"Value of the Songwriters"

People in general mostly care about the final product and do not put any thought in how it was made or how it came to be. Talking a little bit on the music side, people like songs and singers but they forget to value the creator/writer. We know that there exist many programs that show the development of music artist such as American Idol, The Voice and X Factor competitions. These shows however only focus on the singers. But something that I have been thinking about is; “what about the creators like me; the songwriters?” There exist many music showcases that people with the songwriting skills can show off their stuff and they can gain a lot, but sometimes we need more exposure like the one that I mention before. Not only do the people like the A&R executives, music producer or artist managers enrich our talent with the songwriting, but the viewers can learn about the process of how we create the magic of music also. Doing my research I found a show kind of similar to the ones I have mentions like before, but instead of it being for singers/artists it is for songwriters and it’s call The Hitmaker. The Hitmaker is show based on the lyrics of the music, not the talent that is singing the composition. The Hitmaker can be seen on BRAVO. The object of the competition is spotlighting undiscovered songwriters of all genres. Basically they have to battle through a series of innovating songwriting challenge to gain a position on the music charts. Also the grand prize includes cash prize and studio equipment. I think that this is a very good strategy and is a great way to get exposure of the hard work each talented person has. Apart from that it will also awaken the curiosity of the viewers into seeing the process of the songwriting side. Is an opportunity for the songwriters to get the chance to share their work and keep themselves out the mentality that great songs and hit will not get lose and the people will be able to identify with new songs. A songwriters  goal is to have a great singer/artist sing their song and for them as a songwriter be agonized for the work also.

Source:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bGL75Ulriw

http://blog.newsok.com/television/2010/04/26/singersongwriters-wanted-for-bravos-hitmakers-auditions-underway/

The Difference of HFA and PRO

The difference of HFA and the PRO

As a songwriter, I have been doing my research to expand my knowledge concerning the music publishing side of entertainment. I have learned more in depth about music-licensing which is one of the most important part of music publishing. Everybody is aware of the three PRO companies, which are ASCAP, SESAC and BMI. But there exists some difference between those PRO and the HFA. This causes confusion amongst some people. The HFA (Harry Fox Agency) is a company that provides a mechanical license only. Talking a little bit of the service of HFA, they provide a permission sheet to the people that they allow to record a song that has been recorded before. With this license they are dedicated to provide license, also collect and distribute mechanical royalties, which is for the sales of digital, physical or streaming licenses. So basically we know that when any music CD or download is sold the mechanical licenser pays the publisher and the author. Which on the other hands the PRO works to collect and distribute royalties in the performance right. So basically they collect royalties for songs playing in public places such as cafeteria, restaurants, TV, elevator etc. So, never hurts to know a little bit of everything, especially in regards to music and know what it takes to be successful.

Sources:

http://www.artistshousemusic.org/videos/harry+fox+agency+licensing

http://www.artistshousemusic.org/articles/the+basics+of+mechanical+licensing+from+harry+fox

QR Code

QR Code

In the music industry one of the biggest issues that I have seen is that independent musicians, songwriters and artist struggle on how to promote and market their stuff. They don’t realize that there exists so many ways to do it easily and inexpensively. That’s why I want to share the tool of the QR code. This is a marketing strategy that can help those people that want to get exposure to share their work to the music Industry. The QR code means quick response, it is a trademark for a type of matrix barcode. They are used to take a piece of information from a transitory media and put it in to your cell phone. So, we know that now in this day in age most people have smartphones, so basically all they have to do is the QR reader app and just take a picture of the QR to get all the information easily. Ounce you have taken the picture this goes straight to the information that the QR contains. We know that the last thing a person wants to do is take time to research what they want to find… it is a lot easier just to click a button and have information right at your finger tip. Talking a little bit about the music industry, the QR code works very efficiently to promote many things. Some of the interesting places QR Codes can potentially be used for music marketing are: Business cards, Tour and gigs flyers, Demos, press kits, band poster etc. Music Fans scanning QR codes are expecting to find unique content or a special marketing offer when they scan a QR code. Basically linking a QR code to your music work, music videos, song previews, personal message to the fans, studio section, scheduled of your gigs website homepage, Facebook twitter etc. will leave your fans engaged.

Now I’m going to share the link that a person can use to crate a QR code so that they can help grow their product more easily.

Source:

http://www.qrstuff.com/