The A&R serves as the voice of the artist, making sure that everyone else at the label is on the same page and in the artist’s corner. The A&R may also go after production and/or label deals that might be good for the company to get involved in.

As far as salary goes, many A&Rs are pretty well paid with salaries that can get pretty high in the six figures and up range. However, that is usually reserved for big name executives or people who have been in the game for years. The rookies usually pull in a salary closer to $35,000/year or something commensurate with their experience, so don’t expect to be rich tomorrow because quite frankly you’re learning as you go along.

What you can do is try to get bonuses in addition to a salary. For example, if you’re A&Ring a project you might ask to receive Executive Producer credit on the album which could give you points off album sales (usually its 1 point, but it does add up if the album does well). Just a suggestion, no guarantee you’ll receive this but you could ask. Another option might be bonuses based on sales plateaus, i.e. $5000 bonus if the album goes gold, another $5000 if it goes platinum, etc. Once again, no guarantees.

Lastly, get yourself a lawyer so he can explain the finer points of business deals to you.

Good luck, Connie

Jevaun Simms

Hey Jevaun,

There are two main things that a publishing company can do for you:
1) The monitor all the publishing money due to you from the performance rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) and anyone else who licenses your music.
2) The exploit your catalog.

This means they get your songs placed in various vehicles. Whether it be film, TV, on albums, etc. and then make sure you get paid accordingly from said uses.

You don’t have to join ASCAP but you will have to join one of the three organizations (see above).

Lastly, to start a publishing company, first decide which organization you want to join. Get the appropriate forms, fill them out and submit. Once you get them back and they have been approved, go to the bank and establish your company bank account and you’re in business.

If you have any questions along the way, contact me at info@constantmusic.com . People hire me to help them set up their pubs so I would be happy to help you as well.

Hope this helps, Connie M. Howell

deseri jones

Hey Deseri,

First of all, why let someone else label you. You know who you are and what you do, so you are whatever you want to be (fyi, if I did what you do, I’d say I was a producer). Second, what’s to stop you from getting a lawyer AND joining TAXI. The more options you give yourself the better off you’ll be. Personally, I am always in favor of getting a lawyer but make sure you get someone who specializes in entertainment law, has an extensive list of contacts and can actually put your music in the right hands for you. Label execs are much more willing to listen to something they get from a trusted attorney/friend.

Good luck, Connie M. Howell

For those who are wondering what TAXI is, it’s an independent Artist & Repertoire company that gives artists, bands, and songwriters access to people in the music business who sign deals. Record companies, publishers, and music supervisors call them to find new artists and bands to sign. Then they give you the exact details about what type of music they're shopping for. Once you submit a song, they have an industry expert judge it and determine if the song will work for the company making the request and if it does, they submit it for you. To join for a year, it will cost $300, $500 for 2 years and $600 for 3 years.

It's that time again and I got some questions that I don't think I've touched on before. So, hopefully you'll get some new info this week. Also, you guys in the NY, NJ metro area, pick up a copy of the new magazine Caribbean Vibe. It's a great new mag that focuses on Hip Hop, R&B, reggae and things that affect the caribbean community. It's hot so check it out. (Sidebar - The Hip Hop & R&B news column is written by yours truly along with the occasional article. So do me a favor and support and yes it's free.) www.caribbeanvibeonline.com--Connie

Back to the business at hand, enjoy the new questions and remember to Stay well and stay informed.

Derrick Riley

I am looking to setup a publishing company, I am registered with BMI where do I go from there so that I can ensure proper payment.

Hi Derrick,

To ensure you receive your money you really only need to do three simple things.
1) Choose the business structure that works for you. It can be a d/b/a (sole proprietorship or partnership, or it can be an LLC (Limited Liability Company) on you can Incorporate.
2) After you decide what structure you want, then you file the applicable paperwork and pay the processing fees.
3) Lastly, set up you business bank account so you can receive checks under your company’s name.

Hope this gets you on your way.

Connie

Quiet Storm

First of all, Hello and thank you for the time you'll take to answer my question.

I would like to trademark a logo for my record label. The only problem is that since I am still learning the business, I am unaware of all the goods/services of the industry. They asked me to list in great detail the goods/and services of my record label. Can you help me? I don't want to make a list then I end up leaving something out.

Thank you again.

Hey Q.S.,

They just want to know what kind of company you have. Are you a record label only? Are you a production company or studio? Are you a publishing company as well? Your services are all the different aspects of the business that you company will be delving into. Your goods will be records, CDs, vinyl etc. Give them a list of what you will offer an artist. If you still have questions, you can contact Trademark Assistance Center at 1-800-786-9199.

Also, while it isn’t necessary to have a trademark lawyer you may find it helpful, so feel free to contact one if after all of this you find you still need help.

Good luck,

Connie

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