marketing strategy (vision for getting started and what you need to get there); how to market your product; have passion; develop your team (attorney and accountant) someone that knows international law would be helpful; and consider radio streaming which is a plus for today's artists. Their advice: If you want to get into the music business become an intern or start your own company. Beware if you have to buy your way into the industry you didn't have a hit anyway.
Panel Two: Get Them To Hear And Buy Your Music featuring veterans Michael Aczon (Attorney, Educator and Author), Yvonne Angelo (KISS FM Music Director), Eric Arnold (Bay Area Hip Hop Journalist), Will Bronson (SMC Recordings VP) and Morty Wiggins (33rd St Records President).
Presentation is important - have your CD packaging and content professionally done. Be persistent and follow up with radio but never become rude. Be professional at all times. Develop a tour to create an audience and fan base. In addition to studio performance be an excellent live performer.
JEG's advice: Tap into a variety of markets because you never can tell where is your market audience. Check out the Mercy Me - I Can Only Imagine vs. 50 Cent - In Da Club Groundbreaking Story.
If you are a part of the music industry, interested in getting started or want to attend one of the upcoming events visit out your local NARAS. To find one nearest you visit www.grammy.com
The keynote speaker was Executive VP/Head of Urban, Creative and West Coast - EMI Music Publishing, Big Jon Platt.
His focus is to advise, develop, channel and nurture established and emerging artists. A partial list of his clientele has included Jay Z, Kanye West, Usher, Pharrell Williams, Omarion and Snoopy Dog. His discussion highlighted the pros and cons of the music publishing business, how to get your songs to the key players, how to discover untapped talent (he goes out into the streets for talent and not listening to demos in his office) and how to break an artist in this competitive business.
His advice is to know the business; know your value; develop relationships because its the key to this business; take risks (Larry Jackson, KMEL (mainstream hip-hop and rap radio show) took a chance and played Mary Mary's gospel song, Shackles, on the air); get into publishing because this is where the money is (you can get paid forever) and know the industry terms (i.e. writer's fee, song split, etc). Also, he indicated that publishing is a part of the video game, ring tone and soundtrack arena.
Panel One: Get Your Business Started featured industry veterans Leslie Stoval (Happy Birthday Girl and KBLX On-Air Personality); Malik Levy (Director/Writer/Publisher Relations - BMI LA); Big Jon Platt (Executive VP/Head of Urban, Creative and West Coast - EMI Music Publishing); Ralph Tashjian (CEO of SMC Recordings) and James Leach (Director/Writer/Publisher Relations - SESAC).
First, you need a business plan including your marketing strategy (vision for getting started and what you need to get there); how to market your product; have passion; develop your team (attorney and accountant) someone that knows international law would be helpful; and consider radio streaming which is a plus for today's artists. Their advice: If you want to get into the music business become an intern or start your own company. Beware if you have to buy your way into the industry you didn't have a hit anyway.
Panel Two: Get Them To Hear And Buy Your Music featuring veterans Michael Aczon (Attorney, Educator and Author), Yvonne Angelo (KISS FM Music Director), Eric Arnold (Bay Area Hip Hop Journalist), Will Bronson (SMC Recordings VP) and Morty Wiggins (33rd St Records President).
Presentation is important - have your CD packaging and content professionally done. Be persistent and follow up with radio but never become rude. Be professional at all times. Develop a tour to create an audience and fan base. In addition to studio performance be an excellent live performer.
JEG's advice: Tap into a variety of markets because you never can tell where is your market audience. Check out the Mercy Me - I Can Only Imagine vs. 50 Cent - In Da Club Groundbreaking Story.
If you are a part of the music industry, interested in getting started or want to attend one of the upcoming events visit out your local NARAS. To find one nearest you visit www.grammy.com
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