Hey everyone! I am back from vacation and thought I'd pop in to follow up with you about questions you had a couple of months ago. How's everything going? Any news? More questions?

Post your websites here too!

Darcie

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

Hope you had a good vacation!

Here's sommore ?'s 4 ya!

1. How exactly do you contact or talk to someone from ASCAP or BMI for song publishing royalties or to have my songs or compositons "guarded"?

2. Since I'm trying to build a home studio, what kind of sound reinforcements would I need?

3. I'm gonna be taking music classes this fall at Drexel (woo-hoo!), which ones should I start with?
(I asked u this one already, but I enrolled to late for summer classes.)

4. I did'nt forget to call you. A lot of things have been happening (good things), so I'll DEFINITELY be In touch very soon!







The reason why I be dissin' yall niggas, cause You 0 for 6, you arrowhead muthafuckas I'll expose you quick,fuck around and get ya waffle split- Tony Starks

How are you!! I had a GREAT vacation! Down in GA and MS - a week each... Let's see what we can do to answer these ?'s

1. How exactly do you contact or talk to someone from ASCAP or BMI for song publishing royalties or to have my songs or compositons "guarded"?

ASCAP and BMI should have a customer service line for their local offices... their websites can direct you to the phone numbers for customer service. They don't deal with Publishing per se - just the performance of your songs - They are Performance Rights societies. So you join as a writer and any time your song is performed publically (radio, TV, etc.) it would be reported (there is a very specific system called BDS that tracks this for radio) and you would get paid. BUT there are a few variables.

1- if someone covers your song in a club, you may get a quarterly piece of a very large pie. Clubs pay blanket fees for jukeboxes and live gigs to ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.

2- not every time your song is on TV will you get a royalty. If your publisher places your song in TV or film, the contract will dictate whether you get a one time fee that allows them to use the song limitlessly in the same episode (even reruns) or if you get a royalty.

To protect the song itself - the COPYRIGHT go here http://www.loc.gov and print off a SR form (to protect the actual recording and song content) or a PA for the songs alone (safe too) The SR protects that particular recording and is an optional added protection. You can put more than one song on a cd/tape or in a book (if you wrote the songs out) and it's one fee per form of $30 (I can clarify this process if you need any help)

If you are looking to get your songs placed, you should talk to a publishing company. These deals can be as tough to get as a record deal, but don't give up! And, before you get involved in any kind of contract, talk to an attorney and read Mark Halloran's Musician's Business and Legal Guide for more information on how this works and how contracts look. This is very involved and an attorney is necessary.

2. Since I'm trying to build a home studio, what kind of sound reinforcements would I need?

Wow - that is a question for my friend John. He's the production guru. Let me know more about the equipment you have and I will forward all of that to him. He takes a while to reply, so bear with me as I get that answer In the meantime, you can read Sound Advice by Wayne Wadhams - get the Maroon one for STUDIO - there's a record company advice book too that is good too

3. I'm gonna be taking music classes this fall at Drexel (woo-hoo!), which ones should I start with?
(I asked u this one already, but I enrolled to late for summer classes.)

Here are the courses in the Music Industry field and I asterisked the ones that I would recommend as first courses, but you should talk to your advisor about prereqs and all that. The 100 classes are usually first semester but your advisor can tell you where you can get around things and the course bulletin will tell you about prereqs too. The chair can often waive prereqs depending on your academic success but that is usually in upper semesters and based on academic performance

Music Industry (52 credits)

MUSC 150 Acoustics 3 credits
MUSC 151 Sound Reinforcement 3 credits ** since you have this question anyway

MUSC 156 Computer Applications in Music 3 credits **
MUSC 157 Digital Audio Production 3 credits
MUSC 227 Listening Tech. for Music Production 1 credit
MUSC 259 Recording I 3 credits
MUSC 352 Recording II 3 credits
MUSC 353 Recording Session 3 credits
MUSC 261 Music Business I 3 credits **
MUSC 361 Music Business II 3 credits
MUSC 461 Music Business III 3 credits
MUSC 450 Audio for Video 3 credits
ACCT 111 Financial Accounting 3 credits **
STAT 311 Quantitative Analysis I 3 credits
ECON 211 Microeconomics 3 credits **
MKTG 311 Marketing Management 3 credits
BLAW 211 Legal Options 3 credits **
FIN 311 Financial Management 3 credits


Senior Project and Electives (24 credits)

MUSC 490 Senior Project 3 credits, 3 terms 9 credits
  Free Electives 21 credits, 7 courses 21 credits
  Three Month Internships 2 summer terms

4. I did'nt forget to call you. A lot of things have been happening (good things), so I'll DEFINITELY be In touch very soon!

That sounds good - I was thinking of ya the other day and guessed you were busy with school! No hurry call whenever you'd like or email me at askdarcie@hotmail.com and I will have an anwswer soon about the sound reinforcement. You may also find the required books from the course number at Drexel and grab the books at the bookstore - that could be a useful visual and technical aide.

Best, Darcie

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

What's the best approach for getting music in TV, Movies and other mediums outside of conventional radio play? I'm really concerned about TV and Movies though.

------------------------------------------------------------
subhaanakallahumma (Glory be to you, Oh Allah), wabihamdika (and I praise You).
Ashhadu anla ilaha illa anta (I bear witness that none has the right to be
worshipped except You). Astaghfiruka

Hi Tariq! The best bet would be to a) join ASCAP or BMI and also hook up with a Publishing Company and an entertainment attorney. This is the best way to protect yourself and to have options for opportunities.

Another route AFTER you have an attorney is to have a lawyer or manager contact music supervisors for TV shows (you can find this information online or your lawyer would most likely have access to this info.) For movies, that's tougher... where are you located? I may have some resources for you as a starting point...

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

>Hi Tariq! The best bet would be to a) join ASCAP or BMI and
>also hook up with a Publishing Company and an entertainment
>attorney. This is the best way to protect yourself and to
>have options for opportunities.

Check. That's done.

>Another route AFTER you have an attorney is to have a lawyer
>or manager contact music supervisors for TV shows (you can
>find this information online or your lawyer would most
>likely have access to this info.) For movies, that's
>tougher... where are you located? I may have some resources
>for you as a starting point...

I'm from Cleveland, Ohio.

Thanks for the help BTW..

------------------------------------------------------------
subhaanakallahumma (Glory be to you, Oh Allah), wabihamdika (and I praise You).
Ashhadu anla ilaha illa anta (I bear witness that none has the right to be
worshipped except You). Astaghfiruka

I did some research here ... some web leads - I have more information at home and can get that to you later on in the week. If the post dies, I will inbox ya

http://www.filmmusicdirectory.com/pages/Post_Production_Services/Music_Supervisors/

http://www.filmmusicmag.com/onlinesvcs.html

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

you can e me at tariq@iron3angle.com

Check out my groups site as well www.iron3angle.com and let us know what you think. We're trying to work from the muscle. But we also have a good team behind us on the business and legal end.

------------------------------------------------------------
subhaanakallahumma (Glory be to you, Oh Allah), wabihamdika (and I praise You).
Ashhadu anla ilaha illa anta (I bear witness that none has the right to be
worshipped except You). Astaghfiruka

I will check you out for real and email feedback soon!

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

this is actually just what i needed. i want to get more into film and licensing music. i'd asked you about this before on the last post and was only able to come up with a few companies. i think you'd recommended that i contact the film department of some local colleges and start there. i really have no idea how to go about that. i mean, i still do not know how to license a song, so what would i say to these people? can you offer me more advice in detail or point my to a site or book?

also, i've been looking for jobs in the film licensing industry and can't seem to come up with anything. it seems like a hard field to get into. what kind of experience do you normally need to have to get on at one of these places? thanks in advance.

___________________________________

cat power | the greatest
the gossip | standing in the way of control
hot chip | the warning
diplo | fabric live.24
les rhythmes digitales | dark dancer
___________________________________

The great thing about the music business is that it's a constant learning process. The film thing is a little newer on me too.

I honestly have not seen many jobs in the film area but maybe this will help??

http://www.berklee.edu/careers/film_scoring.html

I think that if you are in school, studying music business would be the best place to start and so you will have the background. Otherwise, if you studied something else, maybe your advisor or alumni affairs director could help you will setting up an internship program at a Publishing Company. Publishing Companies handle the licensing aspect of film use (I hope I am getting closer to what you are looking to do - I thought you meant you wanted to become a Music Supervisor on a show or movie?? I apologize if I was off the mark on that.)

To become a Music Supervisor, they may want to see some music background as well as some of the business and legal side. Interning is a good way to get the real life experience. Publishing will expose you to the legal side.

Please let me know if I am hitting this nail yet - I really do want to help you! Darcie

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

i am trying to become a music supervisor or at least get my foot in the door of a company that does so. actually, i've explored some of the links you've posted in more detail, and they are pretty helpful.

filmmusic.net actually has a job listing which is great. unfortunately, it's only available to paying members. it might be worth the money to subscribe though.

the other, filmmusicmag.com, actually has a free film music job newsletter, so i'm definitely gonna subscribe. i think i just need to do more research.

once again, thanks a million.

___________________________________

cat power | the greatest
the gossip | standing in the way of control
hot chip | the warning
diplo | fabric live.24
les rhythmes digitales | dark dancer
___________________________________

You're welcome! Hope that you get to where you want to go! Any info I find on this as time goes on I will share!

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~**~*~*
check out my squad and let me know what you think.....

http://www.soundclick.com/prizmmusic

***
I ain't lyin. This shit i'm making up is true...

I really like your style and your flow - I would recommend when pitching to labels - if you aren't signed yet - to get to the vocal a little faster on the demo.

What you can do is this: Make a cd with the highlight clips in the first 3 positions. Then put the whole songs on tracks 4-6. Just make sure you indicate that on the labeling.

GOOD LUCK! Add me to your mailing list askdarcie@hotmail.com

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

There are many ways that you can start to do this...

MP3.com
CDBaby.com (distribution for independent records)
Local Airplay (if you can swing it)
LIVE PERFORMANCE
Your own website
Placement in other media (film, tv, etc.)
Appearance on local arts shows - there are tons depending on your area

localmusicscene.com
starpolish.com

Showcasing with larger acts

If you have specific questions, please ask them here or email me at askdarcie@hotmail.com - link me to your site too

Darc

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

Any where you can find an opportunity check it out and go for it. Be sure you copyright your music first though

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

http://www.jambase.com

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

how is breaking into doing movie scores different from making albums?

I think in this case you'd be signed to do the soundtrack album - and have a single on that. Usually the ST is distributed by a major distributor or large independent - depends on the film.

Ever wonder why some songs are in the movie but not on the soundtrack album? The movie cats may get a master use license for film but not a duplication license so therefor it can't go onto the ST album In some other cases, the ST album distributor may cut the song for continuity reasons too - politics. But usually it's the first reason. An artist is already signed and the owning label doesn't want the song out on a competing label.

If you are accepted into the soundtrack and you and your publisher agree to the use on the soundtrack album and you don't have a major label deal, or an indy for that matter, you may be signed for that one song. However, if that song is a feature song, or on the end credits or something (that's a good place to be!) the distributing label may release it as a single. Then you could get signed by the dist. label or noticed by another. If you get your song on the ST in a major motion picture, good on you! It could be a springboard and most definitely a negotiating point.

D

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

good ish and very practical

------------------------------------------------------------
subhaanakallahumma (Glory be to you, Oh Allah), wabihamdika (and I praise You).
Ashhadu anla ilaha illa anta (I bear witness that none has the right to be
worshipped except You). Astaghfiruka

WOW! Thanks!

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

how do you get into the business as a tour manager?

~m~

Avatar: Sin Titulo-Untitled by Tony Gleaton taken in Mango Creek, Belize, 1992

~mjr~

Avatar: Coachella 2007
http://www.dropshots.com/mrose23
r

This is tougher - What aspect of the tour would you want to oversee? The tech side? The roadie side? The business side? The overall administration of the tour (you'd be everybody's boss!)

I just got this email the other day and you can try this avenue - http://www.music-jobs.com

I would recommend having a degree related to the field or at least a lot of past experience in venues and booking as well as promotion - stagecraft training is going to be helpful to you as well as legal understanding. There is so much that happens to make a tour successful. If you haven't gone to college yet (and even if you have) Berklee College of Music is a great place to prepare for Music Industry jobs.

Here is Berklee's take on different elements and jobs within Business, INCLUDING Tour work

http://www.berklee.edu/careers/mbm.html#tours

But you can work as an intern or entry level at a concert promotions company and start at the ground level and work your way up. Indicate when you interview that you are looking to move upward and explain your specific goals - stage by stage. Telling them that you are very interested in ultimately managing tours should interest them, and tell them that you are interested in being a roadie (assuming you can lift a lot and work many hours) and learning as you go.

For something amusing, you can check out these tour riders (what the artists demand on contract) for some very Pop oriented tours... you can see how detailed it gets... (THIS IS NOT the official Berklee site, but one started by a group of students)

http://www.geocities.com/berkleebeach/trhome.html

Let me know if you have any more questions

Darc

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

~m~

Avatar: Sin Titulo-Untitled by Tony Gleaton taken in Mango Creek, Belize, 1992

~mjr~

Avatar: Coachella 2007
http://www.dropshots.com/mrose23
r

do the demos ever get listend to by someone in a decision making position?

Well, sometimes they get heard. There are some deciding factors...

Most labels will not take unsolicited materials (too risky legally.) So a call has to be placed and permission granted to even send your materials. The person asking for permission is important too. If you have a manager or lawyer, chances are good you'll at least get past Go.

This business is so relationship based. And, sometimes, your record might get to A&R REP ONE and it's not what they need to sign but they might peep it to another department. It's so hard to say.

It's BEST to gain so much momentum on your own that labels are looking for YOU - or have a showcase and invite them to one of your gigs - get them to offer pens. The more offers you get at once, the more leverage you have at the bargaining table.

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

I did a record in the early 90's that i just found out was big in Europe and Asia. How do I go about looking for my money, royalties et all?

http://www.myspace.com/thecollectivemusicinc
http://bigfamilyent.imeem.com/
http://www.soundclick.com/bigfamily
http://www.myspace.com/bigfamsmusic

WHOA! OK - here are some starter questions if you can answer these for me it will help me help you. But you will want a lawyer for this one - especially if you are doing some headhunting.

1. Were you affiliated with ANY Performance Rights society? ASCAP or BMI?

2. Are your songs registered copyrights (with the Library of Congress)

3. Do you have a publishing company on the songs in question?

4. Do you know who has released this music? Is it a label? How did you find out that your music was hot over there?

Unfortunately, if you didn't file a copyright form for your stuff, and you have dated proof that it's yours on a tangible media (CD, Tape, etc.) you will be only moderately protected. To claim the largest amount of royalties with a federal penalty.

If you DID file your copyright with the Library of Congress than you would have full protection. Is it your performance or did someone steal your song?

More information would help me give you more instruction on this matter so please feel free to fill me in.

You will need a lawyer because international things get weird - and there are nuances there that I am not completely aware of to the latest - that knowledge is reserved for attorneys. This is probably an example of a case where I must refer you to a lawyer.

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

>WHOA! OK - here are some starter questions if you can answer
>these for me it will help me help you. But you will want a
>lawyer for this one - especially if you are doing some
>headhunting.
>
>1. Were you affiliated with ANY Performance Rights society?
>ASCAP or BMI?
>Yea
>2. Are your songs registered copyrights (with the Library of
>Congress)
>Yes
>3. Do you have a publishing company on the songs in
>question?
>No
>4. Do you know who has released this music? Is it a label?
>How did you find out that your music was hot over there?
>Yes
>Unfortunately, if you didn't file a copyright form for your
>stuff, and you have dated proof that it's yours on a
>tangible media (CD, Tape, etc.) you will be only moderately
>protected. To claim the largest amount of royalties with a
>federal penalty.
>
>If you DID file your copyright with the Library of Congress
>than you would have full protection. Is it your performance
>or did someone steal your song?
>
>More information would help me give you more instruction on
>this matter so please feel free to fill me in.
>
>You will need a lawyer because international things get
>weird - and there are nuances there that I am not completely
>aware of to the latest - that knowledge is reserved for
>attorneys. This is probably an example of a case where I
>must refer you to a lawyer.
>
Thanks

http://www.myspace.com/thecollectivemusicinc
http://bigfamilyent.imeem.com/
http://www.soundclick.com/bigfamily
http://www.myspace.com/bigfamsmusic

OK - so your bases are covered. An attorney can help you and may take the case contingent from the award.

A little letter might rustle some feathers. Find an Entertainment Atty in your area and go forth and prosper!

Congrats on your success! And I hope you get your money quickly!

the only way you wouldn't get money is if you are still recouping an advance on a record label... that was one question I didn't yet ask... If you have a label, you can ask your manager or lawyer to request a report on sales and allocation from the accounting dept just to see how your account is doing

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

thats the link

right now im getting a website designed

im also trying to sort thru copyrighting and publishing

now THATS confusing...

let me know what you think about the music

"in 2003 the lease is up"

www.donwill.substack.com

how do you tap into the overseas market?

im really interested in that.



"in 2003 the lease is up"

www.donwill.substack.com

I will definitely check you out sometime today! If you need help with your copyright forms, let me know. I can help.

If you used any samples, your copyright could be denied. Just as a heads up D

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

*sigh*

okay my question from there is

how stupid is it to move forward with uncopyritten music?





"in 2003 the lease is up"

www.donwill.substack.com

If you have used needle drops - STOP and get legal clearance first.

If you simply recreated the music with your own instruments and performers, see the info in the thread about mechanical licenses (early in the thread) There is also info there about if you used a sampling keyboard with built in samples or some other device that you purchased with built in samples. In those cases where drums or horns or whatever were sampled and you purchased that instrument or module, that's different.

IF you used scratches and samples from RECORDS though - they are copyright protected. STOP before going any further. You can find yourself in more trouble than you can get out of if you don't follow the law

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

okay so basically you are telling me that im sitting here with some beats that can get me in alot of trouble?

is there anyway around that? or you basically have to clear the samples with is EXPENSIVE as hell....

i dont even know any session musicians...

damn damn damn....



"in 2003 the lease is up"

www.donwill.substack.com

Did you lift from a record or did you use a sampling keyboard with sounds preprogrammed? This makes a difference...

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

If your keyboard came with say the snare from James Brown "I Got the Feelin" or something and you used that in creation of a new original composition you are straight. But if you used the actual recording and pattern and everything from I Got the Feelin' it's the need for a master use license (non compulsory)

But if you had a band recreate the groove and more from I Got the Feelin depending on what it is you may need a mechanical license ESP. if it's a melody-oriented instrument - voice, horns, guitar, etc.

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

maybe it was chopped
maybe we filtered it
maybe we even resequenced it

but it was took straight from the original recording...

*shit*

so what does a copyright do anyway? i mean... what is it protecting me from?



"in 2003 the lease is up"

www.donwill.substack.com

Oh man --- I wish I had better news for you...
A copyright is the federal protection of intellectual property. Abuse of it and sale of it is a federal offense...

I feel so bad because you didn't know about all this. You know a good keys player? He or she could duplicate the beats for you and it would be a lot more cost effective and depending on what you recreate, it may or may not need a license once replayed. If you REPLAY just the drums and make it slightly different (sped up, etc.) drums aren't copyrightable on their own but if you use the SOUND RECORDING it is protected so recreating this on your own is better and may not cost much. I'd have to know what you are trying to do (once I listen to your music this week I can guide you better) I can advise you on this.

But please don't sell (anymore) of what you've got there - it will be so so so so so bad if they find you. Financially yes and if they press fed. charges that would be awful.

BUT what YOU can copyright on your own is any melodies and lyrics that you created on your own - do dry recordings (no backtracks ) of those and copyright YOUR stuff in the meantime so you are protected d

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

the ep we did is solely for promotion...
not selling any of it..

by copy righting dry recordings you prettymuch mean copyrighting the acapellas right? like copyright the lyrics right?

i guess ill wait till you give it a spin to get the full opinion on what we need to do.. but yeah

this part kinda went over my head tho...

>I feel so bad because you didn't know about all this. You
>know a good keys player? He or she could duplicate the beats
>for you and it would be a lot more cost effective and
>depending on what you recreate, it may or may not need a
>license once replayed. If you REPLAY just the drums and make
>it slightly different (sped up, etc.) drums aren't
>copyrightable on their own but if you use the SOUND
>RECORDING it is protected so recreating this on your own is
>better and may not cost much.

www.donwill.substack.com

can be copyrighted?

*sigh*

ill never sell a record...lol

www.donwill.substack.com

Yes - and what you would do is clear the sample first, and indicate the part of the song that is a sample on the copyright form and then attach a letter or what have you. The lawyer who helps you clear the sample can give you even more help in the details.

But copyright your part! For real!

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

i still have no idea why i need to copyright...

i just know i have too...

(i know im dense, it just dont make sense)

www.donwill.substack.com

You are not dense!
It's just to protect anyone from sniping your lyrics and melodies and all.

This requires form PA and if you have a question when you are filling it out, just tell me the line item and the question and I will help

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

yep - you can copyright the a capella versions I will listen sooner than later and get back to you - lotta people take this piece sorely. You're a good sport

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

copyrights and publishing info

hit me up

wfreeman7d6@hotmail.com

or inbox me....

thanks a million

www.donwill.substack.com

If you need the forms for copyright ...

http://www.copyright.gov/register/performing.html

Instructions are there too

NOTE ABOUT WORK FOR HIRE - Do not indicate that this is a work for hire unless someone paid you to do the work for a company or what have you. If you are in a situation where you aren't sure, tell me your situation in detail and I will tell you if it's work for hire or not.

What about Publishing do you want to know? There's a lot Do your copyright stuff before aiming at Publishing Cos!

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

how can i keep in touch with you?

i appreciate all your help..

www.donwill.substack.com

askdarcie@hotmail.com
AOL IM: askdarcie

Email anytime and glad to help!

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

ill get back at you in a little while..

id love to get your opinion of our music

thanks

www.donwill.substack.com

I won't forget! Sometime this week for sure if not sooner

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

Yes to be quite honest it is. It does not hold up in Federal Court - where it counts. It is not a recognized legal way to copyright your music. The best way to copyright your songs is to use the Library of Congress. You can put more than one song on a CD as a collection and use one form for one price of $30

You can copyright the songs themselves using a PA form or the recording itself using an SR. PA is more recommended for the composition as a whole. http://www.loc.gov

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

copyrighting music filled with uncleared samples. did i read you correctly?

Yep! The Library of Congress does comprehensive searches for use of previously copyrighted material and your claim would be denied - not to mention you can get in trouble! Take the samples out - re-perform the parts you want and get a mechanical license - see above in the thread for details and if you still have questions, ask away and I will help.

PLEASE DON'T SAMPLE RECORDS

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

if i get live musicians to play something that i had previously sampled, i don't have to pay the artist i'm "borrowing" from?

If you get musicians to cover a song, in whole or in part, you will need a mechanical license - (a sample is a master use license)

The est. fee is 8.1 cents per song per UNIT UP TO five minutes in length and you obtain this license from http://www.harryfox.com

You pay the license in advance based on units you press (intended sales) and must pay before each new run (so lets say you make 500 to start, you pay based on 500. Before you sell any of the second pressing you must pay again.)

Making sense? Let me know if this is still unclear

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

a master use license?

(you're great btw. thanks for all the help).

Master use fees can be set via negotiation. There is no set fee - the label can name the price because they don't have to grant this license to you.

The only compulsory license is the mechanical license.

Price will most likely be determined on length, popularity, politics.

I wish I had a more concrete answer for you on this one.

Thanks for the compliment! It's all about such great questions!

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

*edit* let me be more specific. not the funkmaster flex/dj clue/biz markie type DJs. more like a relatively unknown cat.

What you will accept is entirely up to you (like a band - I know bands who get paid anywhere from $250 - 4000 depending on the venue!)

In your case, if you are unknown, you may need to start small and work up. I don't know if there is a status quo for DJ's - I would say ask friends who DJ - depends on where you live, the clubs, the night, etc.

You can also do some roundabout research. Call DJ's in the yellow pages and anonymously ask their rates for various things. For a hot club on a Friday night you'd ask for more than you would on a Tuesday night at a small little place you know?

Always get fed if the place has food

This is where you have control and set a range in your mind. Whatever you do, try to research it first. You don't want to over or undersell yourself. But sometimes taking a smaller gig or less money on a hot night at a venue you are dying to spin is worth it to get noticed. Same goes for us all

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

no particular questions at the moment thanks.

*****************
With all due respect...
ask around.

I will check this out asap and will offer feedback if you like

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

Thanks

http://www.myspace.com/thecollectivemusicinc
http://bigfamilyent.imeem.com/
http://www.soundclick.com/bigfamily
http://www.myspace.com/bigfamsmusic

peeped a clip - nice beats, flow - it all goes together well! I've heard good MC's today!

I will listen more this week and give more detailed replies then! Thanks! D

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

And tell me what you think of my music and what you would like to see added to the site.

To ask for your link to be added to my site, please email askdarcie@hotmail.com


Thanks!
Darc

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

Check your inbox please

Hey - I didn't get your message yet...
you can email it direct if you like to askdarcie@hotmail.com

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

Hi Darcie, I spoke to you a while back about manipulating samples. I'm currently promoting an album for an artist I produced and we decided to make a mixtape and give it away for free. it's about 20 minutes long. it's one whole song from the album and rest are just snippets mixed and scratched in. I live in a small town so I figured we start here and branch out. Touching the college market and hell whoever likes it. I have been getting good feedback so far. We plan on dropping the album in the fall. The question I'm asking is was this too much to give people? Somebody told me that I was giving away too much too soon. But I want people to really know what they are buying as far as the versatility of my music style and the artists rhyme style. I figured this was a good way to get this artists name buzzing. what you think. The mixtape is on my soundclick below. across the board groove is what we are pitching to Radio.
as always your comments are appreciated. Thank You.




Moving
Endlessly
Toward
Achievements
Fully
Acquiring
Knowledge
To
Advance

CHECK OUT MY MUSIC AT
http://www.soundclick.com/wrecktifiedrecordings

WRECKTIFIED MUSIC STR8 From the CHI


SOUTHSIDE CHICAGO

Syleena Johnson
Chapter II The Voice
Go Get That Shit

Grabbing The Beats By The Horns
Old School/Underground Hip Hop Mixtape
All the songs got Horn samples


https://www.mixcloud.com/djmetialready/dj-meti-already-presentsgrabbing-the-beats-by-the-horns-old-school-underground-hip-hop-mixtape/

Will listen for certain! Thanks for sharing the music links everyone!!

You are smart to give away a sampler of your music (assuming it's your beats and you've copyrighted the material!)

20 minutes is not long and as long as your copyright is registered, it's fairly risk free.

I think if you give some away and then know that you have more on the stove to sell later, you are straight. Make sure you keep good records of costs and income - you and your artist will need to report any cleared income of more than 600.00

GOOD LUCK! Feedback on the way!

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

we (The Iron Triangle) are doing a similar thing with giving away snippet CD's. For us, since we are trying to get established there is no better way to start creating a buzz. We give these away at shows and we never have enough. This makes the stuff kinda exclusive in a way because we can only give out so many per show. Additionally, I think it has brought more traffic to our website and at the very least it's the beginning of developing our fanbase.

Little Brother gave away at least 6 free songs on the Internet, if not more. I think that it's utimately successful because people are getting a taste of what they are buying. But it's important to communicate to your fans on the 'ethics' of buying music from indy artist. I think that ultimately that you will reap the benefits of having hardcore fans that will buy your music.

------------------------------------------------------------
subhaanakallahumma (Glory be to you, Oh Allah), wabihamdika (and I praise You).
Ashhadu anla ilaha illa anta (I bear witness that none has the right to be
worshipped except You). Astaghfiruka

if an unsigned artist put their music on the internet, they can get their music heard by a large number of people. this is great advertising.

they are also subjecting themselves to piracy because people can download & burn their songs without having paid a dime. then, when the artist finally drops a record under a label, many fans have already heard & downloaded the tunes.

do the risks outweigh the rewards?


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~**~*~*
check out my squad and let me know what you think.....

http://www.soundclick.com/prizmmusic

***
I ain't lyin. This shit i'm making up is true...

For songs you intend to also sell, I recommend only putting clips up so that no one has the whole song (though in my case I recorded at a College so I can't sell these recordings anyway so please note that if you check out my music on my website!)

This allows people to hear you without losing the sales.

For independent musicians, may I recommend http://www.cdbaby.com

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

they have a much fairer cost for using the system and the site is aesthetically better

------------------------------------------------------------
subhaanakallahumma (Glory be to you, Oh Allah), wabihamdika (and I praise You).
Ashhadu anla ilaha illa anta (I bear witness that none has the right to be
worshipped except You). Astaghfiruka

OH OK! I heard of this company briefly but most East Coast people I know go to CDBaby - I will start schooling people on this place too! Thanks for the tip Tariq! I looked at your site (very nice!) and bookmarked it as well as your soundclips. Thanks! Darc

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1

And is that still an option?

http://www.myspace.com/thecollectivemusicinc
http://bigfamilyent.imeem.com/
http://www.soundclick.com/bigfamily
http://www.myspace.com/bigfamsmusic

As soon as you want to start a company Are you seeking investors or independent funding?

http://go.berkleemusic.com/askdarcie1