The Art of Being Human in a World of Music

Since January 2011 I have been interning with Alliance Artist Management, a company that manages classical ensembles. This company has a roster of approximately 20 groups that travel nationally and internationally sharing their talent with the world. Working closely with the Managing Partner, Rob Robbins I get to experience first hand what an Artist Manager truly entails. I witness him; four days a week as he negotiates, participate in conference calls, and ensures that his artists are getting the best out of the negotiation. In the very essence of all the witnessing, drafting correspondence and contracts, attending performances, and filing booking reports I have a better understand and deeper respect for the business of artist management. Mr. Robbins and his business partner have worked tirelessly on compiling press kits, repertoire, and setting up engagements for their artists. There is no secret in knowing how to successfully put a press kit, but the key in knowing what components are essential in building a successful company. Alliance Artist Management did not come about overnight, it took two genius minds to say, “Hey we have over 20 years of combined experience and with our extensive knowledge of the business we can make this work.” I admire the humble spirit and enterprising mindset of Mr. Robbins. He does not stop until he gets a YES. In closing, I want to examine a bit more closely. How would you respond if you were given the opportunity to manage a roster of 20 acclaimed classical ensembles? Would you, with all of your being make it your best effort to negotiate the best deal or would you let them walk blind and alone? I look at it like this, in this business you are dealing with human beings with emotions. So in order for one to successful make it in this business, they must learn from experience, and experience comes from learning to not only be the best, but also be the best at what you do. That is why Mr. Robbins is at the top of my list for successful music industry people. He may not be famous, but his gentle and businesslike spirit makes him seem he is.

www.allianceartistmanagement.com

Is Distribution the Right Way?

Going throughout the course of this week, my mind and thoughts were racing about a topic in my field of choice to post a blog on. The music industry is vast in its aspects and parameters, but I found something interesting in the Christian sector of music. Birthed out of Nashville, TN in January 2005, Infinity Music Distribution has made it its mission to target the youth with lively, upbeat, and innovative songs from Christian artists such as Jai, Canton Jones, and Wess Morgan. To some it may seem fruitless, but to others especially the youth it gives them a sense of hope because the music that is distributed is mainly “Hip-Hop” Gospel. The traditional audience does not accept this new trend and twist on Gospel music because it contains a “rap insinuated” beat. As far as the prices for each CD, they range from $9.99 to 13.99, in the world of distribution that is actually a fair price, but when you can find it on iTunes for $9.99 or less then it becomes a problem. Being that the artists’ CDs can all be found on iTunes for $9.99 or even the singles for $1.29, it really does not benefit them because more consumers will be prone to download it from iTunes. The business of distribution can be precarious because unless you have an established library and reputable artists, then it is difficult to make ends meet. I have always wondered why it is so easy for consumers to overlook Gospel music, but when it comes to Rap it is no doubt on the top hit list. I guess that is another story for another post. Overall, the world of music distribution, whether established or on the come up is increasing in popularity. Many artists are using them more and more to distribute their music because it is less expensive and more guidelines can be covered.

http://www.infinitymusicdistribution.com/index.htm