Music Biz Academy Digest - Issue #26 - January 7th, 2002
An update from http://www.musicbizacademy.com.

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THE MUSIC BIZ ACADEMY
http://www.musicbizacademy.com

The Musician's Online Directory:
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/directory

The Academy (Articles and Tips)
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles

The Bookstore
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore

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Welcome, subscribers to the January 7th edition of the Music
Biz Academy Digest!


IN CASE YOU MISSED IT....
2001 was a year that brought a lot of change to the online music
business. In reviewing the big stories of the last year, a few
really stood out...

1) NAPSTER FALLS
At the beginning of 2001, then Napster CEO Hank Berry stated that
his goal for 2001 was to "make Napster prosper as a real
business. To see that it is just a normal part of how people
listen to music." Instead, after being pelted with copyright
infringement lawsuits from the music industry, Napster was forced
to shut down. Napster hopes to launch a new, completely legal,
subscription service in 2002. Prediction: It's going to be an
uphill climb for Napster. Only a very innovative, user-friendly
technology that gets rave reviews will save it. Napster's running
out of time.

2) COPY-PROTECTED CDs ENTER THE MAINSTREAM
In a effort to fight rampant piracy on the Internet, the music
industry introduced copy-protected CDs into the general
marketplace. But angry consumers have been frustrated by the new
technology, which has been reported, in a few cases, to prevent
CDs from being played on a computer at all. Look for evolving
copy-protection standards in 2002, as well as more complaints
from frustrated consumers as copy-proof CDs become the norm.
Prediction: A very hot topic in 2002.

3) MP3.COM GROWS UP
In 2001, MP3.com went from being an online project driven by the
independent music community, to entering into marriage with the
music industry. It was a year of drastic change, as MP3.com
struggled to both redefine itself and avoid the fate of Napster.
After its acquisition by Vivendi Universal, and the changes that
followed, many unhappy independent artists abandoned MP3.com.
But, as 2001 closed, MP3.com had, in the end, appeared to have
changed for the better. Expect 2002 to be a good year for
MP3.com, as well as for artists who continue to optimize MP3.com
as a promotion tool for their music.

4) RIAA FIGHTS NAPSTER LOOKALIKES
With Napster in lawsuit limbo much of the year, Napster clones
jumped into the void it left behind, with the RIAA (Recording
Industry Association of America) filing more lawsuits along the
way. Aimster, Audiogalaxy, and Gnutella did their best to attract
former Napster users, but MusicCity's Morpheus stepped up as the
heir-apparent by the end of 2001. This year, expect to see this
battle to heat up, as the Napster/RIAA battle of 2001 becomes the
Morpheus/RIAA battle of 2002, though to a lesser degree.

5) MUSIC INDUSTRY GETS GRILLED
The controversial practices of the recording industry came under
much legal fire last year from such highly visible artists as
Elton John, LeAnn Rimes, Don Henley and Courtney Love. Even the
Senate Judiciary Committee got involved, holding hearings on 'The
Future of Digital Music,' examining the future of online
distribution and how copyright laws should best be applied. Most
recently, the recording industry was condemned by the FTC for not
doing enough to curb advertising of inappropriate material to
children. By being the legal attack dog of 2001, the recording
industry drew the ire of many, and by the end of 2001 the media
began to noticeably favor the underdog. This fight is just
beginning. In 2002, expect to see more artists rallying to take
on the record industry, and watch the industry struggle with
exactly what to do about it.

6) PRESSPLAY, MUSICNET SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES LAUNCH
The end of 2001 saw the launch of these, the first pay-for-music
subscription services. Opening to less-than-rave reviews, these
two services left music fans wondering, 'Is this it?'. But, with
some record labels investing their future into these services,
expect them to become better established in 2002. There will also
be technological improvements as the year unfolds. At least, we
all hope so.

So, there you have it. The stories shaping the future of online
music. 2002 looks to be a year that will define how we pay for
and receive mainstream music in the future, both on the Internet,
and in the your local record store.

That said, I hope that in 2002 you will continue to support
independent music. All this talk of lawsuits, copyright
infringement, piracy, pay-for-play, rules, laws, and Senate
Judiciary Committees just makes me long for sweet, simple music.

Just give me the music.

David Nevue
The Music Biz Academy
http://www.musicbizacademy.com
http://www.mp3.com/davidnevue


SUPPORT YOUR HOST!
MusicBizAcademy.com is brought to you by David Nevue, author of
'How to Promote Your Music Successfully on the Internet'
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/htpromotemusic.htm.

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MUSIC IS YOUR BUSINESS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiciyb.htm
Used as the official textbook for the Art Institute of Seattle's
Audio program, this invaluable book is filled with insights into
the music business and tactics for marketing your music. It
includes examples of industry marketing documents, a sample of an
artist bio and fact sheet, and checklists for starting your
career and running your own record label. Available in hard copy
for $24.95!


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Latest Additions To The Academy
http://musicbizacademy.com/articles/
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WHAT'S A RECORD LABEL DEAL ALL ABOUT?
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/recorddeal.htm
It is my experience that most musicians think they want a record
deal, but know nothing about these ominous 80–100 page,
single-spaced recording contracts. Recording contracts are
legally binding agreements between individuals who make up a band
and a corporation. The following information is provided to you
as a basic outline to the key parts of a recording contract.


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Recent Additions/Updates to the Musician's Directory....
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/directory
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BARCODING - INDEPENDENT RECORDS
http://www.indierec.com/
To sell your CDs in stores, you'll need a bar code for your
product. Unfortunately, getting your own UCC vendor code can be a
bit spendy. Independent Records provides an essential service for
musicians in this position. If you register your CD release with
Independent Records, they will add your product to their catalog
and serve as your 'record label.' This allows IR to generate and
assign your product a bar code which you can then use for your CD
release. Check out the site for more details.


DISCMAKERS
http://www.discmakers.com/
DiscMakers is arguably the most well known CD Manufacturer
marketing itself to independent musicians. If you know almost
nothing about the CD Manufacturing process, and don't have the
time or desire to learn, DiscMakers is a good choice. You can
send in your photo, and they will design the entire package for
you, then send you a proof for your final approval and/or
adjustments. They have excellent customer service, and a high
quality product. You can expect to pay a bit more for their
'one-on-one' service, however. DiscMakers is generally about 20%
higher than most of their competitors, even with their 'new,
lower prices.' But again, a good choice for those just getting
started who want to hire a company to handle all the CD design
decisions for them.


ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINER'S LINKS WORKSHOP
http://www.jcoston.bizland.com/workshop.htm
This site started out as one performer's 'little black book',
until when, in 1995 the performer, Jim Coston, decided to put his
information in Cyberspace to share with other musicians. We're
grateful he did. This vast web site of links and information for
the "working entertainer", is very well worth a visit. The page
is nicely organized, and there is lot's of interest to any
hard-working musician. The directory includes links to booking
agencies (Int'l and U.S.), casting calls, classified ads,
databases, trade publications, film resources, performing arts
organizations, products, record labels, unions and more.


JAVAMUSIC: CD MANUFACTURING
http://www.javamusic.com/CDDuplication/CDPackages.asp
JavaMusic, the well know musician's community, also offers CD
manufacturing services to independent musicians. Their prices are
extremely reasonable, and in fact are some of the lowest we've
seen; 1000 CDs, with on-disc printing, a 4 panel insert,
shrink-wrap and the works for $999 (add $175 for film). For add'l
options, of which there are many, check out the site.


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Contests & Competitions
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101 ONLINE MUSIC PR SOURCES - FREE TO TWO WINNERS EVERY MONTH
http://www.bob-baker.com/buzz/onlinepr.html
Bob Baker is giving away copies of his new music publicity
resource. "Some professionals hide their secrets, but not Bob,"
says Jeffrey P. Fisher, author of Ruthless Self-Promotion in the
Music Industry. Fisher is referring to Bob Baker's "Online Music
PR Hot List," a new downloadable book that reveals 101 places to
submit press releases, get reviewed, uncover PR connections and
promote your music on the Internet. Every month, Baker will give
away two copies of this new online music PR directory.


NATIONAL 'INDIE BAND SEARCH 2002'
http://www.indiebandsearch.com/
ModMusic Records is proud to announce the Indie Band Search 2002.
The Indie Band Search is a national contest that gives
independent musicians, artists, songwriters, and bands a chance
to be heard by entertainment industry professionals and compete
for prizes worth over $10,000. *Deadline for entries is February
14, 2002.


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Articles From Around The Net....
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HOW TO USE T-SHIRTS TO MARKET YOUR BAND
http://www.raintreescreenprint.com/Band_Exposure.htm
This short article from Raintree Screenprint demonstrates the
marketing potential T-Shirt sales.


ONLINE MUSIC SERVICES DON'T IMPRESS INSIDERS
http://www.dmusic.com/news/6093
Welcome to 2002: The Year of the Living Dangerously. For the
record labels that is. The major labels took their sweet time and
finally rolled out Pressplay and MusicNet, online music
subscription services, as 2001 came to an end. The reaction thus
far has been, in a word, blah. And the reaction I am talking
about is not coming from consumers, it is coming from inside the
industry.


2001: THE YEAR IN DIGITAL MUSIC
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/newsarticle.asp?nid=15137
2001 will go down as the year digital music grew up -- or at
least, underwent growing pains. Napster was smacked down. The
Recording Industry hatched online music subscription plans. And
digital music players finally made the grade. Here's a rundown of
the year's winners and losers.


ANALYSIS: PRESSPLAY & MUSICNET - TWO DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO
MUSIC DISTRIBUTION
http://www.nandotimes.com/entertainment/story/203891p-1987678c.html
Pressplay and MusicNet, the two new music distribution services
owned by major record companies, were designed with the same
thought in mind: to protect the industry's flanks from online
pirates. But the two companies make sharply different assumptions
about consumers and what they might want from an online music
service.


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Featured Music Industry News
http://www.musicbizacademy.com
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INTERNET RADIO LISTENING ALMOST QUADRUPLES IN 2001
http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=31076
MeasureCast, Inc., the first company to provide Internet radio
broadcasters with next-day streaming audience size and
demographics data, today reported that the weekly MeasureCast
Internet Radio Listening Index· rose more than 9% to an index
value of 397, meaning the total time spent listening (TTLS) since
January 2001 has almost quadrupled.


VIVENDI UNIVERSAL EXPANDS MP3.COM IN EUROPE
http://www.bizreport.com/article.php?art_id=2682&PHPSESSID=9972851a5ade062f941b1\
9306544e415
Online music site MP3.com on Thursday launched country-specific
sites in Europe as part of an expansion driven by parent company
Vivendi Universal. Vivendi Universal said its MP3.com Europe unit
has switched on localized music sites in the U.K., France,
Germany and Spain. Plans call for more country sites to be
established next year, the company said in a statement Thursday
evening.


CD PRICES CUT AS NAPSTER BLUES PLAY ON
http://www.msnbc.com/news/678904.asp
U.S. shoppers may think they have seen enough bargains this
holiday season, but CDs at $9.99 may soon be a standard offer at
music stores as retailers slash prices in bid to battle the
scourge of online music piracy. So for studios, artists and
retailers alike, 2001 is closing out as a year of few sweet notes
as the industry is also being hit by a lack of blockbuster pop
music releases.


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Recommended Resources
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HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR MUSIC SUCCESSFULLY ON THE INTERNET
2002 Edition!
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/htpromotemusic.htm
If you want to sell your music on the net in any form, this book
will teach you how to design and market a web site that will SELL
YOUR MUSIC and bring in that extra income you need to boost and
financially support your music career! The author is currently
making over $4000 a month selling music related products and
advertising on the internet. 'How to Promote Your Music
Successfully on the Internet' shows you exactly how he did it,
step by step! Download Version Available for only $14.95!


THE GUERRILLA MUSIC MARKETING HANDBOOK
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/guerrillamusic.htm
This guide to independent music success features over 175 ways to
thrive and prosper with your own band or record label. Download
Version Available! The PDF version of this great book is now only
$29.95!


101 MUSIC BUSINESS CONTRACTS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/101contracts.htm
Can’t afford a lawyer? That’s OK. We’re here to help, with 101
Industry Standard Contracts available for instant download, or on
CD, or printed in a binder just for you. All for less than what
you would pay an Entertainment Lawyer for 15 minutes worth of his
time.


THE MUSICIAN'S ATLAS - 2002 Edition
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiciansatlas.htm
Created by The Music Resource Group, this 368-page volume
provides access to over 15,000 music businesses and key industry
contacts in more than 25 categories. Current names, phone and fax
numbers, e-mail and website addresses, detailed submission
policies and the styles of music preferred is just some of the
information you'll find on every page of The Atlas. Available in
hard copy for only $24.95!


THE INDIE BIBLE
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/indiecontactbible.htm
Need to create some BUZZ about your music? Looking for reviewers?
Radio station contacts? Promotion services? Then grab The Indie
Bible. This fantastic new musicians 'black book' contains pages
filled with contacts with publications and radio programmers all
over the world. These are people who actively look for music to
review! Download or Hard Copy Version Available for $24.95!


MUSIC IS YOUR BUSINESS
http://www.musicbizacademy.com/bookstore/musiciyb.htm
Used as the official textbook for the Art Institute of Seattle's
Audio program, this invaluable book is filled with insights into
the music business and tactics for marketing your music. It
includes examples of industry marketing documents, a sample of an
artist bio and fact sheet, and checklists for starting your
career and running your own record label. Available in hard copy
for $24.95!


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ALSO FROM MIDNIGHT RAIN PRODUCTIONS

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THE FREE SHEET MUSIC GUIDE
http://www.freesheetmusicguide.com

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http://www.sheetmusicaddict.com

WHISPERINGS: SOLO PIANO RADIO
http://www.mp3.com/stations/whisperings

Thanks for your continued support of The Music Biz Academy!

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The Music Biz Academy Digest is brought to you by The Music
Biz Academy (http://www.musicbizacademy.com) . It is a resource
designed for musicians promoting or selling music on the
internet. Each week we feature news, articles, and reviews
related to the art of online music promotion and music related
product sales.

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