A Brief History Of Record Deals

While artists have always been responsible for music’s artistic future, technology and the recording industry have always shaped how that future has been implemented. Here we look at record deals through the ages, from their inception in the late 1800s through to present day. ________________________________ Guest post from AWAL Artists…

Highlights From ASCAP Expo 2019

ASCAP began its 2019 "I Create Music" Expo with the announcement that total revenues for 2018 topped $1.227 billion, an increase of 7% over the previous year. $1.109 billion in royalties were paid to member songwriters, composers and publishers, up 10% year-over-year. Highlights Atlanta power players including producer Don Cannon…

Record Store Day Drove 827,000 In Vinyl Albums Sales, 72% Came From Indie Stores

Record Store Day 2019 drove another record year of vinyl sales. 827,000 vinyl albums sold in the U.S. during the week ending April 18, according to Nielsen Music. That’s a Record Store Day week record and the third-largest sales week for vinyl albums since Nielsen began tracking sales in 1991….

Bandcamp Adds No-Risk Vinyl Pressing via Pirate Press

Bandcamp is expanding its commitment to vinyl with a new offering that eliminates upfront costs for artists and labels. Vinyl on the popular independent music destination has grown 600% in the last 5 years, with 3,500 unique vinyl albums added to the site each month. The new service eliminates all…

TODAY IS RECORD STORE DAY 2019: Get off your computer, put down your phone and GO BUY SOMETHING!

Today is Record Store Day 2019, with hundreds of independent record stores in the US and Europe celebrating a resurgence that many thought would never happen. Thanks to vinyl, their survival skills and loyal music fans, these stores are experiencing a resurgence.But that will only continue if you turn off…

Saturday Is Record Store Day 2019 – GO BUY SOMETHING!

UPDATED: Tomorrow, Saturday 4/13 is Record Store Day 2019, with hundreds of independent record stores celebrating a resurgence that most thought would never happen. Thanks to vinyl, survival skills and loyal fans, these stores are, for the most part, experiencing a resurgence. But that will only continue if you turn…

Radio Nowhere – Is Anybody Alive Out There?

Radio giant iHeartMedia has filed for a $100 million IPO, even as it just emerges from bankruptcy. William Paterson University Music Business Professor David Philp takes a look at the state of terrestrial radio, its less than graceful handling of the internet’s rise, and why it needs to adapt, as…

Advice To Labels: When Reissuing Vinyl, Take The Extra Step

The resurgence of vinyl has breathed new life into a number formerly overlooked albums, bringing hitherto forgotten artists out of the woodwork. When it comes to these fresh pressings, however, it’s important that labels take the time (and money) to invest in top notch audio quality. ___________________________ Guest post by…

The Importance Of Artwork In Your Music

With the rise fo streaming the prominence of album artwork has, quite literally, been greatly reduced. That said, it’s a mistake for artists to discount the incredible importance of album art when it comes to releasing and promoting your music. ____________________________ Guest post from Horus Music Before online streaming, artwork…

The Magic Of Indie Record Stores: ‘Dream Big Shop Small’ [VIDEO]

Sub Pop, Easy Street Records and J Mascis produced this short video tale "Dream Big, Shop Small," about the magic of record stores and the music you find in the. It’s a fitting teaser as we count down to Record Store 2019. J is one of the artists featured on…