In the past few weeks I have received at least 4 different emails from music organizations asking me for money. I am one of the first to understand that without dues from members and other revenue generating sources an organization can not exist. My concern is in exactly what the organization is doing for its membership to earn money?
Music organizations come under many different names, foundations, coalitions, associations, federations, societies they all have different interests but all have one main goal and that is to make enough revenue to stay in business. The normal revenue streams for these organizations include membership dues, performance fees, award shows, banquets, cruises, ad placement in books and donations. Artists, songwriters, publishers, entertainers and their respective support systems ALL need information, education and the ability to network with like minded individuals and companies. Having an event where you give awards to entertainers has no bearing in today’s market especially when there is no check involved.
What happens to the money once you give it to these organizations? There is no outreach program, no educational program no national or local call for papers, music, community volunteerism or anything of substance. There will be a party, (on your money), a picnic (on your money), an awards banquet and conference (on your money) but what do you have?
I have seen a change in entertainment industry business that now has A&R people, radio promoters, club owners, club promoters and others in cahoots to part musicians, singers, rappers and independent labels from their hard earned cash. Here are a few recent lies that music organizations tell members or potential members to get their money.
- OUR ORGANIZATION REPRESENTS YOU TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY.
- Who do they choose to represent you too? What is their track record? Who do you know that has gotten a deal with ANY company because of a music organization?
- IF YOU WANT OUR MEMBERSHIP TO HEAR YOUR MUSIC IT WILL COST YOU EXTRA
- So you pay a membership fee, than you pay a fee to have your music heard? This has got to be only for people that do not have a clue. If you think that an A&R representative should be paid to hear your music you are mistaken. This is a hustle created to separate money from your pocket.
- PERFORMING ON THE SAME STAGE WITH (insert artist name) CAN GET YOU A RECORD DEAL.
- There are no more A&R representatives at major labels going to events looking for great performing artists. Now they are looking for great performing product that is attached to great performing companies.
- PREFORM AT THIS CLUB FREE AND YOU WILL BE SEEN BY THOUSANDS.
- Performing for an organization COULD get you seen by many people, but it won’t get you a deal with any label. What you can get are additional fans if you have a wonderful performance and have your people in the audience promoting your website, music and developing your database.
If you think that Radio promotion people should be paid “upfront” to get you spins over the air you are mistaken. Here I suggest you place their fee in escrow awaiting confirmation of the radio spin (be prepared for late night spins, mix show spins and “make it or break it” spins). Most real radio promoters have track records that you can follow and are not afraid to let you contact some of their past clients.
Legitimate music organizations have several things in common. They allow the membership to have access to one another either through a membership directory or guide. They have rules, procedures and regulations that are open to the membership for review. They have an open accounting system allowing members at least bi-yearly reports on exactly what the revenue they collected has been used for.
If you are in one of these organizations you should start asking questions about what the organization is doing for you.
Paying your dues never meant as much as it does today. But there is a big difference in paying for education and being hustled.