I spoke, text and emailed with a number of people like me, individuals looking to make our marks in the world. It was interesting, each person understood the value of free. Too few people understand that just because someone is not paying you, does not mean that they do not have something to offer. In business, sometimes what is intangible and cannot be spent, is more important than the money someone would pay you for it. For instance, Michael Jackson now owns the rights to Beatles Collection. He was offered money to sell it to Paul McCartmey and he flat out declined. Now, some might say that was not a smart choice, since Michael was rumored to have serious money issues and supposedly put his house on the market for sale. But, owning the rights to Paul's music while he is alive is less valuable than owning the rights to them should Paul and Ringo die. See, Michael Jackson does not have money, but he knows the value of future growth. The point of that story is this, when negotiating as an artist, consider the tangible and intangible. Negotiate for now and later. Too many young artists get so wrapped up in the idea of an up-front bonus that they neglect to consider what they are giving up in the future. You have been warned. Do not make this mistake. For more info, check out my website: http://www.julesmgmt.com/NEWSEVENTS.html. To register, reply to this message or email me at julesmgmt@gmail.com Company 2 Entertainment is having a 3-day music workshop on similar topics in Miami!!!! Don't miss out. Check out my Events page.

It's funny, too many new artists attempt to enter the music biz with talent alone. Many believe that the key to making it big is a) being at the right place at the right time, b) perfecting the craft and waiting until the "next big break" or c) singing at open mics and local talent shows until the "Next American Idol." Well, not everyone can count on these avenues for success. But, I have been surprised at the candor with which artists share these tactics as their plan to make it into the industry. The music industry is changing, with more competition from places like Myspace, soundclick, streaming radio, XM satellite, limewire and other outlets outside of traditional radio and cd, the profits are drying up and the audiences are no longer listening the once they once were. With all of the choices of music available on-demand, artists now must bust go beyond skill to capture the listeners with fleeting attention. For a new artist this presents plenty of opportunity to market oneself and huge challenges for those who passively wait for a shot. Often, the artists who are comfortable with new media: postings on youtube, uploading songs on MYspace, DJ pools, they know how to write a press release, they know what labels and venues to contact, they know how to get their music onto radio, which events to perform, these are the artists of the 21st century. These artists increase their odds of getting the big break. The difference is, these artists did not get their big break, they made their big break. It is essential for savvy music professionals entering the current music scene to be just that, a professional. There are certain essentials that I believe every business savvy artist should know. If they do not know or do not care, they should ensure that their manager, agent or representative is comfortable with the following concepts: Yet, ideally, I believe every artist with a true interest in the business should want to learn: - Music Industry History, Overview & Key Concepts - Music Industry Trends - Music Business Basics: (Representation, Management, Contracts) One should know how music truly took off in this country, where it is now, where it is going and then what to do with your music once you enter the industry. For instance, if an artist does not do anything else, learn to read contracts BEFORE signing them. To many this seems obvious, however too many cases are litigated between artists and their representation (agents and managers) about the terms of a contract. Often, it is easy to get so excited about the idea of money, that artists forget to see exactly how much money they agree to get and who gets paid BEFORE them. Knowing this information before signing a contract, is leverage for negotiation, but only BEFORE the conract is signed, not once the money begins rolling in. I studied Entertainment Law and have a great deal of passion and zest for the business, give me a ring if you have any questions. - Jules