The Power Hour - DJ Taz and LadiLoxx Interview with Jason Williams

Download or Stream here --->>>  Jason Williams on THE POWER HOUR

Check out Jason Williams aka Sychopath's interview on the THE POWER HOUR with DJ Taz and LadiLoxx. Jason talks about his Relay for Life initiative, current music releases from WarStation plus TrackDiamondz, and more!!!!

Going Digital

            It’s amazing how much things have changed. No more VHS tapes after DVD changed the movie game. Now its appears there is a transition from DVD and Blu-Ray disc to streaming movies. Once the tape cassette reigned supreme in the music industry, but that was swiftly overcome by the world-renowned CD format. Now the MP3 is the wave of the future as CD sales have dwindled annually. It appears that the transition to going digital has also taken place in the video game industry. Sony and Microsoft have made digitally downloadable content a fixture of the next generation gaming systems the PS3 and Xbox 360.

            The handle held gaming market deploys physical copies as the primary anchor to that market. However, as more powerful devices such as the PSP Go and PS Vita come on the market a transition to downloadable full games is beginning swiftly. The PSP Go for example strictly worked with digital content and discarded physical copies completely. Similarly the PS Vita is expected to be a digital system primarily. As mobile phones become more effective at being a complete entertainment center the cost of going digital is minimizing manufacturing cost by the day.  Most new generation phones stream movies, play A-list gaming titles, and connect to a consumer's previously downloaded music content with ease.

            Having a platform to provide your products digitally will allow your consumers to access your material on the go. One of the few downsides of digitally downloading video games is the time that it takes to download a graphical superior gaming experience. Streaming movies can be handled efficiently by most mobile devices, as the same can be said of music downloads.

            Going digital does not mean your physical products will have to be discarded. Yet a smooth transition to the inevitable should be expected and prepared for accordingly. This strategy can possibly set your company up to present its products on an international scale while lowering shipping cost in addition to manufacturing expenses. Digital sounds fancy in comparison to physical, but expect digital to become the norm over multiple product platforms.

Outside Sources:

http://ries.typepad.com/ries_blog/2011/09/netflix-strategy-is-right-and-wrong.html

The Full Sail University Experience

We often come to forks in the road during our growth academically. In my personal experience I felt the need to explore creative techniques to adapt to the new business landscape. Already possessing a Bachelors of Science in Accounting a solid understanding of business mechanics were engrained in my strategies since my undergraduate days. A passion to obtain a well rounded business background; I applied to Full Sail University and decided to aim for a Masters in Entertainment Business.

Media Literacy and Research Methodologies was the first course I took on my journey at Full Sail University. Basic projects such as building a professional learning network were paramount throughout my journey at Full Sail and beyond. Within the first week of this course we sought the advice of professionals in our future industries. Using social media and other online tools we were able to connect directly to experts and peers.

A key to this course was the introduction of the APA format for writing papers. This format is the writing technique that is accepted universally when writing scholarly material. This preparatory introduction to APA became beneficial in nearly every course that I took in my masters program.

How to interpret leadership was a core value that I gained from Executive Leadership. Currently in my career I’ve implemented several principles learned in this course. I seek to lead many in my current position in addition to my future endeavors. To get people to follow you in the business world a leader must be able to navigate a sea of emotional people. Understanding the dynamics that work interpersonally while getting results to foster your follower’s beliefs can be an entertaining challenge.

One project in particular that peeked my interest during this Executive Leadership course was the first assessment project the professor assigned. The instructor provided some case study type information. Then we determined which law or which concept should be applied. Applying Greene’s Law or Maxwell concepts proved beneficial to my understanding of leadership overall.

Below see a video created by my team during my Project and Team Management course:



In my next course Business Storytelling and Brand Development I learned some important factors to build and maintain my company's brand. Implementing the use of certain colors when designing a logo, or determining the strength of the name of a product are a couple of vital lessons learned during this course. Building a tagline that covers your products identity in a few words was a challenge that was worth its difficulty. Early in this course students presented a company overview that became a staple of the business plan that students constructed in later courses.

The brand development aspect of this course revealed the impact of competitors driving your company. Until this course I never realized the direct correlation between our company's strategies coupled with competitive outlook. Being introduce to a standard of acknowledging competition and devising a differentiation between your company is paramount. My company brand was built primarily on beliefs and a mantra that was designed for this course in particular.

Entertainment Business Finance (EBF) became the first course in which I felt my comfort zone. As an accountant for one of the largest journal publishers in the world during my time at Full Sail, I had a clear understanding of finance. Using new tools to look at smaller business was a delight in contrast to the massive accounts I handled professionally. Currently as I'm writing this post I have a 3.95 GPA as I wait for my final course grades to post. However, EBF is the class that I excelled in when compared with other courses of different disciplines.

The break-even analysis and pro forma project I completed in EBF were backbones for future financial projects pertaining to my business plan. Most courses after EBF in my program's timeline insisted on some knowledge of our company’s finances. Having templates to build additional assumptions for our business plan was ultimately helpful. By the time I made it to this course I had a professional blog that grew in viewership significantly. Looking back to this place in my academic timeline at Full Sail this is when I realized I indeed was a scholar again. I had a sense of being prepared to be active in creating businesses and not just analyzing them.

Never in my previous academic history did I have a course that brought about interaction as much as Negotiations and Deal Making. Every week the instructor paired classmates together to partake in a role-play negotiation. These negotiations would vary in industry, dynamics, and roles. Each week would bring a new challenge with a new counterpart. This role-playing tool was helpful in keeping us in tune with the awkwardness of consistently negotiating in the business world.

As mentioned before my increased viewership on my blog increased steadily and I decided to do an article on a leader in the entertainment industry. Up to today this article is one of my personal favorites so you should read it at the link below:

Follow a Leader!! And Get the Deal Done!!

WarStation TV Exclusive Interview

“BI Bang”

http://www.warstationtv.com/2011/06/follow-leader-and-get-deal-done.html

The next course in my programs timeline was Product and Artist Management. This course seemed different in structure to some of the other courses. There seemed to be an emphasis on working with others to make your business work. Looking at products or artist that make your company profitable took the front seat in this class’s ideology.

The students designed an investor pitch that helped give us the experience to speak on behalf of our products/services. Also we created a mock live event for the artist of our choice. This mock live event was a great way to work outside of the constraints of my particular business. This allowed me to learn an additional tool that will be useful in my future business interactions.

It’s with great glee that I move on to Advance Entertainment Law. The course that broke my perfect GPA and the only course that I did not receive a perfect letter grade. I guess I can settle with the "A" that I got for completing this course but I feel that my instructor was consistently strict with the parameters for success in this class. As a lawyer my instructor had an amazing attention to detail. She pointed out minor areas that I required growth to be a perfect student. Needless to say I enjoyed this course with the direct look at legal matters within the entertainment business.

The IP Audit project I completed during this particular course is still a template I look at when making decisions for my company post completion of this program. Creating a written document of intellectual properties that my company owns was good in theory but essential in documenting properties that I’ve created. We also filled out forms for copyrights, trademarks, and company registrations during Advance Entertainment Law.

Entertainment Media Publishing and Distribution provided a business plan strategy project that is helpful in describing what my company does and how it is structured. Straying into aspects of marketing products, I created a detailed video game description that I used for my company. This project was the first time I was able to detail all the moving parts of the video game outlined in my company's business plan.

My instructor in this course provided multiple sample templates. In particular the sample press kit that we were given in this course will be used for future reference when creating a press kit. A sample document that I used in this course outlined the steps in creating a detailed game description.

An extremely helpful course during my masters program at Full Sail was Digital Marketing. The current technological era has forced small business to use the Internet to compete with bigger companies. Using social media was one major aspect highlighted during my time of instruction in this course.

One project of great interest to me at the time was my Marketing Plan Proposal A. In which I detailed my competitors, business concept, audience, marketing campaign and that campaign's budget. Students completed two portions of a marketing plan that showed each segment of marketing for my company.

The culmination of my masters program at Full Sail University was designed to help us create a thorough business plan. Business Plan Development expanded the information that students learned throughout the program. At this point we learned first hand how to build our business plan to be most attractive to potential investors. Being able to identify the structure in which to write our business plan was paramount to this program's completion. A core project during this course was our differentiation assignment. Which simply allowed us to magnify the differences between our company and its competitors.

The last course in Full Sail University’s Entertainment Business Masters Program is Final Project Business Plan Development. Building on philosophies learned in our previous courses students identified how to write out a business plan in multiple ways. Whether using hardcore financials or a virtual keynote presentation, students are now able to reach investors in different ways. I contend to not only to be a scholar based on my education at Full Sail University but I’ve now become a creative business leader.

Sayjin Tyler Show Interview with Mz. Tiny Terror

Sayjin-Tyler-Show-EP13-TINY-TERROR-AND-DA-THREAT.mp3.mp3 - Hulk Share - Easy way to share your files

Your Identity – Your Brand

We are constantly selling ourselves. A job interview, a first date, or when selling a CD we are always marketing ourselves to those that we come in contact with. The Internet has conveniently changed the way in which we market ourselves to the world at large. Preparing for this change and the way our image is viewed is a minor challenge. Allowing your company’s brand to be perceived with the same principles that we would like our personal image to be conveyed can be a daunting task. Maintaining core principles and not leaning from those principles makes ethical issue management habitually. Several experts in the entertainment industry stick to their personal philosophies for how they review business plans and products.

As mentioned in by article “Review of You!!!” Nic Brisbourne is firm in his belief that many business plans are written in a fiction tone. I’ve made sure to development my personal business plans with reality as the major backdrop. For example having a start-up company with 15 employees may sound simple but implementing a project using 5 employees is a sure deal in comparison. Making a definitive production scale based on 5 employees would also provide a more realistic production output in many cases since business plan checkpoints can be derailed at many points. This is just an example of miscues that could possibly lead to a non-realistic assumption of possibilities for your start up business.

Based on my experience in the music industry far to often independent entities insist on using artist approval as means to determine a catalogs success. However, the artist is merely a producer of the material and someone must relay the brand of the overall company other then a creative individual in this process. It is essential to appreciate the artist’s effort in making the creative work but the company must make decisions based on the companies overarching philosophy. Customer satisfaction should always be a deciding factor while constructing and carrying out your company’s brand identity more so then any other factor.

I see my income statement as being the most important portion of my business plan to a prospective investor. In some cases they investor may not be an expert in that particular industry. In such a case having clear financial data will allow an outside investor to make a decision based on cold hard financial information. It’s paramount to display these figures ethical and to an accepted standard so practically any investor can understand your companies future prognosis.


Outside Sources:

Finch, B. (2010). How to Write a Business Plan. Kogan Page.

Buzza, J., & Mosca, J. B. (2009). Create The Plan, Work The Plan: A Look At Why The Independent Business Owner Has Trouble Calling A Franchisee A True Entrepreneur. American Journal Of Business Education, 2(7), 113-118.

WarStation TV – Review of You!!!!! http://www.warstationtv.com/2011/10/review-of-you.html

HIP-HOP LOCKOUT'S Relay for Life Team Page

HIP-HOP LOCKOUT'S Relay for Life Team Page. Click link above for details to join the team.

Grammy Family Mobile App

THE 201 SYMPHONY

http://soundcloud.com/sychopath/the-201-symphony

15Mofe - Show 14 - Mz Tiny Terror/The Grammy Family & Chromatics

                              MZ. TINY TERROR - GRAMMY FAMILY INTERVIEW

Review of You!!!

                There is nothing quite like a new product that you’ve wanted to buy before its release date approaches. Brand loyalty overrides the need for further insight before the actual purchase takes place. In other instances a quick overview of the quality of a particular product can be the determining factor on an actual purchase being made. Product/service reviewers have become more important as the internet has provided access to multiple items in a matter of minutes. A consumer of music and video games in particular have a plethora of digital products that can be purchased and downloaded in mere seconds due to advances in technology. Having honest reviews provided by industry expert can alleviate any anxiety leading up to the purchase of a digital product. The same can be said when analyzing a business plan. A trusted reviewer of any aspect of  business planning can ease tension during the creation process of these business plan.

                Steven Horowitz an editor for HipHopDx.com and YRB Magazine reviews music and music companies in both of these publications. Steven was a senior editor for Kiwibox Media Inc in which he posted multiple viral articles and discussed the marketing component of independent businesses in the hip-hop genre. Being capable of reviewing music products while also understanding the construction of independent labels marketing strategies makes Steven an excellent reviewer on a primary aspect of business plan development.

                Nic Brisbourne is an excellent writer who has written a couple articles designed to discuss and outline some components of reading a business plan. Nic is a director at WAYN and Tribold while being a holding partner at DFJ Esprit. He is considered an expert of consumer applications and services. Nic has highlighted the fact that many business plans are looking at forward progress and capital that has yet to be realize therefore making it a fiction story. He feels sure that investor should read these business plans with that in mind. Nic also feels that momentum is a key component to be looked over as the products/services come to fruition. Working to complete the goals aligned in your business plan are critical while remaining optimistic that things will happen that have not been planned. Being aware of this notion, while being willing to change to reflect unforeseen event can make a business plan stronger and more adaptable then competitors without such resilience.

                Business plans are like opinions since everybody appears to have one. Taking the time to properly document the events that create a successful business are paramount. Learning to take advantage of reviewers such as those mentioned in this article can leave a lasting impression on your business model in addition to your consumers.

Outside Sources:

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/steven-j-horowitz/13/1b3/b11

http://bpexpertviews.blogspot.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/brisbourne

Hip-Hop Versus Pop Music

            The music world was set on fire when hip-hop emerged as a major player in the entertainment industry. As the years have passed and the golden era of hip-hop is now gone there has been a convergence of styles between hip-hop and pop music. Country music has remained one of the leading contenders in record sales while hip-hop and pop music have remained solid in recent years when compared to other genres. The new genre to have emerged from the combination of hip-hop and pop is simply called hip-pop. Gone are the days of pop and hip-hop artist being on different sides of the revenue spectrum. Now both sets of artist share similar lifestyles and instrumental templates.

            Some of the worlds biggest pop stars such as Brittany Spears and Rhianna often do music alongside hip-hop artist such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne to name a few. This emergence as a joint genre has produced multiple platinum hits and has sparked the debate of if mainstream hip-hop can maintain the underground sound without the pop appeal. There can be some success on the underground marketplace of hip-hop but even there the line between going pop can be blurred.

            Music acts such as “Black Eyed Peas” have exemplified a musical style that encompasses hip-hop traditional sounds with a clear-cut pop feel. This format of music has garnered them worldwide acclaim as elite artist who can fill a stadium to its capacity with little promotion needed. Maybe artist should refer to hip-hop as more then a subculture containing the elements of DJ'ing, graffiti, rapping, and breakdancing. More so hip-hop can be identified as the new popular form of music. In itself being a popular form of music makes that genre pop based on sheer definition.

            In the modern era of music I wonder how many young artist realize that making a hit record no longer entails sticking to your genre to receive acclaim from peers. With the completion of a joint genre now the goal should be simply to stand out amongst all competing music acts for the same consumer dollar. Now the competition for a hip-hop rapper is no longer the rapper from across town that is known for “spitting hot verses”. More so the competition might be a singer from around the corner who can dance and melt the hearts of their fans. Going forward these opposing musical acts should be identified as the barometer for comparable success.

A Thin Line Between Art and Professionalism

In the major entertainment industries many artist contribute substantially to their respective community’s growth. Some mega stars even go a step further and contribute to global causes to make a major difference. Currently artist from “201 THE MOVEMENT” in addition to multiple states in America are making a mix-tape to raise cancer awareness for the Relay for Life organization. There are many major stars that make charitable contributions ranging in the millions and this week WarStation TV will examine “50 Cent” platinum recording artist plus actor.

In 2011 Curtis Jackson (50 Cent) conceived an initiative on behalf of “Street Kings” energy drink to feed over 1 billion of the worlds population. The focus of this project is children in Africa dealing with possible starvation. The onset of this project deals with each sale of an energy shot directly forcing proceeds to feed one kid in Africa. To date this project has feed over 2.5 million children in Africa. Bold initiatives such as this can be seen as a relevant way to contribute to the global hunger cause while making a product that benefits many customers. WarStation TV appreciates the opportunity to highlight causes attended to by hip-hop mega stars.

Image Rights reserved: http://www.streetking.com/

The website Hip-HopDX.com posted an article explaining Curtis Jackson’s outlook on the “Street King” project detailing the pros and cons of such an initiative. Local artist can gain exposure in conjunction with fulfilling a cause while taking on a business venture such as Mr. Jackson has in this article. There are new and refreshing ways to make a difference while staying relevant in ones art form. In the near future it would be an amazing direction in marketing strategies to see more artist prove that they will contribute to relevant causes in their communities. Having the resources to make meaningful art also places entertainment entities in a secure environment to make differences beyond just record or video game sales.

Outside Sources:

Grant, D. (2007). ARTISTS AND CHARITY. American Artist, 71(777), 76. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Grant, D. (2007). ARTISTS AND CHARITY. American Artist, 71(777), 76. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

"HIP-HOP LOCKOUT"

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

WHY DO YOU KEEP PLAYING GAMES????

The video game industry has sustained over a billion dollars in revenue for the past several years. It’s when these sort of startling revenue figures become consistent that an entertainment format becomes a giant. Video games have become more then just a portal to enjoy games on home consoles. In today’s video game market mobile gaming has become a giant into itself. Phone devices have recently flooded the gaming market with many viable video games in application formats. Understanding the shift to mobile gaming while strengthening the home console market, video game publishing has become more profitable in the current economic landscape.

Sony is placing a new handheld device on the market in the next quarter while Nintendo has continued to redesign their handheld device the DS over the past couple years. Recognizing the viability of the mobile market, it’s only a matter of time before Microsoft adapts to the changing market. Publishing and developing third party content for mobile phones can be lucrative, despite not having a handheld gaming device designed by your company. Gamers can be confident that market research will keep the handheld gaming market competitive as well as innovative.

It can be inferred that mobile gaming opens up a market that’s geared towards casual gamers. “Angry Birds” a major mobile video game has exploded on the market while capturing the attention of multiple demographics. Due to the impact of mobile phones within society, a video game portal is already in the hands of more consumers then any other handheld gaming device. The sheer number of households that have at least one mobile phone should make it apparent to game developers that the handheld gaming market has an abundance of potential. Working towards converting casual gamers to hardcore gamers has become much easier since the device of choice is readily available to consumers. The mobile phone may be the clear-cut future of video game industry through the remainder of this century.

Outside Sources:

Brown, E., & E., B. B. (2005). Coming Soon to a Tiny Screen Near You. Forbes, 175(11), 64-76. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Gaming's new frontier. (2003). Economist, 369(8344), 61. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Strength In Numbers

There is the old adage that two heads are better then one. How about 500 or 1,000 heads? Are they better then one as well? In the major entertainment industries there are a plethora of obstacles and many come from individuals simply not working well together as a team. WarStation TV has found an entertainment group of affiliates that have debunked the myth that multiple entertainers cannot work together cohesively.

            “201 The Movement” a group formed in Jersey City, New Jersey combines hundreds of entertainers, entrepreneurs, and companies with the common goal of working together to secure the advancement of all involved. Multiple events are presented in a private forum that allows each member to collaborate when a mutual benefit can be determined. The group is structured to allow all members to take part in projects relevant to their industry. However this group also promotes healthy relationships between entities in differing industries allowing members to diversify their potential clientele.

            Recently a major concert called “THE 201 PLEASE SAY THE MOVEMENT CONCERT” was launched to provide a platform for every relevant artist to perform in a major northern New Jersey venue. This event marked the first time in New Jersey’s history that a major concert contained 25 plus artist on one ticket who all are home grown Jersey City artist. 201 is the area code that’s been used in Jersey City for sometime which explains the group’s name. There are future events in addition to radio stations that will U-Stream relevant 201 The Movement music, products, and services. Two heads are indeed better then one but I prefer working with hundreds of professionals with a simple common goal…. progression for all!!!!! Whenever any entertainer visits New Jersey "Please Say The Movement" so that you can work alongside some of America’s best artist.

Outside Sources:

Follow on Twitter - @201THEMOVEMENT 

Facebook Group Page - http://www.facebook.com/groups/201THEMOVEMENT

201 THE MOVEMENT PRESENTS THE BIG SHOW "PLEASE SAY THE MOVEMENT CONCERT!"

Take It From An Industry Expert!!!

         Managing social media habits can be a daunting task for even an expert social media user. Even more difficult is the duty for employers to see if their employees are behaving in an ethical manner on social media outlets. Would you want the CFO of you company sharing racy picture over Facebook? Is it acceptable to have your senior accountant on twitter sharing insider financial information with competitors? Obviously these are issues that arise in the new technologically advanced era of social media.

         During litigation lawyers often will view the Facebook pages of all relevant parties in a particular case looking for signs of applicable issues. For example having racy pictures on your Facebook page while undergoing a sexual harassment allegation at work can be a detrimental mistake. Adversely sharing articles on respect for women throughout your Facebook page may show a caring side that otherwise would not have been revealed.

         In regards to patents, sending in multiple variations of an idea on one patent application can be extremely beneficial. This would protect each variation while allowing for wiggle room if a certain variation is denied. As with many parts of a business strategy having a back up intellectual property gives stability. Many issues can arise that stall a particular IP’s success over its lifetime. Having multiple variations prepared gives an economical umbrella.

         Understanding the rights that each individual is given on the Internet is key in today’s entertainment marketplace. Peer-to-peer sharing is a major negative in the eyes of the music industry in particular. Yet, peer-to-peer sharing has some positives that can be exploited with reasonable diligence. When music is being shared at the rates that they currently are, artist are reaching a wider audience then in years past although the revenue suggest differently. Working within the structure provided by the FCC music companies can always deal out comfortably on the Internet with little fear that anyone can block consumer access to the music of their choice. This freedom allows for small music companies to mingle freely in the same market space as enormous music companies.

Outside Sources

Management on Social Media: Good Employee Communication Tool or Liability? (Podcast)

http://www.abajournal.com/news/article/management_on_social_media_good_employee_communication_tool_or_liability/

Patents

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/engr-408-patent-law-fall-2009/id431522943

Is Net Neutrality a Virtual Taking?

http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Feed/suffolk-public-dz.4508724109.04508724111

Why You Need A Manager

            The joy of being a professional music artist comes with tons of hard work and credential building. In todays saturated music market the level of competition is enormous. Independent labels sprout like weeds on a summer day as more and more creative individuals embark on the path of musical success. Advances in technology have allowed musicians to create material in the blink of an eye in comparison to decades past. Furthermore, the need to work as a full-time musician has dwindled with the influx of tools to speed up the music creation process. Part-time schedules, typical family life in addition to having another full or part-time job have raised the need for a management team to handle the numerous business affairs of an artist.

            A competent music manager would likely handle multiple duties from business matters, booking agent, promoter, and personal assistant duties to name a few. Couldn’t you use help in these areas? If so then you should hire a manager today! Oh, but I forgot money is tight and there is no way that you could conceivably pay another individual while your barely making ends meet. Well there is no need to get overly excited since most managers are paid on a commission basis. Typically 15% of relevant net income is the commission fee, so a manager would not get paid until you get paid based on your contractual agreement. This alleviates any competing interest and you will know once your manager is contractual bound to your success that when you make money he/she will make money as well.

            As with any entity that you contract to work for you there should be a solid working relationship. You may not love your manager but you should respect the job that they can do for your music career. Another music industry standard for contracts with managers is to have a length of 4 to 12 months. This allows for flexibility especially in the early stages of your relationship with that respective manager/management team.

            Understanding your limitations is a vital part of analyzing your music’s financial potential. Viewing a manager as a part of that success is key. Often in the independent music scene managers are considered leeches. I think after reading WarStation TV’s article, you will realize that an effective manager will leech others for your and their benefit.

 Outside Sources:

Greene, L. A. (2006). so you want to be a music manager?. Cosmo Girl, 8(6), 114. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

 Oliver, P. G. (2010). The DIY artist: issues of sustainability within local music scenes. Management Decision, 48(9), 1422-1432. doi:10.1108/00251741011082161

 Sutherland, K. (2008). SPIN CITY. BC Business, 36(12), 99-106. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Legal Aspects of the Entertainment Industry

   Often the legality of the entertainment industry is overlooked by up and coming artist. It can be something as small as a sample clearance not being completed that can land a new artist in court for copyright infringement. There is a similar case in regards to Michigan rapper Jon Connor. Jon released a tribute song to fallen rapper MC Breed. However, Jon made a major legal mistake. He placed this tribute song on ITunes for sale without getting permission or clearance from the proper authorities.

            MC Breed’s widow Mrs. Natasha Breed filed suit against Jon Connor stating that Jon used portions of an original cut from one of MC Breed’s previous works without getting approval. Accordant to S. Horowitz (2011) Natasha Breed believes that Jon is profiting off of MC Breed’s music material. She totally disagrees with the assumption that he could do so without getting the proper permissions.

            Lets take a look at a major artist that has legal issues to handle as of late. Trey Songz one of the top R&B acts in the world currently has found himself along with his major label in legal hot waters. In late 2010 through early 2011 Trey Songz had a hit single title “Bottoms Up” featuring Nicky Minaj. Doc Mob Records in addition to IHip-Hop Music are suing Trey Songz plus Atlantic Records for 18 million dollars. Atlantic Records is not the only co-defendant named in the mentioned lawsuit. Two of Trey Songz’s managers are named as well for using the song in an advertising campaign. Based on the information I gathered from a Hip-HopDX.com report, this is a typical case of a producer makes a beat initially. Then another producer refines it, next takes it to a label without making sure that the initial producer is credited. I believe that when major labels work this way it sets a horrible tone, and discredits the independent producers. Hopefully the plaintiffs will collect a portion of the lawsuit amount their seeking if these claims are indeed fact.

            Lastly, lets discuss Jay-Z’s successful legal battle against a chef that appeared on the Hells Kitchen TV show. One of the winning contestants from that show used his prize earnings to open a restaurant titled Rockafella in 2006. Entertainment mogul Jay-Z has owned the Rock-A-Fella trademark for nearly two decades now. Courts in the UK ruled that the owner of Rockafella restaurant would be allowed to use the name in the UK for their restaurant and catering business. However, eventually an appellate court overruled the trial court's decision to allow them to use the trademarked name. Since that time the restaurant has closed down. In cases like this Jay-Z having a strong legal team overseas impacted the appeals process. Although the industries are a little different, I agree with the appellate courts decision. Jay-Z may want to create his own restaurant brand overseas using his labels trademark and this decision makes it to where his competitors would not carry the same likeness.

Outside Sources:

MC Breed's Wife Suing Jon Connor For Copyright Infringement

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.16236/title.mc-breeds-wife-suing-jon-connor-for-copyright-infringement

Trey Songz Sued Over "Bottoms Up" Track

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.13981/title.trey-songz-sued-over-bottoms-up-track

Jay-Z Wins Legal Battle Against Rockafella Restaurant

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.14154/title.jay-z-wins-legal-battle-against-rockafella-restaurant

Why You Need A Manager

           The joy of being a professional music artist comes with tons of hard work and credential building. In todays saturated music market the level of competition is enormous. Independent labels sprout like weeds on a summer day as more and more creative individuals embark on the path of musical success. Advances in technology have allowed musicians to create material in the blink of an eye in comparison to decades past. Furthermore, the need to work as a full-time musician has dwindled with the influx of tools to speed up the music creation process. Part-time schedules, typical family life in addition to having another full or part-time job have raised the need for a management team to handle the numerous business affairs of an artist.

            A competent music manager would likely handle multiple duties from business matters, booking agent, promoter, and personal assistant duties to name a few. Couldn’t you use help in these areas? If so then you should hire a manager today! Oh, but I forgot money is tight and there is no way that you could conceivably pay another individual while your barely making ends meet. Well there is no need to get overly excited since most managers are paid on a commission basis. Typically 15% of relevant net income is the commission fee, so a manager would not get paid until you get paid based on your contractual agreement. This alleviates any competing interest and you will know once your manager is contractual bound to your success that when you make money he/she will make money as well.

            As with any entity that you contract to work for you there should be a solid working relationship. You may not love your manager but you should respect the job that they can do for you music career. Another music industry standard for contracts with managers is to have a length of 4 to 12 months. This allows for flexibility especially in the early stages of your relationship with the respective manager/management team.

            Understanding your limitations is a vital part of analyzing your music’s financial potential. Viewing a manager as a part of that success is key. Often in the independent music scene managers are considered leeches. I think after reading WarStation TV’s article you will realize that an effective manager will leech others for your and their benefit. 

Outside Sources:

Greene, L. A. (2006). so you want to be a music manager?. Cosmo Girl, 8(6), 114. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Oliver, P. G. (2010). The DIY artist: issues of sustainability within local music scenes. Management Decision, 48(9), 1422-1432. doi:10.1108/00251741011082161

Sutherland, K. (2008). SPIN CITY. BC Business, 36(12), 99-106. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

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Let Them Work for You - Managing Products and People

One of the core elements of the current music industry’s structure is the decision to go independent or seek out a major label. However, there is a major step that precludes that decision, and that step is deciding on what type of management team to work with. Its inherently understood that many artists go the independent route since it can be affordable and bring back instant monetary feedback. Can independent artists manage themselves? Of course they can but a better question is how successful can an artist be if they are responsible for every aspect of their career.    

Wearing many hats is a positive stance to have when an artist goes the independent route. Mainly since it leaves off an expense that a management team needs to be paid. Regardless, if a management team gets paid up front or if they get paid off of future earnings, their service will rarely be free. Therefore, doing the job of a management team on your own can save an artist in a key expense area. It’s important to note, that a particular artist may understand their creative work more then anyone else, but they may not have the expertise to navigate the economical landscape in the same manner that a management team would. Taking this into account an artist could be losing money in the long term due to their inexperience in the management field.

I find that many independent artists have found success working with small managements teams that offer packages such as silver, gold, and platinum packages. For example the silver package may include basic artist promotion with some exposure to local radio stations. Where as the platinum package may include, regional radio play, a listening booth in Best Buy, college tour inclusion and so on. Understanding your product or services value is important but having the right management team to show the outside world you product/services value is even more important.

Follow a Leader!! And Get the Deal Done!!

WarStation TV Exclusive Interview

“BI Bang” 

Entertainment entities in pursuit of local stars that will be national stars, have adapted to hardball tactics during negotiations as a strategy. It takes an intelligent artist with a clear understanding of their role during negotiations, to calmly surf the entertainment waters. Often a young up and coming artist has to make concessions to work alongside a major label. Whenever negotiations get outlandish and diminish an artist’s ability to be creative, they many times opt to go the independent route instead. Many artists build up success over an extended period, and they’ve negotiated deals with major labels, independent labels, plus promotional partners.

This week WarStation TV interviewed BI Bang (BI) a New Jersey based rapper that has exposed his music on a national stage.  BI has recently signed a deal with a management group in hopes of taking his career to the international marketplace as well. He exemplifies the character and tone needed to handle multiple negotiations in the music industry. His experiences in the entertainment industry as well as with negotiations has lead WarStation TV to seek his insight.

WarStation TV: What are some of the projects that you currently have going on?

BI Bang: I recently signed with Honey Management. Honestly, this is the best thing I could’ve done as an artist. Studio wise, I just finished recording my mix-tape “Block N Report 2 Spam” hosted by DJ Dynasty from Jersey City.  I’m working on elevating myself as a father, husband, and as an artist.

WarStation TV: What was the main focus of the negotiations that took place on your end, with regards to music projects that you have going on presently and in the near future?

BI Bang: The main focus is to present the world with my brand of product, which is always to succeed. Many people get it confused with winning, but everyone who wins doesn’t succeed in life. Positive energy is everything to me, and I look at the cup half full rather then half empty.

WarStation TV: How do you differentiate yourself from other artist or entrepreneurs etc.?

BI Bang: At the end of the day, its up to the consumer to tell me why they like me more than another artist or why they hate me more then another artist. But to answer a question like that I’d have to be an arrogant M*fo and I’m far from that.

WarStation TV: Explain some of your music background or any background related information your feel comfortable relaying to your listeners/customers?

BI Bang: I was raised by a spiritually orientated family. So public speaking, elaborate meetings (negotiations etc.), in addition to confession of my soul has always been there. I grew up on a street named Boyd Avenue in Jersey City, New Jersey. Major artist such as Nicky D, Apache, Mary J. Brown, and King Sun I met all during my childhood. My mother babysat Biz Markie’s godson right around the time “Vapors” a national hit single dropped and I use to spit Biz Markie’s lyrics to him. So as a child it’s always been there. 

WarStation TV: Any advice for newer artist following in your foots step in music or any other of your industries?

BI Bang: Have a major and minor in life just like they do in college. Nothing is wrong with working a job while pursuing your dream because other people may look at your dream like it’s a nightmare. During an artist’s career stay focused and determined but when you lose the love pass the torch.

WarStation TV: What are your views in regards to negotiations when dealing with independent music projects vs. major label projects?

BI Bang: My views are there is no difference. Some artists forget what they want to do this for. Is it the love or is it the fame? Indie artist mainly do it for the love until they get a taste of money. That power feels good it’s an allure only the strong can deny. If you can’t deny it then you’re lost in between being an artist and entertainer. So the real question is artistry vs. entertaining?  Lol!!!!!

WarStation TV: Where can consumers/listeners reach you?

BI Bang: July 2nd my birthday, shout out to me. This is when my street mix-tape comes out on ITunes plus 10,000 hard copies will be spread out in New York City, New Jersey, Delaware, Georgia, Florida, and Texas. It's like work I know, but the response to my music is crazy. We’re just looking to succeed in all ways possible, whether in the way we approach the music industry or during negotiations.

You can check out BI Bang - @BI_Bang on Twitter and the following Links:

www.youtube.com/bibang1

www.twitter.com/bi_bang

www.facebook.com/bibang