Photo Credit: Catkin This is a guest editorial by Reshaun Finkley, an attorney at Townsend & Lockett. Finkley has worked with numerous recording industry artists and musicians. He can be reached at reshaun.finkley@townsendlockett.com. For years, the music industry has lived largely on the 360 deal. This exclusive contract between a label and an artist has allowed labels to take a share of an artist’s revenue from music, merchandise sales, TV appearances, concerts, publishing, and even ringtones. Basically, the 360 deal means the label gets a piece of everything. And for the longest t ..read more

Taking new publicity photos requires intention and purpose. Photo Credits: Roc Nation / Capitol / Interscope As a recording artist, your image and brand are critical to success. One of the most important components of your image is your publicity photos. These photos are used in various ways, from album covers to social media posts, and are an essential part of your marketing strategy. This article will explore the importance of taking high-quality publicity photos that align with your latest music and vision. What are Publicity Photos? Publicity photos are professional photographs used to pr ..read more

Learn about the dos and don'ts, common misconceptions, and when to open up your network to others in this comprehensive guide. Photo Credit: Francisco Venâncio “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” This adage has been used repeatedly to describe the importance of networking, and it certainly rings true in the music industry. Whether you’re a new artist just starting or an established artist looking to take your career to the next level, networking can be a powerful tool for success.  This article will explore the dos and don’ts of networking for recording artists and some common m ..read more

Prodigious output or the beginning of massive creative burnout? Photo Credit: Joseph Baura Lil Uzi Vert has reportedly recorded 680 new songs for his next full-length album over the past 18 months. Of course, not all 680 songs will make the final cut, nor is it likely they’re all fully completed works. But that number raises a question – Is bulk recording at that level a good or bad creative process?  In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of recording such a large volume of music in a relatively short period. The Case For Bulk Recording Writing and recording a large volume of ..read more

Remember to keep your email concise and to the point, highlight your best work, and provide easily accessible smart links. Photo Credit: Good Faces Sending your music to writers, bloggers, or curators can sometimes lead to coverage or a playlist addition and, in the process, expose your work to a broader audience. However, you should follow certain best practices to increase the chances of the recipient reading and acting on your email. In this article, we’ll cover the subject line, introduction, what you should and should not include in the body of the email, helpful tips for length and verb ..read more

Learn when and why it makes sense for recording artists to hire a music publicist, including the cost, payment, and finding the right publicist for your needs. Photo Credit: Joseph Baura As a musician, you’re likely looking for ways to promote your music and build your fan base. One option that many artists consider is hiring a music publicist. But how do you know if a publicist is the right choice for your career? At what stage of your career does it make sense to start looking for a publicist? And if you decide to hire one, how do you find the right person for the job?  In this article ..read more

It may be tempting for recording artists to overlook artwork, especially in the streaming era, but doing so would be a mistake. Photo Credit: TIDAL Album artwork is often the first visual representation of an artist’s music that fans encounter. It can act as a calling card, drawing in potential listeners and giving them a taste of the artist’s aesthetic and creative vision. A well-designed song or album cover can convey the mood, tone, and themes of the music contained within, making it an important marketing tool that can help an artist stand out from the competition.  In a sea of music ..read more

In today’s overly-saturated music market, where artists compete for our attention, authenticity is more valuable than ever. Photo Credit: Justin James (@justnjames_) In today’s overly-saturated music market, where artists compete for our attention, authenticity is more valuable than ever. With the rise of streaming, it has become easier for artists to distribute their music to a global audience. While this has led to more opportunities for artists to reach new fans, it has also created an increasingly crowded and competitive landscape where it can be difficult for artists to differentiate the ..read more

“A website gives you complete control over your online presence and allows you to showcase your music and brand uniquely.” As a recording artist, it is highly recommended that you create a website for yourself. A website serves as an online presence for you and your music, making it easier for fans and potential collaborators to learn about you, listen to your music, and keep up to date with your latest news and events. Additionally, a website provides a platform to sell your music and merchandise and connect with your fans through a newsletter sign-up form or listed social media. A website i ..read more

“By hiring their own entertainment attorney, artists can take control of their careers and ensure their rights and interests are protected.” Photo Credit: Joseph Baura As the music industry continues to evolve and grow, the role of an entertainment attorney becomes increasingly important for recording artists.  An entertainment attorney can provide valuable legal guidance and representation to artists in many areas, including contract negotiations, copyright law, and disputes over royalty payments. For these reasons and more, it is crucial for recording artists to hire their own entertai ..read more