“The way this place is working, the landlord business may be more profitable than the bar.” That’s the critical quote from an accountant interviewed for a CNN profile on a relatively new bar in Detroit, P.J.’s Lager House. Owner P.J.…
Talent2K Complaints Return to My Inbox
Some things show up in four year cycles, like the Winter Olympics, leap years, and complaints about Talent2K. In the past few weeks, I’ve found myself again facing a stack of mail asking whether Talent2K is “legit,” whether they’re “reformed,”…
The Orchard Lays off 20% of Staff, CEO Exits
It’s hard to read the tea leaves on this one, since this company has survived and evolved through things far worse than this: CEO Greg Scholl is leaving the company, which is also laying off one-fifth of its team. News…
Is Poor Self-Esteem Killing Your Band?
Derek Sivers posted a little experiment. In it, a band that was selling its CD for $15 at gigs asked the audience to come see them at the merch table. “Pay what you want,” they said, “and if you can’t…
Can Spotify Satisfy American Copyright Laws?
Lots of friends and colleagues from abroad have hyped up Spotify to me, and I don’t doubt that it’s an awesome service. As we hear more about Spotify, especially involving mobile apps and in-car services, I fear we might be…
During tough times, make time for more fun.
I’m sick of articles that contain the phrase, “during these tough times.” (Sick of writing them. Sick of reading them.) Many of my contacts in the booking business have freaked out about receipts this year. When jobs are on the…
Viral Video Attracts Audiences in Unexpected Ways
For the past hundred years, the conventional wisdom about marketing your music has been about building a brand and sticking to it. Think about some of the classic stars of the last century: Frank Sinatra, Etta James, Elvis Presley. It’s…
No American Idol Songwriter Competition for 2009
Andy Dehnart at Reality Blurred confirmed with both Fox and with American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi that there will be no American Idol songwriting competition this year. In fact, Andy’s report indicates that Kara herself will be taking on the…
Wanting It More Than Ever
After 25 years of his winter film festival attracting attention for indie movies, technology and the economy have rolled the clock back. There’s no easy financing now.
More Discussion about Film & TV Licensing
Alexandra Patsavas, probably the most influential music supervisor working today, took some time to answer questions at the Billboard/Hollywood Reporter Film & TV Music Conference, along with estate manager Jeffrey Jampol. It’s interesting to see how that discussion played out.…
Hot Topic: Investing in Mid-Tier Bands
I just came back from running an errand at the Plaza at King of Prussia. The whole mall is crawling with girls lined up to catch a glimpse of Robert Pattinson from the movie Twilight. 300 fans lined up in…
When Does a 360 Music Deal Make Sense?
For major touring acts, it’s a no brainer. Ditch the major labels, cash a fat advance check, and head out on the road.