Unit 1: Music Industry

Local Venues

Advantages:

• Could have economic advantages for the local area because it would bring money in for the chosen area.
• these places are normally where people start their part in the music industry, because to get to the top you have to start at the bottom - bands who are starting from the bottom could also be known as emerging bands
• can bring communities together
• less nerve-racking for the performers

Disadvantages:

• some customers may not like the genre of the chosen band/soloist that is performing, which may result in fewer customers
• some performers may not be very good
• may not be any contractors/scouts for performers (less opportunities)
• not a very big crowd

Questions to ask at the venue

• What type of audiences do you attract?
• What is the peak time for people to come to this venue?
• How much do you charge your customers?
• How many people can you fit into your venue?
• What deals do your performers receive (e.g. beverages, facilities)?
• What facilities are there for your customers?
• How much does the venue earn per-event (approximately.)?

The Big Project 

Scenario: John Legend would like to do a gig in his local area of Hertfordshire

Artist Representation: Their job is to organise the choice of venue, where and when it is happening. They also need to discuss with the promoters what advertising they want, also need to discuss with transportation and hire companies about what staging they want. They collect ticket prices for the gig. And they need to pay the artist, pay for staging, advertising, royalties and choice of union.

Promoter: They have to organise promotional packages (adverts, fliers, posters etc.) also they have to discuss with transportation and hire companies the staging arrangements. They must calculate how many tickets are coming in and how much money is being earned. They are responsible for securing a venue, they promote the show via media (flier, social networks and radio).

Broadcaster: in charge of the TV and radio companies, they get paid for any advertising that goes into the media. They have to pay royalties for playing tracks.

Royalty Collection Agency: collect money every time a piece of music is paid, making sure money goes to artist who originally created that track.

Unions (x3): Equity, Musicians Union and BECTU. They all provide support if something goes wrong. Liability insurance, legal fees, damages claims and compensation, also advice, and they cost an annual fee.

Transport and Hire companies: hire out equipment from them (audio, staging, lighting and PA). Have to get these things transported there and back.