Songwriter101 FAQ

How do I get my band on a festival roster or tour?

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 10:33:07 GMT

There�s no one perfect answer, but you have to get the attention of the person who�s booking the festival/tour. Show them that you�re drawing big crowds at your gigs and that you�re getting a lot of radio/retail/press attention...you get the picture. State your case in terms that translate to people showing up to see the show.

Should I be nervous about signing a contract that I�m told is an industry standard contract?

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 10:31:39 GMT

First and foremost you should consult an entertainment attorney before signing any contract, as there is no such thing as an �industry standard� contract.

At what point should an artist sign with management and what should an artist expect from a manager?

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 10:30:09 GMT

You should sign with a manager when the opportunities a manager can create are better than the ones you can create yourself. Or if you are spending more time deal making than writing songs, you should get a manager. A good manager drums up new business, coordinates your existing business activities, and generally advises you and propels your career forward. Managers get a percentage of your earnings, so your ideal candidate (a) believes in your career and its possibilities, (b) is aggressive...

What are the first steps toward really getting your music heard?

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 10:25:19 GMT

There is no one simple answer to this question. It�s a competitive market so you need to do your homework and develop a solid fan base. Start by building your e-mail list. The people who sign up are your best customers for your music and merchandise. Let people know when you�re performing next in your e-mail correspondence to draw them in for your next gig. When you�ve built up a local following, you should expand to a few new towns. Check out sites like MySpace.com, Friendster.com and...

Do I need to re-copyright new versions of my old songs?

Mon, 01 Aug 2005 10:23:57 GMT

Yes, a new version of an old song, also called a derivative work, should be copyrighted, noting the ways it�s been altered from the previous version.

How useful and legitimate are independent A&R agencies such as Taxi?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 15:20:45 GMT

Keep in mind that although companies like Taxi do provide a legitimate service of shopping your music to industry executives, it will cost you. A few agencies will also include evaluations, live events, news pages and other bells and whistles but it�s best to consult with your manager or attorney to determine whether or not you should sign up for such a service.

What should I put on my CD sleeve?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 15:09:34 GMT

The sleeve should be the place that anyone who digs your music can find out information about how to contact people vital to your career. Include the name, phone number and e-mail addresses for your publishing company, record label, manager or attorney. You should always include your band�s web site and email addresses with an easy link for signing up for your mailing list. Don�t clutter the sleeve up with inside jokes and special thanks to all of your friends � busy professionals like...

How important is it to have a band agreement/contract? What should be included and at what point in a band�s career are they ready for a contract?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 14:52:59 GMT

If you�re serious about your band, then it is worth the expense of paying an entertainment attorney to draw up a legal agreement so you can set the parameters of your partnership in place right from the start. Otherwise, you�re setting landmines for yourself in any future dealings between bandmates. If you�re all professionals, approaching the band about this shouldn�t be difficult. If someone balks, you�ll know right away that this isn�t someone you should be partnering with to form...

How do I put together a demo?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 14:50:14 GMT

When it comes to demos, the simpler the better. Nothing ruins a great song like a bad presentation so keep it to three songs maximum with guitar and vocals, or piano and vocals only. Always leave room for the imagination of the listener. See Don�t Demo to Death! article.

Is there a cheap way to obtain a copyright?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 14:24:43 GMT

Technically, your song is copyrighted as soon as you finish writing it but you should register it with the Copyright Office since it will provide you with protection against anyone who tries to use your song without your permission (see How Do I Copyright My Songs?). The cost to register a song (using form PA) is only $30 and is a good investment. Although attorneys don�t usually recommend it, you can also do the �poor man�s...

I am interested in starting a band and I am unsure of the procedure regarding performing cover songs.

Thu, 17 Feb 2005 15:17:21 GMT

You can perform any song you want- but, if you record a song and then sell the CD, you'll need a mechanical license. Faculty Comments: "You are free to perform songs that are in general release without permission of the writer or publisher. If you choose to record the song and sell the music, then you would be required to obtain a mechanical license from the publisher or the...

How do I change my password?

Mon, 14 Feb 2005 17:17:23 GMT

Simply click on your name in the top-right corner to change your password. For your convenience, you can click the link below: http://songwriter101.com/members/profile_edit.php

How do I activate my account?

Mon, 14 Feb 2005 15:11:50 GMT

After registering, you will receive an email from Songwriter101.com with instructions. All you need to do is to click the link presented in the email.

How do I edit my profile?

Mon, 14 Feb 2005 15:08:26 GMT

Simply click on your name in the top-right corner to edit. For your convenience, the link is displayed below: http://songwriter101.com/members/profile_edit.php

How do I avoid "Can't login" or "Invalid page request" ?

Fri, 18 Jun 2004 15:30:20 GMT

Click here for more info. And banish the yellow box forever...

Can a performing rights organization shop my music around to record labels and publishers?

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 22:58:51 GMT

We don't shop deals for affiliates as a general practice, but if we hear something that is extraordinary, we certainly make our friends in the A&R community aware of the artist. - J.W. Johnson, Artist Relations Executive & Songwriter101 Faculty Member

Where can I get affordable musicians insurance?

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:06:52 GMT

MusicPro, the industry's most respected -- and affordable -- instrument and equipment insurance carrier, is able to offer economical rates thanks to the combined buying power of thousands of music industry professionals. MusicPro also offers health and life insurance. Contact: Insurance@MusicProInsurance.com

How do I get a UPC code on my CD?

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:05:46 GMT

UPC codes are used to track inventory as well as to track distribution and retail sales; SoundScan is unable to track your sales without a UPC Code. You can get a UPC Code from several sources: 1) You can register directly with the Uniform Code Council. To find out more about UCC membership, visit their website at www.uc-council.org 2) Ask your record label or CD manufacturer 3) Companies like CD Baby offer...

What is SoundScan and how do I get my CD into the system?

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:05:43 GMT

Nielsen SoundScan is an information system that tracks sales of music and music video products throughout the United States and Canada. Sales data from point-of-sale cash registers is collected weekly from over 14,000 retail, mass merchant and non-traditional (online stores, venues, etc.) outlets. Weekly data is compiled and made available every Wednesday. SoundScan is the sales source for the Billboard music charts. You can register your CD at...

How do I get signed to a record label?

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:04:59 GMT

In today's competitive climate, major and indie labels are looking for something unique, talented and well developed. Record labels are in the business of making money from the artists that they sign. The labels want bands and artists that have built a following by touring and that have already sold self-released CDs. Be smart, do your homework! Know where your fans are, develop savvy marketing strategies that will help you stand out from the rest of the unsigned artists. Apply to play at...

What is a synchronization license?

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:03:44 GMT

A synchronization license for the use of a song as an accompaniment to a film or television show. The rate is usually negotiated by a music publisher.

Is an independent label or a major label better?

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:03:15 GMT

Both independent and major labels offer career development and artist promotion. Determining which is right for your career is a personal decision.

What is a cue sheet?

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:02:46 GMT

A cue sheet is a listing of the music used in a TV show or movie by title, composer, publisher, timing and type of usage (e.g., background, feature, theme) usually prepared by the producer of the program or film. Again, if your songs are registered, then the information will come automatically.

What are mechanical royalties?

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:02:16 GMT

Mechanical royalties are per-unit payments collected by record companies for the manufacture and distribution of songs on CDs and tapes, usually based on the current statutory rate as fixed by the Copyright Act. In 2004, the rate is 8.5 cents per song or 1.65 cents per minute, whichever is greater.

Do I need to inform a PRO when my songs are played on the radio?

Tue, 23 Mar 2004 19:01:18 GMT

No, that's part of the PRO's function. If your songs are registered with a performing rights organization and you are receiving radio play, then the PRO will get that information automatically.