Who Needs A Label?

I am sitting here browsing the internet trying to find something to talk about for the post. All the while sitting in the studio as two of my producers, and two of my artist are in the midst of creating a new beat.  At this point of my career in artist management we have now advanced to the point where we can make our own original material. Even better for everyone we are at the level where we can get paid.

As I am browsing I come across an interview Matthew Knowles did with billboard.biz. Knowles, the father and former manager of iconic daughter Beyoncé Knowles discusses sync and how it has played an even bigger role in starting up an artist career. Syncing has been around. In the Interview Knowles talks how sync used to be more of "ancillary revenue source" and how "it took a back seat to radio, video, and touring". Now as he says it is "really one of the primary methods to gain exposure, promotions, and discovery for artist. 

Syncing is way for artist to license their original material digitally and sale it through outlets such as T.V. shows, soundtracks for films, or even YouTube music. Sites like cd baby offer this service for a simple setup fee depending on the type of membership. 

With this important tool management for independent artist can get the music out to all types of demographics and in turn gain more exposure for their artist. I for one am excited about this opportunities to get my artist music in films and television shows, all the while sitting back and collecting royalties for your material

The overall goal for my artist is to eventually sign a major label deal to sell records with the ability of mass distribution. However this is a good low to mid level source of still creating revenue while working to obtain that goal. 

Lil Wayne Loses Millions In Lawsuit

Lil Wayne is arguably hip-hop's most successful superstar.  He may very well be hip-hop's most sued superstar as well. Lil Wayne (born Dwayne Carter) thought he would come out the victor in his lawsuit against Quincy Jones' son for allegedly using unauthorized music for his 2009 documentary of Lil Wayne. Instead Jones won his countersuit against Wayne and was awarded $2.2 million by a judge. 

The issue all started in 2009 when Wayne was in the process of recording his critically acclaimed album The Carter 3. Jones’ company QDIII Productions was used by Wayne to film a day-to-day documentary based on him titled The Carter. After filming was finished, Wayne claims that he was portrayed scandalous in the film and did not want to move forward with the release of the film. Wayne claims he did not have any say so in how the documentary would portray him in the documentary, which wasn’t the original agreement. 

To make matters worse for Wayne videos of his deposition for the case surfaced on the web back in late September. In the videos he is scene making a mockery of the whole process and uncooperative in answering questions. Last week Wayne was set to appear in front of judge and jury but missed court due to health issues. That left Wayne's lawyer with only his recorded deposition to show the jury, which did not sit well with the judge. As a result of all the proceedings Wayne not only lost his lawsuit but also lost the countersuit brought against him as well. 

Lil Wayne indeed acted inappropriately during his deposition but I do not put all the blame on him. As an upcoming manager I realize that aside from handling my various artist business I also act as sort of a life coach. When my artist are too brash on social networking sites (i.e. Twitter, Facebook) and might come across as offensive, I instantly contact them to shut down whatever they're doing.  In this case Wayne's management team should have prepped him for the deposition. Properly prepare your artist for the courtroom the same as you might for an exclusive interview.