GOLD GONG: August 2012

It has become imperative to start a wholly entertainment blog due to the massive world wide decline in the quality of music and choice entertainment we are now made to endure. Also the entertainment industry which could be a lucrative and an effective outlet for self expression and relaxation has been overtaken by charlatans who do not have a passion for the Arts but are in the industry looking for aspiring, budding or burdened artistes and potential industry executives to turn them to liquidated meal tickets. At THE GOLD GONG we do our research and present it to you in the most basic layman's understandable format so that if you decide to have a career in the entertainment industry , be it music , the movies ,Tv or you are just ,an entertainmaent enthusiast like me it pays to be well informed, hence the rug will not be pulled off your feet while you think you are standing on it . When you stay connected to the GOLD GONG NOBODY WILL BAMBOOZLE you with plenty grammer , unneccessary expenses or turn you to the FATEST COW so they can milk you dry just because you want to be a part of the entertainment industry......with this i say WELCOME TO THE GOLD GONG!

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, known mononymously as Beyoncé, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer and actress, SHE IS 30YRS OLD AND WORTH US$ 300 million (2012)

THE MUSIC INDUSTRY..A BRIEF HISTORY

If Music be the food of life..play on (A Shakespeare state of mind joor ) .The Music industry is presently worth about 168 BILLION DOLLARS. Music has become an ESSENTIAL COMMODITY and hence it is actively traded all around the world. Digital Music Download has changed the structure and texture of the music industry , The social Media networks have proved to be a great tool, it has brought the artiste close to his/fans and in some cases has exposed potential artistes to Great deals.
The Music industry started in the 18th century, the great composers of that time sought a way to free themselves from the restrictions imposed on them by their sponsors then (eg bishops, royalty) , they wanted the world to enjoy their music and also to earn revenue from their hard work.Hence as soon as they realized people were ready to pay to enjoy the music they produced, they sold their music in print and charged money for their musical performance....And the MUSIC INDUSTRY WAS BORN.
In the early twentieth century, recorded music was seen as a threat to print music but it overcame all the hurdles and became the largest sector of the music industry

THE MUSIC INDUSTRY STRUCTURE

The music industry consists of companies and individuals who CREATE AND SELL MUSIC for MONEY. Song writers and composers create the music material, the publishers license that material for Record labels, and other media like Tv, Radio and internet to use. The record Label gets the artiste (performer) to record the material and then they market the material. It is very possible for the artiste to be the song writer, the producer or composer , even the record label owner and marketer ...
The music industry can be broken down into three units viz : The RECORD BUSINESS, MUSIC PUBLISHING AND LIFE PERFORMANCES

RECORD BUSINESS : This consists of record labels and record retail stores. The advent of digital file sharing has not been kind to the record business
MUSIC PUBLISHING : This is the life line of the music industry. It involves licensing the songs and getting them published via media like TV, radio, internet etc.
LIVE PERFORMANCES : In recent times there has been a decline in the Music Record business and hence a lot of emphasis is now placed on live performances by the artiste as a way to earn revenue for himself and his label, and also to build a large fan base

WHAT IS A MUSIC LABEL?

A record label is a brand name which connects musicians to customers. A Record label is a company that manufactures and distributes recorded music and also promotes the recorded music or atleast hires someone to do so! A record label should have a good and powerful reputation so that when customers see an artiste ,group or band associated or signed with that Music label, they pay attention and know its going to be a good product and therefore will not hesitate in spending money and time on the artiste's product.
There are two types of music record labels viz; THE MAJOR MUSIC LABELS (aka THE BIG FOUR) and THE INDEPENDENT MUSIC LABELS (aka INDIE MUSIC LABEL )

MAJOR MUSIC LABELS : The Big Four Labels make up about 75 percent of the the music market, they control most of the music you hear on different entertainment media. According to www.about.com Artists who are signed to a Big Four record label are either signed to the central label or signed to a subsidiary of the label. For instance, a band may be signed to Sony, or they may be signed to the Sony subsidiary label Columbia Records. These subsidiary labels have their staff and usually sign their own artists and make most of their own financial decisions. However, they are answerable to the "main" company, which sets their overall budget and makes decisions like reducing staff at the subsidiary .
In essence, a Big Four label is a corporation that manages several smaller businesses. In addition to the labels that are divisions of the major, these Big Four record companies also sometimes offer distribution to indie labels. Under these deals, the major label offers the indie's releases to stores along with their own releases, but they do not have a say in what albums the indie releases or how the indie manages their label. The big four record labels are Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, EMI Group and Warner Music Group.
The big four recording labels are
UNIVERSAL: This label sells more records than the others , the group's well-known label imprints include Geffen, Interscope, Island, Motown, and Universal. Key artists are: Black Eyed Peas,Mariah Carey, 50 Cent, Gwen Stefani ,Kanye West and others..

Lucian Grainge, CBE, is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Group. Over the course of his career, he has been instrumental in the careers of artists such as Amy Winehouse, ABBA and many others

SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT : Sony BMG Music Entertainment is the second biggest major record label in music sales. They accounted for 21.5% of the market in 2005. The company's well-known label imprints include Arista, Columbia, Epic, J, Jive, and RCA. Key artists are: Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys,Outkast,Shakira,Britney Spears, Usher, Rita Ora and others...

Edgar Berger President & CEO, International, Sony Music Entertainment

EMI GROUP : The EMI Group is the third biggest major record label in music sales. They accounted for 13.4% of the market in 2005. The group's well-known label imprints include Astralwerks, Capitol, EMI, Mute, and Virgin. Key artists are: The Beatles, Coldplay,Gorillaz,Rolling Stones,Robbie Williams and others..

Roger Faxon, CEO EMI Group.

WARNER MUSIC GROUP : The Warner Music Group is the fourth major record label in music sales. They accounted for 11.3% of the market in 2005. The group's well-known label imprints include Asylum, Atlantic, Lava, Reprise, Rhino, and Warner Bros. Key artists are: Green Day, Madonna,Alanis Morissette,My Chemical Romance,Rob Thomas and others

Lyor Cohen, is Chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group's (WMG) Recorded Music operations, which includes oversight of the company's U.S. label groups – The Atlantic Records Group and Warner Bros. Records
Lyor Cohen is the North American Chairman and CEO of Recorded Music for Warner Music Group. He has been a pioneer in the development of hip hop music ,HE IS 52 years old

You will notice that the MAJOR LABEL MUSIC EXECUTIVES ARE ALL WHITES , NO SWAG BUT COMPLETE UNDENIABLE CLASS AND A WELL READ EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND..now we understand why WIZ KHALIFA MIGHT NEVER WIN A GRAMMY...NO PUN INTENDED

INDIE MUSIC LABELS: An Indie label is a music label that is independently funded and not connected to any of the big four labels. They can range from a Rich Man's Parlor hobby (money talks ..bullshit runs) or a very highly profitable business. Sometimes it can be an uphill task for indie music labels to get their music heard but with consistency, good quality control , good reward for hardwork, perseverance and a CAPITALIST business attitude to your record label , a bit of luck and GOD on your side.. the sky might just be your stepping stone.

SOME INDIE LABELS:

GALLO RECORD COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA : Gallo Record Company is the largest (and oldest independent) record label in Africa. It is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and is owned by Avusa Limited (formerly Johnnic Communications). The current Gallo Record Company is a hybrid of two rival South African record labels between the 1940s and 1980s: the original Gallo Africa (1926–1985) and G.R.C. (Gramophone Record Company, 1939–1985). In 1985 Gallo Africa acquired G.R.C.; as a result, Gallo Africa became known as Gallo-GRC. Five years after the acquisition, the company was renamed Gallo Record Company.
The company owns over 75% of all recordings ever made in South Africa, including those by artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Stimela, West Nkosi, and Makgona Tsohle Band. In 2006, Johnnic Communications (Gallo's parent company, which changed its name to Avusa in November 2007) entered a joint venture with the South African division of Warner Music International, forming Warner Music Gallo Africa, making Gallo Record Company's entire music archive digitally available for the first time. These include rare pressings as well as classic hits by artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Mahlathini and the Mahotella Queens, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Letta Mbulu, Juluka, Spokes Mashiyane, Lucky Dube, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and others

Mavin Records is the brainchild of acclaimed producer and entrepreneur, Michael Collins Ajereh (Don Jazzy). Created as a wholly independent music label on May 8th 2012, Mavin Records immediately captured the world?s attention. Mavin is home to some of Africa’s most exciting musical talents with dozens of awards and hit singles between them. Dr.SID, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal and D’Prince have all brought their diverse musical backgrounds to the fore. The result is a perfect blend of soul, hip-hop, R&B and Afrobeat. The first album released under the label was Solar Plexus and just in case like me you are wondering the meaning of MAVIN ,It means Someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field (frm their website o!)

Michael Collins Ajereh (Don Jazzy), founder Mavin records

Too Much Music Indie label :Our core focus will be to take the exponentially growing new "Naija" music genre to a new international level - in quality and originality.The label currently has two artistes signed on, they are Femi Jubal and M Msmooth!

The Head Honcho of Too Much Music Indie Label

CHOCOLATE CITY: Chocolate City is an international award winning 360 degree Entertainment company based in Nigeria with offices in Abuja and Lagos. Their artistes include M.I, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Brymo , DJ Caise, Pryse

ADVANTAGES OF SIGNING WITH A MAJOR MUSIC LABEL : Most artistes feel that signing with a Major Music label equals instant fame and fortune, which in some cases might be the case however DO NOT BE DECEIVED BECAUSE ALL THAT GLITTERS MIGHT BE FAR FROM GOLD. Here are some of the advantages;

MONEY: Major Music labels have very long and deep pockets and they know how to spoil their artistes silly..The way people purchase and listen to music has changed, thanks to the internet however major labels still have a huge financial advantage over just about every indie label. When the music label has a lot of money, that means they'll be able to spend a lot of money promoting the artiste's record . It also means they may be able to offer a large advance and invest a lot in recording, touring, video shoots and other opportunities for the artiste.
CONNECTIONS AND ESTABLISHED INDUSTRY CONTACTS : Money makes the world go round and can open many doors , windows and grand canyons for a major music label's artiste. When ever a major music label comes calling, media outlets, cooperate organizations and other celebs and music patrons are willing to play nice, The major music labels can ask them to jump..and their response will be "HOW HIGH SHOULD I GO? " The big four companies have been in the music business for a very long time and hence they have established lucrative business relationships and they understand the inner-workings and intricate networking details of the various components of the music industry
SIZE IS KING : The major labels are behind most of the music being sold today. First, they can get the best deals on manufacturing, advertising and other expenses since they do business in such enormous bulk - they have way more purchasing power than indie labels. Second, because of all of the artists on their roster, they can pull some pretty big strings in the media. Here's a VERY common scenario: a major label may call up a big music magazine and say, "hey, if you want to interview (insert mega selling artist), we suggest you review/feature or promote (insert brand new, unknown label signing)." This is great for you, if you're that new label signing, because you get instant press in all of the top spots, giving you maximum exposure overnight. Its a trade by barter marketing industry and their size ensures they get the most mouth watering deals

DISADVANTAGES OF SIGNING WITH A MAJOR RECORD LABEL: Like I said all that glitters might just be unripe plantain chips. Below are some disadvantages of signing with a major music label.

SMALL FISH IN A BIG RIVER: A lot of Major music labels tend to sign a lot of artistes which means that the new artistes have to fight for attention in the major music label, for the Major labels its a big gamble, so if after the initial promotions the artistes music doesn't get major public attention the major brands are most likely to drop the artiste, another draw back of 'this big river small fish' syndrome is that if the KEY MAN in the major music label stops being an artiste's fan or his top position is compromised, the new person who takes over the album might not be a fan and this can have drastic effects on the artistes' music career,
COMPLETE CONTROL OF THE ARTISTES : The Major music labels sign multi album deals with the artiste and they make sure the artiste signs over most or all of the creative control to the label, so assuming one is a reggae artiste, and the music label's creative director thinks a Fuji album will yield major sales, then thats the direction the artiste must go. Every dollar spent on the artiste is considered an investment and must yield profit else the artiste will be considered a liability and will be dropped faster than USIAN BOLT!
THE PASSION EQUATION : You don't need a strong passion for music to work with a major music label because its all about money ..nothing personal its just business! SO NOBODY CARES IF YOU HAD A SHOUTING MATCH WIT YOUR BOO THE DAY BEFORE A MONEY MAKING VENTURE YOU HAVE BEEN SLATED TO PERFORM IN..You must sing..thats what you signed up for!

THE ADVANTAGES OF AN INDIE MUSIC LABEL: I think the best phrase for indie music labels will be "small but mighty" .Below are the advantages

THEY LOVE YOUR MUSIC : This means they will be working hard for the artiste because they love his music and associate with his pain as a struggling artiste. They believe in the artiste and will do everything to be a part of his/her success.
A CLOSE KNIT WORKING RELATIONSHIP : Indie labels usually have fewer staff than in the case of the major labels so its easier for the artsite to develop a strong close knit working relationship with the indie music label. The artiste can even ping his boss! lol ..However the HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE is maintained and all protocols are still observed
ARTISTE FRIENDLY DEALS: The contract agreements between an artiste and an indie label can range from very complex to just a simple handshake and a profit split agreement. However you hardly find indie labels demanding for full creative control over the artiste and most indies dont lock their artistes in a long MULTI-ALBUM CONTRACTS

DISADVANTAGES OF SIGNING WITH AN INDIE LABEL : Don't despair because even beautiful roses have thorns, below are the cons of signing with an indie label

MONEY : Most times money is a big issue with indies because they don't have the same access to money that the big labels have. Most of the time the Indies don't have the money to fund an all out media assault like the majors and that they often have to get creative with promotion ideas. They also can't afford big advances, fancy packaging, large recording budgets, tour support and other things a major can throw at you. SO IF YOU ARE AN ARTISTE SIGNED TO AN INDIE LABEL YOU WILL HAVE TO REMAIN FINANCIALLY INVESTED IN YOUR OWN MUSIC CAREER.
DISORGANIZATION : Not every indie label is disorganized, but the informal nature of operations at many smaller indie labels means things and roles can get very confusing. For an artist, this means that sometimes opportunities are lost in terms of good deals or promotion opportunities etc, or it can be hard to figure out things like proper account keeping.THIS IS MOST TIMES THE REASON FOR CONFLICTS BETWEEN ARTISTES AND INDIE LABELS....PROPER ACCOUNT KEEPING..MONEY PALAVER!
SIZE IS STILL KING : Because the Indie labels have a smaller structure than the major labels, this means their financial budgets are smaller and hence they have smaller strings to pull. SIMPLY PUT THEY DONT HAVE THE PURCHASING , BARGAINING, CROWD POWER OF THE MAJOR LABELS

To summarize, most of the advantages of the major labels are the disadvantages of the Indies

WHAT IS COPYRIGHT ? : According to GOOGLE WEB DICTIONARY a Copyright is a set of exclusive rights granted to the author or creator of an original work, including the right to copy, distribute and adapt the work. Copyright does not protect ideas, only their expression or fixation. You have a valid copyright as soon as your original song or sound recording is fixed in a tangible medium of expression. That's a fancy term coined by music copyright law, and means that your song or sound recording must be written down or recorded for you to have a copyright to your music.
In relation to music, copyright is owned by the composer / creator. , he may decide to sign this off to a record label, This includes copyright of the composition, arrangement, lyrics and sound recordings. This ownership gives the copyright holder(s) exclusive rights to create and distribute copies of the music on their terms. This can be for free but is usually for an appropriate license fee.
When you buy a CD or download music from an online store, you are purchasing a restricted license which permits you to ONLY LISTEN to the music. If the music is to be used for anything other than personal listening then a license or some form of permit has to be acquired from the music's copyright owners else it is regarded as PIRACY. HENCE AS AN ARTISTE YOU CANT REMIX SOMEONE'S SONGS OR SING ON TOP OF ANOTHER ARTISTE'S BEAT WITHOUT HIS PERMISSION..
The Music labels have total control over their artists’ works because the artist is required to give away or assign most of their copyrights exclusively to the label. it might be very expensive to include a known mainstream artist, band or composer in your corporate video, advert or film because you can only do this through one of the labels they are signed to. You can only license it from the label and they can run into millions. So do not be surprised if you are an aspiring artiste and the music label demands a major part of any juicy ENDORSEMENT DEAL you get as an artiste , its part of the copyright you signed off to your music label.

On the other hand, struggling indie music labels may be happy to collect smaller sums of money for less restrictive licenses for use of their music through independent distributors, including royalty free music sellers. As the copyright owners, they are able to provide many distributors the right to offer licenses of their music in return for a share of the revenue collected. This means music can be offered for lower license fees and made available to a much wider user base. This is becoming more prevalent with new media uses and developing / converging technologies especially the internet downloads.

IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, ITS EITHER A HIT OR A MISS...IF ITS A HIT YOU SMILE ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK IF ITS A MISS..HMMMMMMN I GUESS WE WILL JUST CALL IT "DIFFERENT"!

.......In subsequent blog posts we will delve into these topic with more details....STAY CONNECTED

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