Growing My Company

I hope to eventually grow my production company into a label.  To gain insight about this, I interviewed the owner of MVP Artist Management- Eric Stancil.

What is the main focus of your company?

MVP focuses on Christian artist development.  We basically take artists that have great talent but need a little help and make them ready to be signed by a record label.  Our focus is artist development making sure they have the look; making sure they sound their best; and making sure they are making the right decisions.  We also teach them about the music industry because a lot of artists especially Christian artists don't know what they should about the music business.

          What is the market need that your company fills?

My artists have a unique sound I look for artists that don't sound mainstream in terms of vocals and music; the music industry needs artists with a fresh sound.  We also scout for artists that aren't in the major music cities (NY, LA, ATL, etc).  MVP specializes in bringing those artists who may not ever be discovered (because of where they live) to the forefront where they can be heard.

Do you have any local competitors?

I really don't know if I have any competitors we are all just trying to get the message of Christ out to the world and I don't think there is competition in that, there is room for all of us.  I'm sure there are many other Christian management companies out there that I am not aware of.

How does your company earn revenue?

My company takes 15% of the artists net income (record sales, tour income, etc.) which is after all the other expenses are paid (band, hotel expenses, recoupable expenses).  Whatever the artist keeps in their pocket I get 15% of that.

What stands out about MVP Artist Management?

At MVP we are really into artist development which I think has been overlooked in the industry.  We understand that not all artists will come "ready to go" but we have a eye to recognize hidden talent that just needs to be groomed.  We are extremely honest with our artists we don't have "hidden" agendas.  We want to partner with the artist not rip them off.  A successful artist means a successful company, we are in it with them!

MVP Artist Management Website

Manager Measurement

    When I'm not teaching art to 7th and 8th graders, I stay busy with music.  I am a co-founder of a building production company and a manager of a group of artists.  I understand that I am an essential part of the success of my artists.  When they succeed, I succeed, and if they fail, I fail.  I'm always open to assistance and always looking for ways to ensure the success of my artists.  I recently checked out an article dealing with artist management, and it touched on some key points.


    The article listed eight reasons why a artist or band needs a manager.  In this blog I wanted to share a few of those eight reasons and how they currently relate to my experience as a manager.  The first reason discussed was career guidance.  The article talks about seeing the big picture.  Being able to see things in a broader view for planning and putting things in perspective.  It's good to have a vision for your artists and for them to know that you making it a priority to see that vision reached.


    Another factor the article highlights is being a cheerleader for your artist.  The article says to be as enthusiastic as a fan when promoting and representing your artist. Enthusiasm is not a problem for me.  I used to be where my artists are. I used to write songs for myself.  However, now that I'm a manager, I get the chance to live vicariously through their work and I get excited every time they succeed.


    The third reason i'll discuss is time management.  There are so many things involved with being an artist that many arms are needed.  It's the manager's job to grow those extra arms and take care of all those additional needs.  Being that I'm a new manager, I have to wear many hats. I'm a songwriter, engineer, artist developer, contact person, promoter, scout, vocal coach, counselor, taxi, and more. It' a lot of work, but I know it will eventually pay off.

Source: http://www.artistmanagementresource.com/helpful-articles/29-8-reasons-why-a-band-or-artist-needs-a-manager.html
    

THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTION

Choc City Productions has just released their first compilation mixtape!

"The Pursuit of Perfection"

Support new artists and Support the DMV MUSIC MOVEMENT!!!

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The Digital Age is Now

Let’s pretend it's 1995 and you hear on the radio that your favorite artist is releasing a new album.  You're so excited.  Filled with anticipation you wonder what to expect on this new album.  You wonder when the first single will be released.  You wish you could have those questions answered in a flash, but instead you basically have to sit and wait until it hits the stores.

As an artist in 1995 you eagerly want to appeal to your fans.  Of course you can have a concert, do a tour, have a release party, or even do radio/TV/magazine interviews and contests.  But how long does that take?  How complex of a job is it to set up a tour? How long will fans have to wait to see or read that interview?  Wouldn't it be great to market to millions of fans in the shortest time?

Welcome to the future!  It's 2011 and it seems everything is going digital.  The internet, social network sites, YouTube, blog sites, and mobile media, are all ways artists and fans are closing the "reach gap." Artists have pages on the very same sites their fans use.  Twitter allows you to actually become a welcomed stalker and "follow" celebrities.  You have the opportunity to feel apart of that artist's world as you read their tweets of what their day entails.  Artists can take pictures and post them to the site, and you the fan can view them as if you're there.  You can even tweet a message to them, and they can even respond.  YouTube has allowed us to become everyday stars and directors.  Being able to upload your own videos and share them has jumpstarted the career of many artists.  A link to a video can spread like wildfire and in no time.  Some artists like Soulja Boy, and Rebecca Black have become sensations almost over a few days.  The downfall I think YouTube has is that there really isn't a filter.  That means that some artists who actually are lacking in ability may still become widely more popular than their counterparts, just because of a gimmick.  However, if an unknown artist can rack up millions of viewers in a few days with limited ability and a gimmick, then there must be something there worth investing in.  The marketing aspect works as well.  If an artist is pushed and promoted the right way, success is more likely to happen.  Blog sites allow the regular fan to become an author.  They become the kind of author whose words can be viewed by anyone who can get online.  

The most current trend is mobile media.  Now people can access many of the sites they visit at their computer, from their phones.  This not only makes word travel faster but also makes things more convenient as well.  

Sources:

http://www.famehouse.net/2011/03/11/as-it-stands-digital-marketing-in-the-music-industry/

http://www.digitalfire.co.za/blog/digital-marketing-and-the-music-industry/

Business Plan Development

After reading some of the aspects at what Mark Cuban looks for in a business plan, I feel better prepared for the future.  One of the aspects was to make sure there is an actual need for my product or service.  There really wouldn’t be a point to invest in me if my product or service isn’t wanted.  Another aspect is to make sure there’s a market for the product.  It’ll be a waste of time to make a product or service with no market or audience.

Mark Cuban will also analyze the potential growth of the business.  Any investor wants to back a product or service that they believe will see consistent growth.  Consistent growth will bring consistent success.

I feel this part is the most important aspect that an investor will see.  I believe that most businesses may struggle at first, but if an investor can see the potential for substantial growth in the future then that may be enough for them to support it.

I intend to incorporate all these aspects by staying current with my industry.  Checking online, magazines, and news daily will keep me abreast of anything trending or changing in my industry.  Researching similar products and services will also help.  I can study what things were successful and which were unsuccessful.  That will strengthen my game-plan.

Star Searching- The Process

I'm the co-founder of a local production/management team and I'm looking to add two roster spots.  I'm looking for either a female or male pop artist and a female hip hop artist.  I'm currently in the middle of the search process, so I decided to blog about the experience so far.


I used Craig's List to spread the word.  After a few days, I had received numerous responses to the add.  One of the first things I noticed was that some people either failed to thoroughly read my ad, or simply did not care what my ad asked.  The ad had specified my interest in adding a female hip hop artist, yet my first response to the ad was from a male.  


The ad also requested that those who were interested be professional as well.  The aforementioned male came up short in that department as well.  His response was simply "Please Contact (301-555-____)."  Along with that was an attachment of his music.  There was no introduction.  There wasn't any opening statement telling me who he was or what he does, just that one line and the attachment. NEXT!


I also received a response, again from a male, who this time had a small introduction.  However, what turned me off in this one was that instead of attaching his music, the prospect told me to "Google him."
Google you? Google you? Who are you? I can't have an artist who thinks he's a diva prematurely. NEXT!


Now don't get me wrong, I have received some decent responses, and I've already started communication and even auditioning some of them.  Everyone wasn't a total bust.  I've actually come across a male singer who I have decided to work with.  One good response however, cannot rid my mind of the many other strange replies.  Whether it's a female singer who after three or four emails back and forth finally realized that I was based in the DC area while she lived in Florida.  Or perhaps the sweet intrigued young lady; who said she was by herself when it came to music and saw my ad as an opportunity to join a team of people for a common goal, informed me after eighteen messages that her manager just worked out a deal with a label.  Wait.  You work alone, but have a manger? Right. 


All in all, I enjoy the process of looking for new talent.  It just never fails that somewhere along the line some foolishness will appear.  Stay tuned, I have another audition tomorrow evening. :)


http://www.artistshousemusic.org/videos/how+to+promote+your+career+as+an+independent+artist