Jim DeLorenzo’s Post

Have you ever wonder Why Over 2000 African Artists Choose SoundMac In the fast paced world of music distribution, Soundmac stands out as a beacon for over 2000 African artists. What makes Soundmac the go to platform for these talented individuals? Let's delve into the reasons behind this overwhelming preference. 1. Tailored for African Artists: Soundmac understands the unique challenges and aspirations of African musicians. Our platform is designed to cater specifically to their needs, providing a seamless and effective distribution channel. 2. Diverse Revenue Streams: We empower artists with multiple revenue streams beyond just music sales. Licensing, sync opportunities, and merchandise sales are integrated into our platform, ensuring artists maximize their earnings potential. 3. User-Friendly Interface: Our intuitive interface makes music distribution and management a breeze. Artists can easily upload, monitor, and promote their tracks, giving them full control over their content. 4. Personalized Support: At Soundmac, artists are not just numbers; they are valued partners. Our dedicated support team provides personalized assistance, helping artists navigate challenges and maximize their potential. 5. Continuous Improvement: We listen to our artists' feedback and constantly improve our platform based on their needs. This commitment to evolution ensures that Soundmac remains at the forefront of music distribution. In conclusion, Soundmac's unwavering dedication to African artists, coupled with innovative technology and personalized support, makes it the preferred choice for over 2000 musicians. As we continue on this journey, we look forward to empowering even more artists and shaping the future of African music on a global scale.

An Open Letter to Music Industry friends and colleagues. Dear Music business, We find ourselves at a pivotal moment in the music industry's history. The landscape of our beloved industry is undergoing rapid and significant changes, presenting both challenges and opportunities for all of us involved in the creation, production, and distribution of music. The digital revolution has fundamentally altered how music is consumed, shared, and monetized. Streaming platforms have become the primary mode of music consumption, changing revenue models and listener habits. Social media and digital marketing have transformed how artists connect with their audience and promote their work. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain are poised to revolutionize various aspects of our industry, from music creation to rights management. In light of these changes, we must: 1. Embrace innovation while protecting artists' rights and fair compensation 2. Foster collaboration between established industry players and new tech entrants 3. Prioritize artist development and diverse voices in an increasingly saturated market 4. Adapt our business models to ensure sustainability in the digital age 5. Invest in education and skills development to navigate this new landscape We call upon all industry stakeholders to come together, share insights, and work collaboratively to shape a future that benefits artists, executives, and music lovers alike. Let's harness these changes to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable music ecosystem. The future of music is in our hands. Let's compose it together. Sincerely, Ross Wilson Paryag

Independent artists and labels had a 46.7% share of the global recorded music business - Independent labels and artists own nearly half of the global recorded music market. - The U.S. market is more concentrated, with major labels owning a larger share. Independent labels have a higher distribution share globally than in the U.S. - Emerging markets are growing rapidly, attracting investment from major and independent labels. - Streaming and social media have empowered independent artists and labels globally. - The music industry is experiencing both fragmentation and consolidation. https://lnkd.in/guEFsV_w

Could this describe you? Allen Johnston – The Music Specialist www.asha.com In today's world, music has become ubiquitous. With the rise of technology and the accessibility of recording equipment, anyone can transform their bedroom into a studio. However, this ease of access has also flooded the market with aspiring artists who may not possess remarkable talent. In my extensive travels, I've encountered countless acts, but only a few truly stand out. There are several factors contributing to this saturation: Many musicians lack a fundamental understanding of musical notation, treating music more as an art than a science. A prevalent mindset among entertainers is that if their music resembles that of successful artists, it will automatically appeal to the masses. Copycat culture prevails, with artists remixing existing songs and claiming them as original creations. However, these imitations often pale in comparison to the originals. Merely being local does not guarantee artistic merit. Despite numerous artists attempting to emulate popular figures like Soul Jah Boy, few manage to produce music of substance. Consider this: how many variations of a chant can one create? States like Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida boast countless songs that mimic the "Call and Response" tradition, yet few offer anything truly innovative. This phenomenon extends beyond hip-hop, permeating the gospel music scene. Many "holy" artists lack genuine talent or integrity. Religious affiliation does not guarantee success in the music industry. Many failed secular artists have transitioned to gospel, believing it to be an easier path to recognition. Have you noticed the abundance of mediocre music across genres like rock, neo-soul, R&B, jazz, country, blues, and southern soul? Listening to radio, online platforms, or live performances has become tiresome, with artists prioritizing authenticity over commercial appeal. As digital platforms replace CDs, the pace of music consumption accelerates. Who controls the playlist in this digital era? Those with unique talent or established fame can still monetize their craft, but for others, music sharing has made their work freely available. With more people curating their playlists, the music industry demands innovation and creativity. Who will emerge as the next musical genius or multimedia visionary? The question remains: Could you be one of them?

So I think bifurcation theory is interesting and the music business is undergoing cell division. But I think a trifurcation (splitting into 3) is more likely. Algorithmic: Passive listening through streaming Social: Multi-hyphenate music content for fans that’s mediated by large social platforms Experiential: Music designed to be consumed live, in scarce experiences (DJs, jam bands jazz, festivals) The walls between social and experiential will be porous and both will share certain tactics but Experiential Artists will optimize for live music: improv, a large repertoire, can’t miss experiences. A select few artists will operate in more than one dimension and these will be our superstars. P.S. Coachella is getting kind of moldy because it is programming an “experience” with artists that are either algorithmic or social instead of experiential. This is spear tip of trifurcation.

Some good news out of the music industry (for a change)... Even weirder, it comes from Major label land. BLACKPINK member LISA and her company LLOUD Co. struck a partnership with Sony-owned RCA for her solo recordings. Why's that good? "according to the press release, LISA will 'have full ownership of all her recordings,'" per Music Business Worldwide (MBW) So rather than a traditional major label deal, where the artist no longer owns the recordings, LISA/LLOUD Co. have licensed the recordings to Sony instead. This is increasingly common, meaning the days of old-school record deals are numbered, which is great news for artists, fans, and the music industry in general, aside from those who wished to exploit artists for short term gain. Because those old-school deals almost always ended badly. Either the artist never recouped the initial investment and their career was over before it started (usually), or the artist hit big... and realized ~ 85% of the money generated was going to the label. And the kicker, they probably owe the label multiple additional records on the deal. No, most artists don't command LISA levels of attention, and will have a harder time getting a major to agree to this kind of deal. But it *never* used to happen. Now it's happening more and more, at levels up and down the music industry. This is not a trend, it's the smarter way to do business - and it means an increasingly transparent, equitable music industry across the board, at least when it comes to record deals. Whether you're a member of BLACKPINK or the newest artist on the block, the advice is the same: be your own label first, and license from there.

Adjusting to the Future: The Statutory Mechanical Rate Increase of 2024 The music industry has been evolving, and so has the framework designed to ensure fair compensation for the creative minds behind it. January 1, 2024, marked a significant milestone with the implementation of a new statutory mechanical rate. This update, championed by industry stakeholders such as the National Music Publishers' Association, aims to better reflect the contemporary music industry landscape. The new 2024 statutory mechanical rate is a testament to the industry's ongoing efforts to adapt to the changing dynamics of music consumption and distribution, guaranteeing that songwriters and publishers receive the compensation they rightly deserve. As of January 1, 2024, the statutory mechanical rate for physical goods and permanent downloads has been updated to the greater of 12.4 cents per unit for recordings under five minutes in length, or 2.38 cents per minute for recordings over five minutes. This update builds upon the rate of $0.12 per song and 2.1 cents per minute set on January 1, 2023, and introduces an annual adjustment tied to the Consumer Price Index for the next four years. Tracing the evolution of mechanical royalty rates from their inception to the present day highlights the industry's adaptability to technological progress and shifting market trends. The 2024 rate increase illuminates the complex ecosystem of the music industry and underscores the necessity of a compensation strategy that balances the needs of creators, distributors, and consumers. For songwriters and publishers, this rate adjustment marks a step towards more equitable compensation for their creations. Conversely, record labels and digital platforms must recalibrate their financial models to accommodate the new rates.

🚀 Did you know Web3 music is shaking up the entire music industry? Discover why traditional music moguls are on high alert. Dive into this compelling read and stay ahead of the curve! 🎵✨ Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gX2VRJhk #MusicRevolution #Web3 #FutureOfMusic #MusicIndustry #TechInnovation 🎧🔗🔍

Investing in musicians and songs has never been easier, thanks to innovative companies that allow individuals to diversify their portfolios by investing in music royalties. These platforms provide a unique opportunity for music fans and investors to support artists while potentially earning a return on their investment. Here are some of the companies that enable investments in musicians and songs. 1. ANote Music: ANote Music is a leading platform for music investments, offering a stage for investors to purchase shares of music royalties. With over 30,000 investors already participating, ANote Music allows individuals to diversify their wealth by investing in world-renowned catalogues and earning as artists generate revenue. This platform provides a transparent and secure way to invest in the music industry. 2. SongVest: SongVest is revolutionizing the music marketplace by offering fans and investors the opportunity to purchase fractional shares of music royalties. By allowing investors to directly invest in hit songs, SongVest is democratizing access to music investments. Investors can now participate in the success of iconic songs and earn returns as the songs generate revenue. 3. Music Royalties Inc.: Music Royalties Inc. provides investors with the chance to invest in the cash flows generated by top artists. By offering a unique pool of music royalties from iconic artists, Music Royalties Inc. aims to provide investors with the opportunity to benefit from the success of well-known musicians. This platform allows investors to diversify their portfolios while supporting the music industry. 4. Sonomo: Sonomo offers investors the opportunity to invest in music royalties and earn monthly dividends. With thousands of assets to choose from, investors can build a balanced portfolio of music royalties and potentially earn passive income. Sonomo provides a user-friendly platform for investors to explore and engage with the music industry. By enabling investors to purchase shares of music royalties, these platforms are democratizing access to the music industry and allowing fans to participate in the financial success of their favorite artists. Investing in musicians and songs has never been more accessible, thanks to these innovative companies.