The Music Industry

The music industry refers to the many different and often-complex aspects included in the business of music. Artists, bands, record labels, recording labels and much more all fall under this blanket term.
 
Music royalties, booking and tickets, publishing music and plagiarism are just a few things that those in the music industry have to worry about and regulate. There are a number of anti-plagiarism rules and regulations set in place to prevent others from profiting from the hard work of other bands and artists.
 
Record labels take on artists and bands to help them get exposure, fans and success. Artists and bands use the protection and knowledge of record labels to guide them to stardom and protect them from any infringement by other artists or bands.
 
In this section, we'll cover all aspects of the music industry. We'll discuss the function of the record label, types of record labels, recording contracts, management deals, booking agents and more. We'll also discuss the expectations vs. the realities of new bands and artists, starting small and the importance of paying your dues.

The Function of the Record Label

Record labels come in many sizes and types. Some record labels are large, some are small and some will represent only certain types or genres of artists and bands. However, the function of the record label is always the same.
 
Record labels exist to provide a brand name and representation for bands and artists. Record labels coordinate the production, manufacture, distribution and production of the music of their clients. They also protect the copyrights of their clients. Additionally, there are a number of other things that fall under the function of the record label.

Performing Rights Organizations

Performing rights organizations (PROs) exist to protect the copyrights of artists and bands. They collect royalties from any parties that are using copyrighted works legally and publicly. PROs are also known as copyright collectives and copyright collecting agencies.
 
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) and SESAC are just a few performing rights organizations.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is essentially taking the work of others and presenting it as your own. Plagiarism in the music industry is regulated and prohibited. In the music industry and many other industries, plagiarism has been deemed illegal and immoral.

Expectation vs. Reality

Many budding artists and bands have high expectations when it comes to the music industry and breaking into stardom. However, there are many things they don't consider, such as the difficulty of getting signed by a record label, the complications associated with contracts and more.
 
For all artists and bands, it's important to make sure expectations are close to reality.

Starting Small

Many artists and bands don't get signed to a major record label immediately. Starting with an independent label or a small label can be a great way to break into the music industry.
Countless artists and bands have eventually made it big by starting small.
 
Resource
 
American Society of Composers, Artists and Publishers (2007). Home Page. Retrieved December 28, 2007, from the ASCAP Web site.