In
the music industry, securing publishing and distribution is very critical to a
recording artist’s career. Finding an agent to assist with securing publishing
and song placements for an artist can quickly accelerate the growing momentum of
their brand. With proper song placement, an artist can experience their song in
multiple outlets such as television shows, commercials, movies, and on
soundtracks. There is nothing more important than exposure for an artist’s
music. Even if it takes the work of twenty men, exposing an artist’s music is
essential to their success. I always tell others that I will never appear as
being modest about my music. If someone asks me how have things been, the first
thing that I might mention is the constant effort being placed into my music
career. Music is definitely my reality and everyone around me will know it.
Distribution
is another important factor. Without distribution for a music project, you have
nothing. An album cannot find success without some type of distribution in
place. Distribution is the primary way for consumers to access your product and
share it with others. One should never forget to plan out how they would like
to distribute the record after it is done. This process is what will get a song
placed on the Billboard charts, which will monitor units sold via Soundscan.
Therefore, with proper distribution an artist should make sure their music
products are marked with a Universal Product Code (UPC). Most music
distributors will supply a UPC code at little to no cost. “If you and your
customer need to distinguish one variation from another, the general rule of
thumb is that each product variation will require its own U.P.C. barcode”
(Gs1us.org, 2014). Also, please ensure that each song is coded with an
International Standard Recording Code (ISRC). “Each ISRC is a unique and
permanent identifier for a specific recording, independent of the format on
which it appears (CD, audio file, etc) or the rights holders involved”
(Usisrc.org, 2014). This code allows your music to be identified across various
types of music broadcasting media. This includes radio, television, and online
media. Assigning ISRC codes can also assist in determining geographic and
demographic data for your individual songs.
Overall,
through dedication toward your project, one can work to overcome any obstacles
with securing publishing and distribution. Here is my motto. If you cannot find
anyone who is willing to assist you, take matters into your own hands and do it
yourself. Take your time and obtain the right level of education in reference
to the process. Once that is done, set a plan of action into place and ensure
that your product is professional and of a high quality. Then at this stage, you
will submit it to the gatekeepers and wait for their response. The goal is to
work hard and never give up at the process. Your product most likely will pass
through multiple hands before it gets to the right person. Always remember that
the right person is out there and they will definitely recognize a great
product with they see and hear it.
Kedrick “Rick” Mahoney
References
Gs1us.org. (2014). Uniquely Identify
Products and Locations with U.P.C. Barcodes | GS1 US. Retrieved 21
September 2014, from http://www.gs1us.org/get-started/im-new-to-gs1-us-2?utm_expid=88771579-7.vrcvwDsATUCTGdewDpWLKA.1&utm_referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gs1us.org%2Fget-started
Usisrc.org. (2014). ISRC -
International Standard Recording Code. Retrieved 21 September 2014, from
https://www.usisrc.org/about/index.html
