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Music Careers: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Sending a Demo
Ever wondered how to get labels to hear your music? The right approach to sending your demo to record labels will get your songs into the hands of the people who need to hear them.
MySpace Music
Some people think that MySpace Music has turned the music biz on its head while others think it is one more nail in the coffin of good music. Love it or hate it, you can't ignore it, so find out if MySpace might be able to help you.
Get a Gig
Playing live is the best way to build a loyal fan base for your band, but getting a gig can be hard work. With all of the competition out there for stage time, find out how to make sure your band makes it to the top of the heap. Also find out to get in front of the right audience for your music.
Music Promoter
Promoters work hand in hand with agents and bands to make shows happen. They get the word out about upcoming events and make sure there is a full house to hear the band. Find out what being a promoter involves and decide if this job is right for you.
Artist Manager
Love music, but can't play? Artist management may be for you. Find out what a day is like in the life of a band manager and how to get started in this field.
Self Promote
The ability to self promote your music can make the difference between playing to a packed house and a lifetime of musical obscurity. Find out how to make sure your music is getting heard by being your own best promoter.
Record a Demo
Learn how to record a basic demo that showcases your talent without breaking the bank!
Manager Contract
Before your sign a music manager contract, there are a lot of factors you need to consider. Signing a bad contract can have repercussions for a long time. Before you consider signing, consider the advice laid out here.
Gig Booking Step by Step
Get over your gig booking phobia with this step by step guide that takes your from getting a promo package together to taking the stage.
Create a Promo Package
If you're going to get the attention of the media, labels, promoter, agents, or just about anyone else in the music industry, you're going to need a professional promo package. Learn how to create a promo package help put your album at the top of the listening pile.
Music Agent
If you want to be the one who makes the tours happen, then the job of a music agent may be for you. Agents work with promoters and bands to make sure concerts get booked - find out more about how this job works, and how you can become an agent yourself.
Q&A with R. City
R.City, brothers Teron and Timothy, are about to release their major label debut, Wake the Neighbors, but you already know all of their songs. How? Because as songwriters, these guys have written for just about every big seller you can think of. Find out how they went from performers to songwriters to performers again and how they used their songwriting talents to get people to notice their own music.
Find Musicians
You've got the songs, now all you need are the people. If you're not sure how to start your band member search, these tips will point you in the right direction.
Choose a Music Career
If you love music, there are plenty of music careers from which you can choose. The question is - which one is right for you? Learn how to choose a music career so you end up with a job in music you love.
Bands 101
If you want your band to be a success, you have to manage your career right from the start. Find the basic things that every band should do to get a shot at the spotlight.
Demo Don'ts
Have you been sending out demo after demo, but nothing seems to be happening? These demo no-nos could be stopping you from getting the record deal you want.
Digipack
Digipack sleeves may look nice, but they're not the answer for every release. Find out more about this style of CD packaging.
Door Split
Door split is a term you might hear from a promoter when you're booking a gig. What does it mean, and what makes a fair door split deal?
Create a MySpace Music Page
Many bands find that MySpace Music is the place to be for them. Find out how to cash in on the free MySpace buzz and create your own MySpace music page.
Start a Record Label
Are you thinking of getting into the record label business? Find out what you need to know before you launch that label, so you have the best chance for success.
Backline
If you're an aspiring agent or manager, or if you're a band who books their own gigs, "backline" is a word you'd better get used to. Find out what it is, and whose job it is to worry about it.
Cover Art Designer
Having the perfect artwork makes a great record that little bit more special. Even with the rise in digital music, album covers and CD covers still matter to people - some digital music sites even let people download the artwork and liner notes with their songs. Find out how to break into album artwork design and what the job is like.
Make a Music Video
Music videos used to be the exclusive domain of major labels, with the mega budgets to shoot the videos and the pull to get them on MTV. That has all changed. Not only can you shoot a music video yourself for very little investment, there are plenty of new ways you can get your cheap music videos to your fans. Find out how to become your own best music video director and follow this step by step guide to recording a music video.
Promoter
What are the responsibilities of a music promoter? A music promoter can be hugely influential to your music career, so understanding their role is key.
Big Four Labels
EMI, Sony BMG, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group together make up the list of Big Four record labels, also known as major record labels. Find out more.
Music Promoter Contracts
Contracts are a good way for music promoters and bands alike to ensure their show goes off without a hitch. Find out how to write a contract that is fair to both parties and covers all the important points.
Glastonbury Music Festival
Glastonbury is one of the largest and oldest outdoor music festivals in the world. Every year, up to 900 acts entertain crowds of 100,000 music lovers in the English countryside. Find out more about the history of Glastonbury and how you could get a chance to play.
Demo Dos
You know the record demo don'ts, now learn the record demo dos. These tips will help you help yourself to the best chance of getting some label attention for your demo.
Indie Label Contracts
Being a small label is never a good reason for being a label without a contract. Indie label contracts don't have to be complicated, and they protect bands and labels alike. Find out how to come up with an easy contract that will help make sure everyone involved in a deal is on the same page.
Find Distribution
Distribution is the key to getting your album in the stores, but finding it easier said than done. Find out how to get started and what to look for in a distributor.
What is a Session Musician?
Session musicians take part in many tours and recording sessions. Understanding their function, and how they should be paid, can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
Should I Self Release My Album
If the labels aren't biting, a self released album could be the way to go. However, self releasing a record isn't as easy as it sounds - could it be right for you?
Start a Band
First things first - before you can do anything else with your music, you need to form a band. Putting your band together means building a foundation that you can work from to get your music heard - and making the wrong choices can lead to oh-so-much hassle. Learn more about starting your new favorite band.
Apply for Music Business Funds
Paying for a music career is just about the hardest part of keeping the whole thing going. Bands, record labels, promoters, music managers, agents and often face a constant battle of completing their projects while paying the bills. But how you get your music business funding and what you do with the money makes a big difference. Find out what you need to know before you try to get a loan to start a record label or any other music business purpose.
Music Industry Investors
You've got the dream, the drive - now you just need the dollars. Getting music industry funding can make or break your music career, but it can be hard to know where to look. Find out about these common sources for music money to see which of these music investors is right for you.
Music Business Rules
The music business is highly competitive, and getting a foot in the door can be notoriously difficult. If you have music business aspirations, however, there are a few things you can do to make yourself stand out from the competition. Following these rules can help you get noticed for all of the right reasons - give them a try if you want to get ahead.
Licensing vs. Distribution
Many smaller labels are faced with a decision between licensing and distribution, especially when it comes to getting their albums out in foreign territories. What's the difference, and which one is better for you? Find out the ins and out, and the pros and cons.
Music Careers - HowTos
An index of HowTos for the Music Careers guide site.
Promo Emails for Bands
People in the music industry get bombarded by emails all day, every day. To make sure your promotional email gets read, you need to have the right approach - straightforward, simple, and to the point.
Album Press Release Template
If you want to sell records, you have to let people know the music is out there. A well written press release will help you get the word out.
EMI
A look at the history and the future of EMI, one of the world's largest record labels. Trace the label from its early days to its glory days to its complicated future.
Music Business Funding
Deciding you want to work in music is the easy part. Paying for a music career? Now that's hard work. Find out about your different music business funding options so you can keep your music career dreams alive.
Become the Opening Band
Playing as the opening band at a big show is a fast way to get your music to a larger audience. Find out how to get that coveted support band slot.
Band Member Contracts?
Band member contracts are a tricky line to walk, and a lot of artists feel uncomfortable even considering them. These contracts, however, may be important for your band - find out why.
Spot a Bad Deal
Unfortunately, the music industry is rife with people looking to make a quick buck off of your dreams. Spotting a bad deal will save you a lot of heartache down the line. Learn the signs of a deal that should have you running in the other direction.
Music Business Terms
If you want to walk the walk, you have to be able to talk the talk. Use this crib sheet to brush up on your music industry vocab so you always sound like you're one step ahead of the game.
Long Lost Record Labels Part 1
Sometimes it just doesn't work out. That's a lesson everyone in music has learned at least once the hard way. But just because it doesn't work out doesn't mean it wasn't great. Case in point? Check out these top five record labels that might not still be around but made a big splash while they were. These labels still influence the music and the labels that have come after them, so "failed" doesn't enter the picture. Here's to you, much missed record labels.
Agent
Agents - you've heard about them, but what do they actually do? Find out what to expect from an agent as a band - or what to expect to be doing if you think you might want to become an agent.
Pay for Opening Bands?
Many bands get their start as opening acts. How much should you make when you play, and what kind of deal should you avoid?
Q&A with Stephen Pastel
Stephen Pastel is no stranger to indie bands or indie record labels. His band The Pastels is one of indie music's long lasting and most loved bands, and his 1980s label 53rd & 3rd is a shining example of how just how much impact even the smallest of labels can have on the course of music. Now running Domino subsidiary label Geographic, Stephen is again in the position to introduce the world to music it didn't know it loved. Here, he talks about the label and what he's learned from The Pastels.
Sony BMG
Profile of Sony BMG Music Entertainment, one of the so called "Big Four" music companies.
Q&A with Rod Hsiao of Live 365
Rod Hsiao of internet radio company Live 365 shares what it is like on the front lines of the internet radio royalty battle.
Should I Quit the Band?
Bands are like any relationship - sometimes they just don't work out. Find out when you should jump ship and when you should stick around to work things out.
Rough Trade Records
Rough Trade Records has been an indie music success story for more than 20 years. The label has a habit of discovering "the next big thing" - a golden touch that hasn't dimmed over the years. Find out how Rough Trade has made it all work and what you can learn from how they have done things.
Domino Records
Domino Records has grown to become one of the most influential indie labels ever. Find out how they made it happen and how they keep their place on top.
Who Pays for Gig Promo Costs?
Is it the bands responsibility to pay to promote their own shows, or does the promoter have to foot the bill? Learn how the cost of shows should be distributed.
M&D Deals
These kinds of deals are getting harder to find, but for an upstart indie labels, they can give you a real leg up on getting your business off the ground. Get the details on this kind of distribution deal.
How to Spend It
If you're lucky enough to get funding for your record label or music project, you could soon find yourself in the red again if you don't make good choices about how to spend it. Find out how to prioritize your record label expenses, and the best ways to spend your music business loan or music business grant.
Universal Music Group
A brief history and profile of the world's best selling major record label, Universal Music Group. This mega label plays hosts to many of the biggest names in music, but their past is not without controversy.
Do I Need a Demo?
With the changing music industry, the role of music demos are changing, too. Do you really need a music demo? The answer depends on what your goals are. Find out if you should start recording music or if you should go demo free.
Guest List Dos and Don'ts
Everyone is your best friend when you have control of the guest list, but managing it properly is important to building good relationships and getting your music heard by the people who can help you.
Matador Records
Matador Records is about as close to a major record label as indie label can get. In fact, the label has been under the major label umbrella more than once in its lifetime but has always gone back to indie ways. The story of Matador is interesting not just for the success the label has had but for the way it illustrates to the difference between the indie and major label music worlds.
Does My Label Owe Me?
Your album is selling, but you haven't seen a dime of profits yet. Your label must be ripping you off, right? Not necessarily.
Q&A with Mr. Len
Many of the best indie labels are run by people who know what it's like to the be the artist themselves, and that is certainly the case with Smacks Records. Here, Mr. Len talk about why he stared Smacks, how the label is different and how he deals with competing with bigger labels with deeper pockets.
Tour Press Release Template
You want bums on seats for your shows? Then you need to let people know they're happening! A tour press release is what you need to get media coverage of your upcoming show - this press release template shows you how.
How to Promote a Gig
Good promotion is the key to a good show, but if you are a first time promoter, the job can seem so large you may not know where to start. This guide will help you make sure you don't leave any promotional stone unturned.
Indie Label
Indie Record labels are self funded label not connected to one of the Big Four labels.
Band Photos - Color or B&W?
Good band photos are great for your website, and they also help you get more press coverage, but they can be expensive. Having the right kind of band photos, however, is crucial to getting the most bang for your buck. Find out how to make your band photos work for you.
When to Send a Press Release
You know that you need a press release if you want the media to talk about your new album or your upcoming show, but WHEN you send that press release also plays a role in the coverage you get. Find out when to send your press releases for maximum exposure
Factory Records
Factory Records managed to have a tremendous impact on the music industry in spite of bankruptcy and questionable business plans like losing money on every copy they sold of their most popular release. Factory Records might not have had the world's best business plan, but the label certainly knew good music when they heard it and they certainly knew how to get people excited about it.
Who Pays for Recording?
Should the band pay for recording costs, or is that the responsibility of the record label? Find out whose name should be on that studio invoice.
Performance Rights Groups
Performing rights agencies make sure songwriters get paid when people use their work. Learn about the different groups out there and find out who should sign up.
Sonicbids
Sonicbids acts as gatekeeper for just about every music festival and trade show imaginable, not to mention tons and tons of music promoters. Learn more about the company, including the controversy surrounding them.
CD Baby Review
CD Baby offers an easy option for indie labels to get their music into the hands of their customers, without having to worry about a more traditional CD distribution deal. It gets lots of praise, but is it worth the hype? Find out.
Warner Music Group
Get this story behind Warner Music Group, one of the top selling record labels in the world. Find out smaller record labels this Big Four label is behind and see which artists call Warner Music Group home.
Hire Music PR?
Music PR can be extremely helpful in getting the word out about your band, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Find out when you should stump up the cash for a professional and when you should try to do your own music promotion in house.
Q&A with Sound Engineer Kas
Think that sound engineering might be the music industry career for you? Seasoned sound man Simon Kasprowicz (aka Kas to his friends) shares some insight into the job and his advice for getting started.
Who Pays Mechanicals?
Who is respsonible for footing the bill for mechanical rights royalties and how are they distributed?
Radio Plugger
Do you want to help influence the radio playlists? Then you may want to become a radio plugger. Radio pluggers promote music to radio stations in hopes of getting the artists they worked for played on air. Learn more about radio PR and radio plugging, including how you can find a plugger if you are the artist and how to become a radio plugger if you think it might be the career for you.
Sub Pop Records
The name Sub Pop Records will forever be synonymous with Nirvana, but there is much more to the record label than that. Sun Pop is a model of how indie labels can make it big with innovative thinking and working hard to court their fans.
Advance your Gig
Want to make sure show night goes smoothly? Then you need to advance your gig. Find out how to make sure everything is set to go off without a hitch.
360 Deals
360 deals are becoming an increasingly common deal structure for major label contracts, but not every thinks they give the artist a fair shake. Learn more about these multiple rights deals and why they're so controversial.
Join BMI or ASCAP
Royalty collection groups like BMI and ASCAP can make sure you get what you are owed is someone uses one of your songs. Find out how to sign up to get the protection you need.
Berklee
Berklee College of Music is one of the oldest and most respected music degree programs in the world. Discover what is on offer at this Boston based school and see if this college could be part of making your musical aspirations come true.
Tour Manager
Tour managers are there to make life on the road go more smoothly. Learn more about their responsibilities and what the job entails.
Q&A with Francis Macdonald
Need advice on how to start a label...be a manager...be in a band...promote you music..and well, just about every other music biz dream you could possible have? Then Francis Macdonald is your man. Get top notch advice that is just the right mix of inspiration and reality check from this music industry everyman.
Q&A with Philip Di Fiore
Most indie labels are lucky if the first musicians they work with can draw 35 people at the local club, let alone have reputaions that precede them. Not so for Godforsaken Music. This indie label was able to kick off with a star studded affair that even major labels would be lucky to pull together. Here, Di Fiore talks about learning the ropes of the music business while working with such experienced artists, the surprises he encountered a long the way and what's next for Godforsaken Music.
Red Book
If you get CDs manufactured, you might hear that you have to deliver a master that meets Red Book specifications. What are CD Red Book standards and are they becoming outdated?
NYU Steinhardt Dept of Music
Interested in a music or music business degree? Then the Steinhardt School at NYU may be the place for you. Get the lowdown on what the school has to offer and how you can get a chance to study there.
Q&A with Scott of KFM Records
KFM Records is one of Edinburgh finest labels. It's eclectic catalogue, covering indie, hip-hop, electronica and post rock, has been wooing fa,s and the industry, for the last 8 years. The label was founded and is run by by Scott MacDonald, musician, property developer and former world BMX Champion. We caught up with Scott for a wee chat about music, The Simpson and the death of the record label.
Pay To Play?
When you're trying to book shows, you may come across promoters who offer to put on a show for you, if you pay a fee to play. Is this a good idea? Is it ever OK for a promoter to charge you money to play? Find out.
Jewel Case
Jewel cases are one kind of CD packaging. Learn more about them and your other options when it comes to designing your CD packages.
Nettwerk Music Group
Record labels are all frantically trying to find a way to work in the new music business created by the internet, but Nettwerk Music Group is trying to lead the way. Get the story behind this record label and music management company that was called the "next-gen music company" by Wired Magazine.
Gatefold Sleeves
Want to make your records look even cooler? Then a gatefold sleeve might be in order. Gatefold record sleeves look great, but they can get pricey. Find out if they're right for you.
Sonicbids Q&A
You asked, they answered. You submitted your questions to online band/promoter matchmaker and festival submission site Sonicbids, and Lou Paniccia, Artist Relations Manager at Sonicbids, answered them in full. Find out what he had to say about the registration fees, the CMJ incident and much more.
Do I Need a Work Permit?
Touring can take across many national borders, but what about the legality of those border crossings? Depending on your circumstances, you may need a work visa in place before you play. Find out how entertainment work visas apply to you.
Lyor Cohen Profile
Lyor Cohen is an unlikely pioneer of hip hop music, but he is one nonetheless. He has been instrumental in the careers of many of hip hops biggest stars and has also been one of the most successful and revolutionary thinkers in the major label music industry.
Do I Need a Contract?
You're working with a lot of people in your career - bandmates, labels, agents, managers, promoters - do you need a contract for each one?
Benicassim
Boasting a line up that gets better every year and a beautiful festival site in Spain, Benicassim is hard to beat. The Benicassim Music Festival, or FIB, is just about as popular with bands as it is with fans for its laid back, good time vibe. Find out why a trip to Benicassim is a must.
Rider
Riders are an important part of any gig promotion contract. Find out what exactly it is, and what you can expect to get.
Russell Simmons
If you love hip hop, you owe Russell Simmons a thank you. In the early days of rap, Simmons fought like no one else to take hip hop out of the underground and to the mainstream audience. He's had a hand in too many of rap's biggest moments to count, and he's still hip hop royalty today. Learn more about how he pulled it off.
Dew Doo Man Records
Dew Doo Man Records was over before it really began, releasing only one single. Def Jam set the oh so wonderful Prince Paul up with this label and then took it away from him because they weren't quite sure what to do with the music he wanted to put out. Too bad for us. Check out the extremely brief history of the Dew Doo Man.
Touch and Go Records
Touch and Go Records is one of indie music's biggest champions. This fiercely independent record label has grown tremendously over the years, and along the way, Touch and Go has been committed to giving a leg up to other indie labels that share their ethos. Learn more about this indie music success story.
Q&A with David Gedge
Making a band last for six months is hard enough - but David Gedge has managed to keep The Wedding Present going for more than 20 years and counting. In this interview with David Gedge, he talks about how The Wedding Present have kept it going for so long, their experiences working with different record labels and the problems he thinks all bands face for the future.
Sarah Records
Full of indie fervor and mixing politics with their music, Sarah Records was a bit of a one-off among labels. Their ethos was as popular to them as their music, and they have perhaps the best label demise story ever. Find out how they managed to stay fiercely independent and still sell loads and loads of records.
Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza introduced a new phenomenon to music fans - the traveling festival. This long running music festival is amoung the most popular, but the road hasn't always been easy for Lollapalooza Music Festival. Learn more.
Performing Rights Royalties
What are performing rights royalties and who should get them? Find out.
PR
Music PR is a big part of promoting your album - it's how you get those reviews that make people want to check out your music. Learn more about music publicity and when you should shell out for it.
One Sheet
One sheets are sales tools for new releases, and the name gives a very important clue about what form they should take. Find out more about music one sheets.
Columbia College Chicago
Columbia College Chicago offers hands out experience for budding music industry pros. Their faculty is award winning and the location offers tons of opportunities for students to get their hands dirty in the real world. Find out if this could be the school for you.
Herts Uni Music Degree
University of Hertfordshire launched their Music and Entertainment Industry Management degree in 2006 with a focus on training entrepreneurs who have both a deep knowledge of basic business skills and specialized understanding of the rather unique world of the music business. It boasts the most varied music business curriculum in the UK and draws students from around the world.
RIAA Profile
The RIAA is represents US record labels - sounds easy enough, right? Well, the RIAA is also the center of a ton of controversy for the way they have pursued fans who download music. Learn more about the Recording Industry Association of America that keeps ending up in the spotlight, not always in a good way.
Q&A with Ed Pybus
SL Records is like the little indie label that could, doing what often seems like an impossible task in the music industry - running a great indie label, releasing great music that you love and keeping the whole thing running year in and year out. Here, Ed Pybus of SL Records shares how he's managed to pull this whole thing off and some advice on how you can do it, too.
News Press Release Template
When you get some good news about a project you have been working on, don't keep it to yourself! Make sure you share that news with the media to get some extra press coverage. This template will help you spread the good word.
Tour Support
Touring is expensive, but if you're lucky enough to have some tour support behind you, some of the burden can be lifted. Find out how music tour support can help you.
Manager
Artist managers run the day to day business side of things for musicians.
Apply to Music School
Music industry related degrees can be hard to come by, and good programs are even fewer and further between. Before you devote your time and money to a music degree program, learn what to look for so you'll come out with the best education possible under your belt.
Should I Ask for a Big Advance
The lure of a big advance check can be pretty tempting, but is it really all it is cracked up to be? Advances have pros and cons; find out how to make the best choice for your band.
Ferris State Music Management
Ferris State University's Music Management degree program is designed to train students to be ready to take on many different roles on the business side of the music industry. Find out if this degree program could be right for you.
Q&A with Blair McDonald
Nettwerk's Blair McDonald has seen the music industry from all sides - from behind a drum kit, a label mail room, the big office at a major label, and the helm of his own indie to name but a few. Here, he shares some insight on the future of the music biz, what he's learned from being inside and outside the major label structure, and why Nettwerk is defending fans against RIAA lawsuits.
Tray Card
CD tray cards are an important part of your liner notes and CD packaging. Find out what they are, where they go and what your options are when you make them.
Sound Engineer
Sound engineers make sure the songs the bands are playing sound great to the audience. Learn more about this job and if it might be right for you.
How to Spend It
If you're lucky enough to get funding for your record label or music project, you could soon find yourself in the red again if you don't make good choices about how to spend it. Find out how to prioritize your record label expenses, and the best ways to spend your music business loan or music business grant.
Clive Davis
Clive Davis is something of a rock star among major music execs and thumbs up or thumbs down from his had made or broken many a career. He's always something of a controversial figure, but there is no denying he has spotted some of the biggest selling artists in music history.
Mechanical Royalties
Understanding mechanical royalties can get a little complicated for bands, labels, and publishers alike. Learn the basics and find out who should be getting what.
Should I Go All Digital?
With CD sales falling, many bands and labels are wondering if a digital only release is the way to go. Find out the pros and cons to see if this is the solution for you.
Q&A with Juan Chavez
Juan Chavez shares a little bit about life as a Berklee College of Music student and his accomplished salsa band, Dile.
Music Disappointments
Working in creative industries can be fraught with disappointments, and the music industry is no exception. The trick is to deal with the disappointments without losing track of your goals. Find out how to handle some common music biz bummers.
Stones Throw Records
Stones Throw Records is a little label with a big impact on hip hop. Like many indie labels, it is run by someone who has been both artists and label boss, something that influences its way of doing business greatly. Learn more about Stones Throw Records, including how to send your demo to Stones Throw.
Amie Street Review
Amie Street was one of the first distributors to hit on the "let the fans set the price" format, and it helped them grow to one of the most popular digital music distribution companies. A lot of artists have found success on Amie Street - is it right for you? Find out.
Distribution
Distribution is the key to getting an album into the shops. Find out what is involved and what kind of distribution deals are common.
Creation Records
The Creation Records story is a good contrast in indie music and major label music, and the difficulties many small labels face when their bands become bigger than the label. Success was both saved and destroyed Creation in equal measures, and there's a lot to learn from how their story. Find out more.
Demo Recording Costs?
A music demo is a demonstration of your songs and your sound, and it is your calling card when you're trying to land a record deal, find a manager/agent, get a promoter to put on your show. A record demo is an important thing to have, but does that mean your demo recording costs have to be through the roof? Find out.
Internet Radio Royalties?
You've no doubt heard a lot about the internet radio royalty debate, but you might not know the basics. Learn the facts so you can make an informed decision about this issue.
Tray
The tray is the part of your CD case that holds your CD in place. Learn more about the different types available.
Promo
A music promo is primarily used to generate press coverage or obtain radio plays for a new release, but there are other uses. Find out more about music promos and how they differ from music demos.
Q&A with Erin Copeland
Are you wondering what a music degree could do for you? Get the lowdown from someone who has been there - a grad from one of the top music school.
SXSW
All the information you need about America's premiere music festival
Q&A with Lauren Barberena
Publishing is an often overlooked, but every important part, of a musician's career. With her legal background and her experience building her own publishing company, Lauren Barberena knows this too well. Get the scoop on the publishing world from the inside.
Promo Package
If you're going to make in this business, you need a good promo package. Find out what exactly a promo package is, and what should be in yours.
P.D.s
Per diems, or PDs, are the way bands cover their living expenses while on tour. Find out more about music per diems and how much they should be.
payola
A look at the music industry issue of payola.
Q&A with Waleed Coyote Part 1
So you wanna be a DJ? Here, Waleed Coyote, of North Carolina's 102 Jamz radio station shares how he got started and tips for aspiring DJs looking for a way in the door. He also talks about his own record label, Othaz Records, and the big project he's working on with MC Serch - Peace in the Middle East - a collaboration between Jewish and Arab MCs to raise money for orphanages in Israel and Palestine.
Publishing
Of all of the subjects in music, song publishing is probably the most complex. Get a handle on the basics, because though it may be complex, music publishing extremely important for musicians.
In The City
In The City was founded by Factory Records mastermind Tony Wilson as a forum for people working in the music industry to swap ideas, discuss the issues of the day - not to mention see some great bands. It's a real music lovers trade show - this is the place for people who work in music for the love of it, and as such it's full of passion and energy. It's a great music trade show for indie bands and labels especially, but everyone shows up. Learn more about In The City.
Serchlite Music
Serchlite Music has had a hand in everything from the production of Nas' groundbreaking [i]Illmatic[/i] album to compiling CD comps for ESPN magazine readers, and many things in between. Get the story about this music production/promotion powerhouse company headed by MC Serch and CC Smooth.
Radio Plugger Interviews
Having a good radio plugger can make the difference between a great track becoming a hit or not. But what does the job involve and how do you get into it? Here, Ben Mainwaring, a freelance radio plugger, and Terry Hollingsworth, director of Radio and Press plugging company 10 X Better to get their thoughts on the role and career of a radio plugger.
eMusic Review
eMusic is one of the largest online distributors, bar none, so that fact that they only work with indie labels means that they are well positioned to help small music businesses get a shot. But just how open are they, and does your music belong on eMusic? Find out.
Holiday Music Career Boosts
The holidays can be a hard time for independent bands and labels to get attention in the press, but that doesn't mean that all is lost. You can use the holidays to connect with your fans, while having fun and generating some interest from the press - find out how.
MC Serch Talks New Project
Hip hop icon MC Serch is as well known for his music as he is his committment to giving back to the community. From his work with Rock and Wrap It Up, a group that takes leftover food from backstage at gigs and delivers it to homeless shelters to donating 10% of his income to charities, Serch has always recognized the value of giving back. He recently took a new and ambitious project to raise awareness about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, Peace in the Middle East, which he discussed with us.

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