Monthly Archives: May 2014

Music Distribution Then and Now

Music Distribution 1

Music Distribution has changed in the last ten years. No longer do you have to press up thousands of CD’s. You can sell your music single by single or an entire album/project. Here is a video I found to better explain distribution now as compared to then. Let me know what you think.

Shout out Eric Hebert for making the video. This is a accurate view of today’s distribution method.

Hit me up on DJRussDoggTPBE@gmail.com if you have any questions or you want exposure on my Radio Show, Fan Page, and this blog.

Music Distribution 2

Salute…

DJ Russ Dogg

Management Advice

MANAGEMENT IN MUSIC AND MANAGEMENT ROLESArtist Management 2

What is a music manager? In terms of management in music, there are generally six types of music managers that can play a role in the careers of recording artists, record producers, songwriters, and musicians. Most artists will interact with only one or two of these managers, but it helps to know what to expect from each of them nonetheless.

Following is a brief description of the roles of the different types of music managers.

The Music Manager

(aka Artist Manager, Talent Manager, Band Manager, or Personal Manager)
Music (Personal) managers are involved in counseling and advising artists (or songwriters, producers, engineers, instrumentalists/musicians, etc) on all matters related to their musical careers. Traditionally, personal managers primarily focused on shopping for Record and/or Publishing deals for their clients, and then helping to navigate their clients through the deals and beyond. Today, the role of the personal manager has evolved into a much more hands-on approach regarding helping their clients reach fans directly, and assisting clients in running their own recording, publishing, merchandising and performing/touring operations. Even though (for certain types of “mainstream” artists/musicians/songwriters) traditional Record and Publishing deals may still make some sense, the deals that most managers pursue for their clients are in the areas of sponsorship, branding, merchandising, and/or licensing. The personal managers’ job therefore is to – while helping clients run their own “companies” – help figure out which deals (if any) complement the clients’ independent operations and fit into their long-term career plans.

The Business Manager

The Business Manager, usually an accountant by trade, manages the income and expenses of the client. Business managers usually take care of making payments to musicians, background singers, roadies, tour managers, etc., on behalf of the artist. They also assist clients in the areas of assets and investments, savings, taxes (local, state, federal, and International), etc.
Many artists are not well versed in the intricacies of, in particular, the tax obligations that relate to their performance, licensing, sponsorship, recording, and merchandise income; equipment purchases and sales, business expenses, etc. Business managers help their clients organize their money affairs while also assisting with investments, savings, and retirement funds.

The Road Manager

The Road manager normally takes care of logistics while the artist is on tour (or on the road). Duties include making sure that everything on the road is provided for as spelled out in the contract and all monies are paid on time. The artist can then concentrate solely on performing and interacting with fans, and not be distracted and pre-occupied with whether the promoter, venue booker, booking agent, sponsor or brand partner has met their obligations. The road manager also follows up on items promised as part of the contract such as accommodations, per diems, advances/deposits, rentals, commissions, and so on.

The Tour Manager

The Tour manager on larger tours coordinates all the Road managers along with the details and logistics of the tour itself. Sometimes, particularly on “smaller” or independent artist tours, the road manager and the tour manager are the same person. The Tour manager is in charge of all the details that relate to the entire tour including communications, merchandising, tour routing, catering, hospitality, etc.

The Production Manager

Production managers can be found on larger tours involving major record label artists. Production managers work closely with tour managers, helping with certain details having to do with the production of the show; like renting sound, video and lighting equipment, dealing with trucking issues, etc. Production managers also deal with the publicity for the show, as well as assist with scheduling and coordinating both the touring crew and the local venue crew (stagehands, carpenters, riggers, etc.).

The Technical Manager

The Technical Manager (or Technical Director) is usually the person in charge of set design, construction, and control during the performance. They work closely with the production manager.

Sunday Thoughts /Music Advice

Most artist don’t want to learn the business of music. It is the most important part of your musical career. In the coming weeks I will give advice on planning a album from Start to finish, Artist Management, Finding a Entertainment Lawyer. And much more about the music business.

It is my goal to give expo

DJ Russ Dogg WUDG  Underground Columbus

DJ Russ Dogg WUDG
Underground Columbus

sure to unsigned artist. Go to my contact page to contact me personally. I will answer and help as many people as I can. Let me know if there are topics you want me to discuss.

I look forward to interacting with unsigned artists. Please share my blog with your family and friends.

DJ Russ Dogg
CEO/President
Tu Phat Bros. Entertainment