Industry Expert Blog

My business works primarily with the classical entertainment industry. I asked attorney David Bercuson, specialized entertainment law attorney, in Miami, Fl several questions in reference to how he felt with the classical music industry today. I am in agreement with the attorney that the industry is a dying but new age industry. Without classical music you wouldn’t have new age music, rock, and 20^th century music. Many musicians start with classical training and find their way from there.

Classical musicians are not credited, as they should. On the other hand classical musicians really are out dated with marketing themselves as musicians. Classical musicians are usually educated as musicians but not from the business point of view. With this said my business would be a stepping stool for these musicians to start their path as a musician. The attorney stated that many problems that musicians come across are when musicians try to manage themselves. He also commented that musicians should always come to an attorney before they sign any type of contract for a proper review of the document. He stated, “ Musicians need to be careful what they sign;” lets not forget it is important for a musician to know what he/she is signing.

In addition, I asked attorney Bercuson how the music industry is being affected and he stated that the classical music industry did fall behind but they are coming into plays. Nowadays the classical industry is going to be more commercial. For example, classical singers are getting more modern songs and performing them because it is more commercial. The attorney stated that one of the things that I might have issues with is copyright infringement. It is always important to make sure what the laws state about the right to use other’s work. For instance, it is imperative to get permission to use someone’s original work. Without this, one can find oneself in a difficult legal situation. Mr. Bercuson was a great pleasure to speak with. His experience and kind words really opened my eyes towards my business goals. 

Law

“Lawsuit Targets Facebook Privacy Issues”

Facebook is one of the largest social media networking sites in the world. If you have a Facebook account does that mean all your information is broadcasted? Well if you don’t have the right privacy buttons pressed you might be open for everyone to see. There was a lawsuit with different people stating that their information had been stolen from Facebook and used in different websites. The victims stated that prior to these actions, they felt that Facebook was a safe environment and that their information was kept private.

This lawsuit is rather interesting. It is true that if information is placed on the web, you will always be at risk of someone taking and using the information. For example, people have had their credit cards stolen and used. The Internet is a power full source and it’s taking over. In my opinion, the lawsuit is difficult to fight against because the plaintiff should know that there is only so much privacy that you can through the Internet.

 “Social Networking Controversy in Missouri Schools”

Missouri has confronted a major controversy with the school board and social networks. They are passing a law stating that teachers of administrators can’t be involved with any kind of social network if they are part of the school board. However, teachers and administrators do have the right to maintain a social life outside of the school board.

I understand that they are trying to prevent communication with students outside of school grounds, but if they are going to maintain contact it can also be done in person or via text messaging. In my opinion, if the teacher is going to do something inappropriate, it will be done with or without social networking. Teachers are already underpaid; there shouldn’t be restrictions on their social lives as well.

 “Universal to sue online music site Grooveshark for copyright infringement”

Universal is suing Grooveshark which is a website used to download music and upload music. Universal states that they have been pirating music and they have proof. The Grooveshark website states that they have no control over what their fans post. They are protected through the digital millennium copyright act.

I feel that Universal did the right thing in suing Grooveshark. I don’t think it’s fair for musicians to be cheated on their work. Music is an art; without it life would have a sense of emptiness. Websites like Grooveshark allows people to steal from artists around the world regardless of the way that the music gets uploaded and downloaded.

Links:

http://communications-media.lawyers.com/privacy-law/Lawsuit-Target-Facebook-Privacy-Issues.html

http://wjlta.wordpress.com/2011/11/06/social-networking-controversy-in-missouri-schools/

http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/60499

The role of an artist manager.

Nowadays, we see many artists that have opted to represent themselves and become their own managers. While for many of them, representing themselves without help is a successful task, for others it may be difficult and limiting to their growing as artist. The main reason that explains why artists should have managers, instead of managing themselves, is because it is not only time-consuming, but because the development of business-mind is required. In most of the cases, the way in which reality is seeing by an artist is very difficult than somebody that sees a potential successful business in somebody else.

When we talk about managing, it is important to define correctly what the word manager, in the entertainment world, means: the person in charge of running the business side of an artist or a band; this means their career. There are different positions/roles an artist manager develop depending in the situation of the band or artist. If a small label signs a band, the artist manager works as accountant, promoter, and agent among others. The manager is the one that is on the top of everything involving the band/artist as a business. On the other hand, if the artist/band is signed by a major (big) label, the role of the manager changes and he/she becomes the supervisor of other people, whom are in charge of those different aspects, such us, finance, promoting, gigs, etc. In a major label company, the manager is forced to delegate the job to others, and focus developing strategic plans to improve the band fame, which is associated with money and profit.

Having a manager, for an artist is very beneficial because of many reasons. Even though an artist should know the dynamics of the entertainment/music business, most of the time they don’t; and the manager is the one that takes care of the marketing and accounting, while the artist can focus in creating music, or improve stage performances. Another benefit consists in how the artist is perceived. Having a manager helps the artists give the impression that they're are not alone, and there is someone by their side fighting for their good. Major label companies; try to take advantages of the new artist, by signing them into contact that is not beneficial for them. The role of the manager is to protect the artist because if the artist is successful, he/she will be too.

Palm beach competition gone!

For over 42 years, the Palm Beach competition has been developing programs for aspiring classical singers. The competition was established for the first time in 1969, with the intention of creating a pad for those who dream in becoming part of the performing arts. These competitions (Palm Beach Grand Opera) are one of the most prestigious in the country. Every year, hundreds of singers apply for this chance, and of all the applications, only a few have the chance to show their talent.

There are two divisions: Advance division, between ages 24 to 29, and junior division, between the ages of 18 to 23. In the junior category, out of all the applicants, only 23 have the opportunity to compete, and in the Advance category only 45. From both categories, the winners win a big amount of money, plus the opportunity to perform with complete orchestra. In the past competitions, the winners have been very successful with their careers; and have become world-leading singers.

An issue that recently emerged is that for 2012 they decided to cancel the competitions, which is seeing under eyes of many as 42 years of success all gone. The company decided to do something like that in order to expand their already existing young artists programs; which all of them already provide profit. Now, is this a good idea? I really don’t know the truth is that for many singers that one opportunity is gone.

As a singer, I am always looking forward to find experiences and opportunities to increase my knowledge and my potential. Now that Palm Beach Opera made such final decision, there is one opportunity less.

On the other hand, even though, the expansion of young artists programs may represent a limitation for some aspiring singers, for the ones already in, it represents the big chance to participate nationally in concerts and auditions. This year, the auditions were held in New York City, on January 26, 27 and 28, and the fee was $40 non-refundable. The submission of headshots, resume and citizen ship copy was also required.

http://www.events.org/viewevent_3409.htm

http://pbopera.org/about-us-2/vocal-competition/

ARTIST, CHARLES LEANO

Charles Leano; a local, up and coming artist is who I had the pleasure of interviewing. Charles stated that since childhood he has always been into the arts and has dreamed of becoming a professional artist. Him as a young artist is struggling to find his voice and recognition in a industry that is make or break tough. He credits certain quality's in giving him the push and support to stand tall and find his way to fame. He says his status is one of a young business man, creating a product and being his own sales man in a market of diverse work and creativity. His goal is to make a living off his craft and be able to negotiate with buyers and art lovers the same.

Charles describes his role as a creator, envisioning something and then being able to bring  it into existence. He says he uses a vast array of mediums to accomplish his paintings and uses a open mind in finding how to push the boundary's of the ordinary into a new unexplored territory of uncertainty. His pieces of work range from paintings to sculptures; even doing larger work such as murals. I asked him what events in his life so far he has been most fulfilling in his career thus far. He recalls being hired to design and paint murals at a tanning salon and being excited to get his first big gig.

Though Charles has had many positive experiences that show a trend of him heading to the big leagues, he recounts that one must be able to full with the bad too and be patient. When asked about negative emotions he has dealt with since the start of his journey to fame, Charles talked about learning to accept peoples likes and dislikes. In an industry such as that of art, criticism presents itself here and there; "you have to understand that there will always be people who fall in love with what you do and others who don't. Whats important is that you stay true to yourself and just do what you love!". Charles currently is working on a new project series that he says will be one of his best to date. He intends to be able to create art that is interactive and brings a smile to peoples faces, "I'm working on a new piece that will hopefully be met with big open arms and that people will love."; Charles says he couldn't explain more than that but to be on the look out in the next 2 months. Pieces of Charles work can currently be seen at The Hangar, which is located the heart of the Design District, Wynwood.

As my interview with the very talented artist Charles came to an end, he wanted to send out an invitation to all art lovers and people looking just to have a good time; "On the second Saturday of February and March, galleries in Wynwood open up their doors to the public and its a great chance to check out local artist and have a good time".

Headshots!

When an artist is at the beginning of his/her career, the first step is getting a simple, black and white, 8x10 headshot. It is important to show not only best appearance, but to do it in the simplest way possible; nowadays, the opera industry is has changed, and most companies are looking for more artists that appeals to young and slender audiences. In prior time, headshots used to express the mystique of singer, rather than the appearance; however, physical appearance has become more important.

Companies around the world are trying to make their audience to grow, as well as develop an interactive relation with them. Due to this, sex appeal is important for an artist, and the looks play an important role when searching for a job. Due to the factor, such us: pop culture, movies and TV among many others, the new generations look for something different; something that represents the generation as a whole.

Headshots are not only used for auditions, but for promotion purposes as well. Companies are looking for the known “triple threat”, which basically consist in the three main characteristics an artist must be: great singer, great actor, and great look. This phenomenon is the result of the expansion of opera in the multimedia world: from HD movies, to the live stage performances.

Just for artist to know you may go through many photographers before you find the one and that will portray you as artists.  A photo can portray many things for example if the headshot is dark and your face has a harsh look you might portray an image to the company witch is fine if that’s what you want. Photographers have there own nitch so you need to make sure that is the look you are looking for.

Because once you have something out you can never take it back. “Word goes around”

Headshots session is just you and the photographer. You as the artist will pay anywhere from $150- $2000 for them. You might be charges more depending what you want for example makeup or location etc.

http://www.yourtype.com/survive/headshots.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_shot

Placido Domingo

Placido Domingo is a classical music singer known world wide, who is recognized for being one of the greatest personalities in the opera world. He is the current director of two major companies: The Washington National Opera, and the LA Opera; and also enjoys a role of conductor.

Domingo was born in Spain, but after a tour through Mexico, his family decided to stay there and start their own business; which later own was able to paid for his performances. While getting small performances in different places of Mexico, he started to study piano and also give voice lessons in order to master his technique and skills.

His first debut as a tenor was in 1959 in Mexico City, and he played the big role of a character named Alfredo from a classical piece La Traviatta. That same year, he sang in the United States, and from there on, he became a member of Hebrew National Opera in Telaviv from 1962 to 1964. After his short life in the Hebrew National Opera Group, the jumped to the Metropolitan Opera, and stared singing all over the world. Recently, he celebrated his 40^th anniversary from his first debut. Some of the places he has performed include the Escala in Italy, and Verona.

As a singer, has performed in more than 134 opera roles. Domingo has 100 recordings of  himself singing, and as a conductor, he has participated in over 450 operas. In 1993 he introduced the international voice competition: Operalia.

http://www.bach-cantatas.com/Bio/Domingo-Placido.htm