Bab 25: Labels
Geoffrey noticed the change in Arell's demeanour and leaned forward, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Hey, Arell, I can see that the idea of approaching record labels might be a bit intimidating, but let me assure you, it's not as daunting as it seems."
Arell nodded, grateful for Geoffrey's calming presence. "I guess I've just heard so many stories about artists getting taken advantage of by record labels."
Geoffrey nodded sympathetically. "I understand where you're coming from. There are certainly horror stories out there, but it's important to remember that not all record labels are like that."
He leaned back in his chair, gesturing with his hands as he spoke. "Think of a record label as a partnership. Yes, they provide financial backing and distribution channels, but they also offer access to industry connections, marketing expertise, and professional guidance. It's like having a team of experts in your corner, working to elevate your music career to the next level."
Arell considered Geoffrey's words, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over him.
Geoffrey continued, addressing another common misconception. "Now, I won't sugarcoat it - signing with a record label does involve giving up a certain amount of creative control. But that doesn't mean you'll lose all autonomy over your music."
He paused, letting his words sink in. "It's all about finding the right fit. A label that shares your vision and respects your artistic integrity."
Geoffrey's voice softened as he acknowledged the flip side of the coin. "But listen, Arell, it would be naive to ignore the potential downsides of record labels. Here's the thing, those horror stories you mentioned. They have some truth to them."
"There's the whole contract situation," Geoffrey continued, "Labels love a good 360 deal. That means they take a cut of everything – not just your music sales, but also touring revenue, merchandise sales, even your publishing rights."
Arell's eyes widened. "Everything? That seems… excessive."
"It can be," Geoffrey agreed, "especially for a developing artist. You might end up pouring your heart and soul into your music, while the label reaps most of the financial rewards."
He held up a finger, offering a glimmer of hope. "There are other types of deals, though. Royalty deals, for instance, where you earn a percentage on every record sold. Or distribution deals, where the label simply gets your music out there but doesn't claim a cut of your other income streams."
Geoffrey stirred in his seat, getting into a more comfortable position. "There's more, Arell. Labels often have a hidden agenda – building hype. They might push you to churn out generic, commercially viable music that sells rather than allow you to express your artistic side."
Arell winced. The thought of compromising his artistic vision for fleeting popularity disturbed him, although being popular appealed to him, he certainly enjoyed the freedom of making music that he enjoyed.
"There's also the concept of 'recoupable advances,'" Geoffrey continued, his tone serious. "If a label offers you money upfront to record an album, that's not free cash. It's an advance on future royalties. You only see a dime after the label recoups that investment, which can take years, especially with a smaller fanbase."
Geoffrey paused, allowing Arell to absorb the information. He could sense Arell's growing concern about the potential pitfalls of signing with a record label. After a moment, he leaned forward again, his expression thoughtful yet determined.
"But here's the thing, Arell," Geoffrey began, his voice gaining a note of conviction. "You don't have to follow the traditional route of signing with a record label if it doesn't feel right for you. There's another option - you can create your own record label."
Arell's eyebrows lifted, intrigued by the idea. "Create my own record label? Its something I considered… It sounds liberating, but wouldn't establishing my own label be a colossal undertaking? I'm not even sure where to begin with the legalities."
Geoffrey chuckled, his laughter dispelling Arell's apprehension. "It certainly requires dedication," he acknowledged, "but the legal landscape of the music industry has undergone a metamorphosis."
Pausing for effect, Geoffrey leaned forward and elaborated. "The cornerstone of any label, independent or otherwise, is a firm grasp on copyright. This ensures you own the intellectual property of your music – the compositions and recordings themselves. Copyright registration grants you legal protection against unauthorized use of your work." Arell absorbed this information, the weight of responsibility settling in.
"Then comes music licensing," Geoffrey continued. "This governs how your music is used in various contexts – streaming platforms, movies, video games, and so on. Understanding licensing terms and negotiating favourable deals will be paramount in ensuring you receive fair compensation for your work."
Arell appreciated Geoffrey's meticulous approach. He didn't want any legal loopholes to jeopardize his musical journey.
"The legalities can get intricate, Arell," Geoffrey cautioned, "But don't let that deter you," Geoffrey continued, his tone encouraging. "Many successful artists have navigated these complexities and established their own labels, giving them unprecedented creative control and financial autonomy."
He leaned back in his chair, a contemplative expression on his face. "However, it's essential to be aware of a common pitfall in the music industry - what I like to call 'pseudo-independence.'" Arell furrowed his brow, intrigued by Geoffrey's terminology. "What do you mean by 'pseudo-independence'?"
Geoffrey nodded, clarifying his point. "Well, Arell, some artists create their own labels with the intention of maintaining full control over their music careers. However, they end up partnering with larger record labels as subsidiaries or distribution partners."
Arell's expression shifted, realizing the potential downside of this arrangement. "So, even though they technically have their own label, they're still bound to a larger record company?"
"Exactly," Geoffrey confirmed, nodding sagely. "In these cases, the artists might have more creative freedom on the surface, but ultimately, they're still beholden to the overarching goals and strategies of the parent company."
He leaned forward, emphasizing his point. "That's why it's crucial to approach the idea of creating your own label with careful consideration and strategic planning. You want to ensure that your label remains truly independent and aligned with your vision."
Arell nodded thoughtfully, absorbing Geoffrey's words. He realized that true independence in the music industry required more than just a label name; it demanded a comprehensive understanding of the legal and business landscape, as well as a commitment to maintaining autonomy.
"Now, building a truly independent label is a path paved with empowerment, Arell," Geoffrey continued, his voice resonating with conviction. "But there's a crucial point to remember, maintaining that independence requires a strategic approach, especially when it comes to distribution."
Arell leaned forward; his gaze locked on Geoffrey's. Distribution – getting his music out to the masses – was a concern that had lingered in his mind. "While self-distribution is an option," Geoffrey acknowledged, "it can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive endeavour, especially for a burgeoning artist like yourself. This is where distribution deals with independent companies can be advantageous."
A flicker of interest ignited in Arell's eyes. Partnering with a distributor seemed like a way to bridge the gap, reaching a wider audience without compromising his independence.
Geoffrey smiled knowingly. "These deals allow you to leverage the distributor's network and expertise in getting your music onto streaming platforms, online stores, and even potentially into physical record stores. You retain ownership of your music, and they earn a commission on each sale."
Arell nodded, the concept resonating with him. He could maintain creative control while benefiting from the distributor's reach.
"But here's the thing, Arell," Geoffrey's voice dropped to a whisper, "with your talent and the system, you're destined for great things. You have the potential to become one of the greats, a true legend in the music industry perhaps even the greatest of all time."
Arell's cheeks flushed with a mixture of surprise and elation. Geoffrey's belief in him was a powerful motivator.
"And frankly," Geoffrey continued, his tone firm, "with that kind of potential, signing away a significant portion of your rights to a traditional record label simply wouldn't be the wisest decision. You deserve to reap the rewards of your hard work and creativity."
Arell pondered this. He envisioned a future where his music resonated with fans worldwide, and he controlled the journey.
"Building a loyal fanbase and establishing yourself as a force to be reckoned with within the independent music scene – that's the pathway to long-term success and artistic fulfilment, Arell," Geoffrey concluded. "The system might offer shortcuts, but true artistic freedom and legacy are priceless."
A smile spread across Arell's face. The idea of carving his own path, free from the constraints of a traditional record label, resonated deeply. He leaned forward, his voice brimming with determination. "You've convinced me, Geoffrey. Building my own independent label is the way to go. But where do I even begin? What are the steps involved in creating a label?"
Geoffrey chuckled, pleased with Arell's decision. "Excellent choice, Arell," he said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Building your own label is going to be an exciting venture."
Settling back in his chair, Geoffrey began to outline the roadmap to independence.
"The first step is to decide on a name for your label," Geoffrey explained. "This is your brand, so choose something that reflects your identity as an artist and resonates with your target audience."
Arell nodded, considering the importance of branding in the music industry.
"Next," Geoffrey continued, "you'll need to register your label as a business entity. This will involve choosing a legal structure, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited liability company, and filing the necessary paperwork with the appropriate authorities."
Arell furrowed his brow, realizing the complexity of the process. "That sounds like a lot of paperwork."
"It can be," Geoffrey admitted, "but it's a crucial step in establishing your label as a legitimate business entity. It also provides legal protection for you and your assets."
"Once your label is registered," Geoffrey went on, "you'll need a business bank account to manage your finances. This will help keep your personal and business expenses separate, which is essential for accounting purposes."
Arell nodded, understanding the importance of financial organization.
"With the administrative tasks out of the way," Geoffrey continued, "You'll need professionals to handle various aspects of your label, such as A&R, marketing, promotions, and distribution."
Arell nodded, realizing the significance of assembling a skilled and dedicated team. "How do I go about finding the right people?"
Geoffrey smiled. "Networking is key in the music industry. Reach out to industry contacts, attend music industry events and conferences, and utilize online platforms to connect with potential collaborators."
"Remember," Geoffrey added, "it's essential to find people who share your passion for music and believe in your vision for the label."
As Arell absorbed Geoffrey's advice, he felt a sense of excitement building within him. The prospect of creating his own record label was daunting, but it also presented a wealth of opportunities for growth and creativity.
"Lastly," Geoffrey said, "don't forget about the financial aspect of running a record label. You'll need to funding to cover expenses such as recording costs, marketing campaigns, and artist advances."
Arell nodded, realizing that financial planning would be crucial for the success of his label.
A wry smile crept across Arell's face. "You're right, Geoffrey," he admitted, a hint of apprehension tinging his voice. "Building my own label is no small feat. We have our work cut out for us."
Geoffrey chuckled heartily. "Indeed, Arell," he boomed. "But these steps we've discussed can be tackled methodically. Right now, consider this the initial blueprint for your independent venture. We can flesh out the details as we move forward, with me on your side, it won't be as difficult as it seems."
Geoffrey leaned back in his chair, momentarily lost in thought. Then, a glint of excitement flickered in his eyes. "Speaking of moving forward," he continued, his voice adopting a more energetic tone, "We'd need to release is soon."
Arell's eyes lit up with anticipation. "You're right, Geoffrey," he exclaimed. "The timing couldn't be better."
Geoffrey nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, Arell. Your momentum is building, and it's crucial to capitalize on it. Your social booster from the system is set to expire soon, and we want to make the most of it."
Leaning forward, Geoffrey tapped his finger on the desk rhythmically. "How about we release 'Blue Balenciaga' tomorrow? It's catchy, it's got a cool vibe – it would be perfect to capitalize on the momentum you've built."
Arell's eyes widened with a mix of surprise and delight. "Tomorrow? You want to release it that quickly?"
Geoffrey chuckled. "Of course. We can even film a video tomorrow and have it edited and released within the next couple of days."
Arell nodded eagerly, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and nervous energy. The idea of releasing his music so soon sent a thrill coursing through him.
"And then," Geoffrey continued, a mischievous glint in his eye, "we'll hit them with 'Granny Crip' right after the music video drops. One-two punch – keep the audience buzzing and wanting more."
A slow smile spread across Arell's face. He liked the sound of that. Double the releases, double the exposure. He could already imagine the wave of attention it would generate.
"Three strong releases should be enough to get you on the gig circuit," Geoffrey assured him. "Enough to make a compelling live appearance."
A thrill shot through Arell. The thought of performing his music live sent a jolt of excitement through him.
"Once we have that music out there," Geoffrey continued, his voice adopting a more strategic tone, "we'll focus on promotion. We'll get your music on the radio, online streaming platforms – the whole digital gamut, this time we won't use blogs."
Arell listened intently, soaking in every word. He understood the importance of reaching a wider audience.
"But here's the thing, Arell," Geoffrey leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "and this is a little industry secret – clubs and strip clubs can be incredibly powerful tools for music promotion."
Arell's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Clubs and strip clubs? Really?"
Geoffrey nodded, his expression serious. "Absolutely. Think about it – these venues are always looking for fresh, hot tracks to keep the crowd entertained. If your music gets played in clubs, it can create a buzz and attract attention from industry insiders, influencers, and potential fans, artist may even be at the clubs, and recording a video with your music in the background may do wonders for your publicity."
Arell considered Geoffrey's words, a newfound appreciation for the unconventional approach forming in his mind. "I never thought about it that way," he admitted.
Geoffrey grinned, pleased to see Arell's enthusiasm. "It's all about finding unique opportunities to get your music heard, so we'll talk about getting you outside the house and in some parties, I'll try contacting DJ's and party organisers as well." he said, stirring in his seat before continuing. "And with your sound, I have no doubt your music will make waves wherever it's played."
Arell nodded, feeling a surge of excitement at the possibilities ahead. "I'm ready to dive in," he declared.
Geoffrey clapped him on the shoulder. "That's what I like to hear, Arell. With your talent and determination, there's no limit to what we can achieve."
As they wrapped up their conversation, Arell felt a newfound sense of confidence and purpose. With Geoffrey's guidance and support, he was ready to embark on the journey of creating his own record label and taking control of his music career.
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Ideas? Share your ideas, I do and will incorporate good ones into the story, also ideas for characters or interactions you'll like to see, I have ideas for future relationships and hookups, you can share your thoughts as well. I am also open to incorporating characters of your own creation, or even using your names.
I'm considering moving this to the novel sections, should I and which section.
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-- Peringkat
Power 
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