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Understanding Entertainment Industry Challenges
The music industry can be a tricky space to break into, and music artists often find themselves up against many roadblocks. While it may get discouraging at times, it's critical to understand that there will always be setbacks and a good share of disappointments when working towards building a professional music career. However, knowing the top issues you may come across can help you stay prepared and focused. Here's how to handle the most common challenges artists face in their careers.
Music Demo Problems
When submitting a demo, it's not uncommon for musicians to get no response. However, it's critical to understand that it can take a bit of time before your demo gets in the hand of the right person. The following are some tips to help increase your chances of getting a demo response:
- Build your profile by playing more shows
- Reach out to press for coverage of your shows
- Keep an updated promo package
- Inform labels about your upcoming activities and shows
- Keep up with your social media presence and post often about your upcoming events
Canceled Shows
While canceled shows are not uncommon, the pandemic put concerts, music festivals, and live entertainment to a halt. Now that things are slowly starting to open up again and small gatherings with live music begin to gain momentum, don't lose faith or give up. It's also critical to understand that even if you are booked for a gig, promoters can still cancel at the last minute. Being a music artist means you may have many disappointments throughout your career, but stay positive and keep moving forward to reaching your career goals.
Internet Copyright Issues
Since the explosion of the internet, opportunities for music artists have increased exponentially. From promoting your shows to publishing music samples, you have a chance to showcase your talents and reach more people than ever before. However, promoting your work online means understanding fair licensing and royalty regulations. If you hold music rights, it's essential to consult an entertainment lawyer to ensure you have a plan for licensing and compensation when you have websites hosting and promoting your music.
File-Sharing Lawsuits
File-sharing lawsuits by The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) have not been very well-received by musicians and labels. Some artists and labels have an issue with the RIAA's file-sharing lawsuits because it can harm the musician and fan relationship. For example, fans are not told who is suing them for sharing music and often think it's their favorite artist.
Radio Royalties
In most countries, both songwriters and recording artists are paid royalties any time their music is played on the radio. However, the United States is one of the only countries that does not mandate royalty payments to recording artists whose music is played on radio stations. Only songwriters and publishers are paid for airplay. The "Fair Play, Fair Pay Act" was an attempt to rectify this issue. The act was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2015, but sadly, it never passed. This act would have given recording artists in the U.S. compensation for airplay.
Need an Entertainment Attorney? We Are Here For You.
When it comes to protecting your rights as an artist, you want to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome for the challenges you will face. Whether royalty issues or problems with a poorly drafted music contract, our entertainment lawyers at Ford & Friedman understand how the entertainment industry works and are prepared to tackle any legal obstacles with your best interests in mind. As skilled negotiators and litigators, we are committed to advocating for our client's rights.
Contact Ford & Friedman for legal advice from our entertainment and media attorneys by calling (702) 904-9898.