Online Self-Publishing Sites for Music-How They Match Up

Being some one that has dealt with numerous independent artist, and counting, one of the greatest plights that they have to face is... you guessed it, there B-U-D-G-E-T. Thankfully, this post will provide some help, so you no longer have to hustle your mixtapes and albums out of your mom's mini-van. With the ever changing world of technology that has recently become viral, getting a fan base for your new music, is now a few clicks away. Here are a few online music distribution platforms and how they match up.

The best music publishing sites thus far that I have honestly came across has been Sound Click, Tune Core and CDBaby, because they have some of the biggest followings according to fans and the industry, user and result savvy, the best in regards to the technology being updated constantly.

Being in the music business professionally for a little while, and learning about the industry even further for my own endeavors, Sound Click is Great. Sound Click lets you upload whole albums, production, whole songs for free to be listened to on website-style based "pages" on their platform, for others to like, download, buy and comment on. You set the prices for everything, including album downloads, produced beats to be leased by artist, how much exclusive rights will be to your music, and the # of promotional downloads that are allowed per song. The best part is that the funds come directly to you via pay-pal or your direct debit account information.

Another one that I like is TuneCore. TuneCore is a digital music distribution service, you're able to sell music online with a few simple steps. They offer the same services as Sound Click, but they also have partnerships with other major record companies such as Def Jam, who will track and monitor your progress on the website as far as fans, listenership, and downloads. The only catch is that It cost an additional monthly payment to have the A&R's monitor your music for you.

TuneCore : Digital Music Distribution – Sell Your Music Online

www.tunecore.com

All in All, the best by far that the whole industry is currently raving about is CD Baby. CD BabyCD Baby is the largest online music distribution company for independent music because it allows you to sell and distribute your music both digitally or as a hard copy. And as a added plus, they have recently have acquired joint ventures with companies such as iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, and iTunes, which immediately uploads your CD to their platform for being a CD Baby registered customer. They also allow you to link your music directly through facebook fan pages. The down fall is that it can cost you $39 per album, $4 a CD sale comes to you, and 25% of MP3 Downloads, but that is only after you reach at least 1000 Mp3 or more, and the big bucks only comes about when you establish at least 10,000 copies sold. All in all it is the best place to turn from nothing to something cost effectively, while still positioning yourself to be on the radar of major record labels.

But don't just take my word for it. According to Rolling Stones Magazine's Article, " CD Baby, Rumblefish Partner for Online Music Licensing Program" written by Scott Steinburg states that recetly, " Music licensing company Rumblefish and independent online distributor CD Baby have announced a partnership through which indie artists can license music for use in YouTube and Internet videos, slideshows, games, presentations and social media programs. Over 250,000 performers and 3.5 million songs from CD Baby’s catalogue will be available initially to corporations that seek breaking bands to provide soundtracks for use across multimedia and online marketing campaigns.Through this new arrangement, indie acts will be able to license tracks for use by businesses, which may provide the artists with a lucrative income stream and much-coveted mainstream exposure. The program’s reach will extend to multiple forms of advertising: TV, movie and video game. However, this is not an instant jackpot for up-and-coming artists: given the ever-growing size of CD Baby's album pool, exposure is still no guarantee, and few of the partnership's online placements are likely to enjoy the widespread buzz of an Apple commercial, Hollywood blockbuster or national media campaign (unless they go viral)."

With all these options available, the possibilities are endless to take your music aspirations truly in your own hands. Yet and still, a word of the wise is to research in depth which choice truly fits your needs as well as your wallet.

The Simon and Robinson Law Firm Share Insight

(Interviewed, Written and Transcribed by: Brandon Needam. Photos and additional information provided courtesy of The Simon and Robinson Law Firm, LLP.)

" I think the most exciting and rewarding part of having my law practice, is not entirely litigating the cases. The satisfaction for me is having the pleasure of representing new clients, hearing their dreams and passions, and defending and structuring key facets of their business. Making them more aware of things that can work in their favor, and truly sharing insight about making sure everything is protected legally on paper. Because, only then, can your dreams never be taken away from you."

These are just a few of the words that remain eminent in my mind after my past week end conversation with Patrick Simon,Esq., Entertainment Lawyer and COO of The Simon and Robinson Law Firm, LLP. in Dallas, Texas. A man that heart and community service is a big the state to which we live in, and the success record that proceeds him and his major entertainment clients.

Here is the in depth interview with Simon that truly empowered me, and allowed me to establish a great relationship that will propel me one step further to greatness as well:


B. Needam: Mr. Simon, I first want to say thank you for the opportunity.

Patrick Simon: No Problem. This is what I am here for.

B. Needam: Definitely. Can you tell me a little about your background?

Patrick Simon: I am originally from Seattle, Washington, and moved to the Dallas area shortly after college, as a change of pace from Washington. I lost a lot of friends back home, and wanted a fresh start, and it was kind of hard on my family, but I think that move was one of the best decisions that I made for my life. As far as my education, I graduated in my undergraduate degree from Central Washington University with a Bachelors of Arts in Computer Science. Fell in love with a elective law class that I took on Media Law and Ethics, and decided that, "This is it. I think I'd rather do this." So, from there I moved to the Texas area, and attended Texas Southern University, and got my Jurors Doctrine from their Thurgood Marshall School of Law. I was admitted into the bar in 2005, here in Texas. As far as professionally, I am a member of the Lone Star Legal Aid Association, Dallas and American Bar Associations; State Bar of Texas and the Texas Young Lawyers Association. The one I love the most attached to my name is being a member of the J.L. Turner. Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program.

B. Needam: Why is that your favorite?

Patrick Simon: Because its not only a way for me to give back to the community, I feel humbled and empowered just hearing some of our young brothers and sisters stories and share insight. I think everybody should have the ability and opportunity to seek legal help and gain that help, whether its paid for or not. Just knowing that a conversation with me, asking advice, can get them one step closer to a new lease on life or from doing something that can be detrimental to their growth makes me feel good. I am humbled by those types of moments.

B. Needam: I agree. I seen a quote that falls right into what you just said. And it basically said that that richness is a state of mind. Wealth is a process. The people who truly are rich are not those individuals whom acquire the most, but whom need the least. Be okay with even living simply, so others can simply live.

Simon: Great quote. Remember to always keep that in mind on your journey.

B. Needam: I will. Now, What are some of the areas of law that your practice concentrate in?

Simon: The Simon And Robinson Law Firm specializes in Business Formation; Small Business Law; Child Support; and Entertainment Law. My individual focus is with Entertainment Contracts; Music Copyright; Music Law; Music Licensing; and Music Publishing.

B. Needam: Perfect. I definitely need to utilize you with some of own aspirations. As you know, I am at Full Sail University, mastering in Entertainment Business. I want to open multi-facet entertainment business consulting company with respect to audio and visual.

Simon: I am one phone call away.

B. Needam: So if I was to do so, what type of company would you advise me to register and why?

Simon: As a whole, because you have multiple entities that are going to be operating within the business, which may all be unique, yet beneficial for the effectiveness for your business, It would be best to be incorporated, and have a sub-contractor S attached to it. That way you can remain under the radar as far as buyout of your business from other major corporations, utilize key investors still, but also have the protection legally, and have the proper registered clauses of a corporation attached to you. With this, you can also franchise and operate in multiple states as well. As far as your facets under your Incorporated Business, they can be Limited Liability Companies, because they are considered "Umbrella Companies", or Key Business Subsidiaries. You should also make sure to file and register all your copyrighted material, like music, beats, and all of those great creative works you may have. And trademark all your ideas and intellectual properties. Make sure all are registered separately underneath the incorporated business. Update your information if it changes and pay your yearly and monthly fees to keep them legally registered and on file with The Patent and Trade Offices, and the Copyright offices down in [Washington] D.C. It sounds like a lot of time consuming paperwork, but it truly is worth everything and every penny. As a courtesy, our law office does provide those services, will help you structure them, and answer any questions for you. We have great legal secretaries, and paralegals that are very familiar with these practices in the event that you cannot contact myself or Mr. Preston Robinson.

B.Needam: For those who are not familiar, who are some of the people that you represent and what other entities seek your legal advise?

Simon: Right now we represent, DeShawn Stevenson of the NBA World Champion Dallas Mavericks, because he has a music production company outside of basketball. We also represent platinum rap artists Play-N-Skills and Durrough, BET 106 & Park Countdown; we also have aided with the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, U.S. Billboard Hot Rap Track and the U.S. Billboard Pop 100 charts.

B. Needam: With such a extensive resume', What is your favorite facet of the business that you like litigating and why?

Simon: [after long pause].... I think the most exciting and rewarding part of having my law practice, is not entirely litigating the cases. The satisfaction for me is having the pleasure of representing new clients, hearing their dreams and passions, and defending and structuring key facets of their business. Making them more aware of things that can work in their favor, and truly sharing insight about making sure everything is protected legally on paper. Because, only then, can your dreams never be taken away from you.

B. Needam: ....[Feeling a Little spechless]. Wow. I couldn't agree with that statement more. Thank you so much for not only giving me the first step for my own business, but also enlightening me through this conversation, with some wisdom that I did not expect of even prepare myself for. It really has been a pleasure.

Simon: Law is hard. The little things that I shared with you are supposed to come natural. Inspiration is the easy part. Now, with that being said, don't be a stranger, and lets continue to build so that we can do something with it.

B. Needam: [laughing] I won't.


If you are ever in the Dallas area, please do not hesitate to contact or schedule a consultation with Mr. Patrick Simon of The Simon and Robinson Law Firm at 1700 Pacific Avenue, Suite 2610,Dallas, TX 75201, (Collin, Dallas & Denton Cos.). Call them 24 hours a day at 877-318-9941 or online at http://www.simonrobinsonlaw.com

Music Industry Liabilities Blog

As the weather gets colder towards the end of this year, one thing that is heating up is the amount of court appearances, trials and litigated cases that some of your favorite celebrities are getting. So let's jump right into it.

Recently, within the confines of my home town, came a case that was sparked with two major artist whom did not appear a legally binded, contracted Mega-Concert. Those artist were Rick Ross and Young Jeezy.

The concert was WUSL Power 99 Fm's "Powerhouse" Concert series, which is slated as not only the biggest yearly concert in Philadalephia, it is also showcased by the biggest urban radio station of the city, in the nation's 4 rated radio market. According from sources at both Power 99 FM and All Hip Hop Dot Com, Rick Ross and Young Jeezy were scheduled to hit the stage alongside Wiz Kahlifa, Meek Mill, Wale, DJ Khaled, Ace Hood, Big Sean, Trey Songs, Chris Brown, T-Pain, Tyga of Young Money, and Melanie Fiona.

Power 99 has recently also been bombarded with thousand of disappointed fans, some of which called up the radio station and asked to speak to the station manager, demanding that their ticket purchases be refunded. Though the cancelation of Rick Ross is Not known, most believe that it is due to his recent medical conditions. The rapper recently posted on Twitter, after suffering two seizures in one day on October 14th. As for Young Jeezy, it is still unknown why he was a "no-show", but the industry buzz is saying that it could be due to his recent signing of Philly Underground Artist Tone Trump, and the pre-existing tension between the two artist and their respectful camps: Maybach Music Group and Corporate Thug Entertainment. Power 99 has contacted Management of both camps for recoupment of wages lost, or this issue can be headed to court soon.

In other news, All Hip Hop's owner and fellow Friend of Mine, Grouchy Greg Watkins, has told the All Hip Hop following and Twitter that he will be filing a racial profiling lawsuit against the W Hotel of Atlanta, Georgia.

The All Hip Hop Staff, traversed down to Atlanta to celebrate the BET Hip-Hop Awards with the city, partner with local promoters, and sponsor numerous parties with a premiere list of industry friends at the midtown W Hotel inside the Whiskey Park bar. Both founders of AllHipHop.com, Greg Watkins and Chuck Creekmur have been patrons of the Atlanta franchise, and Greg Watkins was even staying at the downtown W (a different location) on the October 5th weekend. But, that didn’t matter as we attempted to get into our own party. According to sources whom I know personally, said that the Owner had a issue with Greg's appearance, as he sports a full beard. The manager made it clear that entry was “at his discretion,” yet he made no concessions, even though the promoter Ruffin had stated who Greg, Chuck Creekmur and Steve Raze were. One of the management staff told Greg to “walk away” as the scene got increasingly heated. A police officer concurred with a gleam in his eye, like “make a move so I can twist you up right here.” Needless to say, Greg Watkins was forced to leave the venue heated and disgusted , even as the co-organizers, sponsor and host. Several professionals, including Houston Rapper, Bun B, and other industry people were denied entry based on some vague discretion. After which, they admitted a personal recourse, which ranged from a personal ban of the W Hotel, to civil lawsuits of their own for repayment of monies spent on hotel stays within the hotel the night of the Bet Hip Hop Award events on October 5th. No further details are present in regards to this upcoming case between Watkins and W Hotels of Atlanta.

Rapping up a crazy array of upcoming cases within our beloved Hip-Hop community is the recent denial of Gucci Mane's reduced convicted sentencing. Gucci Mane, who real name is Radrick Davis, appeal to have reduced jail time after physically assaulting a woman that he had been dating was denied by a judge in a Dekalb County Courthouse, on October 28th.

The recent charges stem from Gucci serving a six month sentence for a January incident, in which he allegedly assaulted a woman and pushed her out of a moving car, after she refused his proposition for sex with him after a date. The judge denied, and shortly after, The District Attorneys office and a representative of the young lady, whom at this time remain nameless, filed a civil suit against Gucci Mane. Upon his actual release, Gucci will be required to complete 12 weeks of anger management courses and pay $5,091 to cover the victim's medical bills and a $3,000 fine. I will be following this case more closely, and more information and insight about the civil case will be provided when they arrise.

Dr. Martin Luther King - Civil Rights Martyr Forever Etched in Time. How his Negotiation Tact Forever Changed the World!

Today, On Sunday, October 16th, 2011, The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial was officially dedicated and speakers called for carrying on King's ideals and values and confronting issues including bullying and social and economic justice for all Americans.

Dr. King, to this day, and forever more will be known in the hearts and minds of all humanity as a man that stood as the martyr of civil rights, change, equality, and fair treatment of all human kind. Dr. King championed a movement that draws from the conceptual understanding of America's potential for freedom, opportunity, and justice. His vision of America is captured in his message of hope and possibility for a future anchored in dignity, sensitivity, and mutual respect; a message that challenges each of us daily to recognize that America's true strength lies in its diversity.

In addition, according to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Foundation, "The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial will be the first on the National Mall to recognize a person of color and a man of peace, not a president or a veteran of war. In 1996 Congress authorized the Memorial Foundation to raise funds to establish a national memorial to honor the legacy of Dr. King on the National Mall. The memorial’s very existence signifies that we as a people believe Dr. King and his legacy deserve this esteemed placement in what can be considered America’s “Hall of Fame.” "

At the Memorial today, some of the most imminent messages were not by Dr. King himself, but by the family and successors of his legacy, vision and work.

Viewing the Memorial today on television on CNN, President Barack Obama and Dr. King's daughter, Rev. Bernice King will forever be etched in my mind, as she stated that maybe the postponement of the original monument opening was through divine intervention. " "Perhaps God wanted us to move beyond the dream into action," she said. "As we dedicate this monument, I can hear my father saying that oppressed people cannot remain oppressed forever," she said. "The yearning for freedom eventually manifests itself ... I hear my father saying what we are seeing now, all across the streets of America and the world, is a freedom explosion."

Being a Entertainment Business man, I wanted to take this time to stretch the corridors of your mind for a second. Along with being the martyr of civil rights and a catalyst for change, Dr. Martin Luther King, will also be one of the most sound negotiators of our generation.

In essence, Dr. King was able to use the core concepts of negotiating to show and point out how unjust America was at the time towards African Americans. In a time where the world was in the ideology of segregation, Dr. King, subtly brought attention to the actions behind the hatred and injustice as inhumane, and brought light through his words and reactions as humble and noble by giving the peaceful solution of non-violence, yet still becoming willing to be a martyr for change. His speech, had an objective where he demonstrated that not only African Americans be granted citizen rights, but all individuals binding as citizens through the constitution of the United States share the same rights. Throughout his speech Martin Luther showed autonomy by giving his recommendations on what needs to take place in order for change, in addition to affiliating himself with the common people by relating to them as my brothers and sisters, all the while still becoming immortalized as the catalyst of change and face of desegregation. Had it not been for this sound negotiation of the past, there would not even be a foundation to which one of today’s greatest and most globalized public iconic figures could expand upon in the business world today.

It is because of his groundwork that I have the honors and privilege today to use all of my knowledge, insight, and platforms in my favor to make a staple on the world of my own; In the event that I cannot, it gives me the courage, structure, and blueprints to further inspire the future groups of individuals who can.

I Thank God for Dr. Martin Luther King, on this day, because had his vision and dream for America been completely deferred, my ability to manifest all my aspirations and passions would have too died within those picket lines.

Industry Spotlight: Jahlil Beats -Simple Studio, Superior Sound!

"... Jahlil Beats! Holla At Me", is a coined phrase that you are sure to here over some Hip-Hop and R&B's hottest songs both recently and years to come. Coming off of over 40 hit tracks used and still in radio rotation throught the country including Meek Mill " Make 'Em Say", " Hottest In The City " and Rose` Red Remix" featuring T.I, Vado, and Rick Ross; to "Money" by Red Cafe featuring Diddy and Fabolous, just to name a few. This is the unofficial story of how one Chester, Pennsylvania Producer went from putting his city on the map, To having the whole nation in A frenzy.

Written By: Brandon Needam

Photos By: Kirk Smith (Courtesy of Flickr)

For 23-year-old Producer/Artist Jahlil Beats, creating music started as just a release from everyday pressures of living in Chester, Pennsylvania; A small, yet dangerous area that is all but 10-minutes shy of Center City, Philadelphia. And though he started at the tender age of 15, learning audio engineering concepts and building a passion for music under the guidance of his uncle's studio; As for becoming hip-hop's rising super producer, it was sort of an after thought. That 8 -year grind laned his production in some of the hottest names in the industry to date; one beat at a time.

On a interview on MTV's Sucker Free Sunday, Jahlil Goes on to explain how his career propelled to where it is now. Jahlil said , "I'm Jahlil Beats. I'm 23. From Chester, PA. My career and me getting my production to cats like Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Tyga, Red Cafe, Rick Ross and others came through me working with my partner Meek Mill. We had the Tri-State Area ( Philly,PA/New Jersey/Delaware) locked. Then, the music started spreading to [Washington] D.C. I met Meek Mill originally off of Myspace. I hit him up, like "Yo, your mixtape is dope. He hit me back like he appreciated it, but he was feeling my beats too, and to send him some". He used them throughout his Flamers Mixtape Series, which was some of his biggest tracks to date. From that, I did a track called "Willy Wonka", and the Homie DJ Ill Will from out in L.A. got a hold of it with Meek [Mill] on it, and he reached out to K.P. from Dat Piff, the Website, and K.P. reached out to Me, and I sent him the beat directly. Next thing I know, he got Lil Wayne and Gudda Gudda on it. After That, stuff just started picking up!"

That spur-of-the-moment opportunity spring boarded two monumental projects within Jahlil's budding career. The first was becoming the producer of choice for Meek Mill's Flamers 2 and 3 projects, which were sponsored and distributed through T.I.'s Grand Hustle, DJ Drama's Gangsta Grillz, and Charlie Mack's 215 Aphillyated. The mixtape sold over 100,000 units nationwide, and counting, which later lead to Meek Mill signing a multi-million dollar recording deal with Rick Ross's Maybach Music Group, which is a joint venture with Warner Brothers Music, Inc. Their recent smash hit, is "Imma Boss" which features Rick Ross, is currently still in national radio rotation and the hit single as far as iTune's downloads for the collaboration-style album that MMG has put out entitled, "Self Made".




Check out The Videos of Jahlil's Hit Singles Below:

(Disclaimer: Some Videos Contain Explicit Lyrics)






So, If you a fan of Meek Mill, by default, you're a fan of Jahlil Beats because he produced the whole album. But Don't take my word for it, check Meek's words on Jahlil out his own mouth:




Here is the official XXL Video Interview:



From that, the wave of top industry artist hitting Jahlil's twitter, (@JahlilBeats) was unbelievable. Top Artist like Young Money CEO requested more beats directly, which in turn became " Green Goblin" by Jae Millz featuring Chris Brown."Green Goblin", {also known as "Green Gobblin'"), is the first single from Jae Millz's first studio album Nothing Is Promised.

The music video premiered on MusicMatrix.com and AllHipHop.com, with an interactive version for MusicMatrix.com users. The video takes cues from the 1995 movie "Dead Presidents". The video shows Millz and Brown counting money after a bank heist. The video also includes krump dancers. According to Millz, the video was Brown's idea. The video was directed by Antwan Smith.

Here is the "Green Gobblin" and "Holla At Me" Video:





(Videos Directed by: Alex Nazari)

As far as where he gains his inpiration to create some of his bangers, Jahlil was interviewed on Istandard Producers Dot Com stating in reference to " Money, Money, Money" by Red Cafe Featuring Diddy and Fabolous that, " I made the track last summer in my Mom’s basement. I wanted to make a simple but hard 808 track, so I sampled my niece on the track (she says the Jahlil Beats Holla @ Me at the beginning of all my tracks). But, the craziest thing was It wasn’t even finished. I was stuck on it, and I felt like it was missing something, but when I would let cat’s hear the track, they’d be like “Damn!! Leave it just like that”. I just ran with it off of their reaction."



He also goes on to explain that, "I played it for a couple artist before I let [Red] Cafe hear it but it didn’t grasp on to them at all. I would play like 20 sec of the beat and they’d be like NEXT TRACK but, when I played it for Cafe he fell in love with the track and he already had a vision for it. Red Cafe Came to Philly to pick the track and he had a session with my partner Meek Mill but when he got back to New York he laid the whole Song Asap and threw Diddy & Fab on it. The first time that I heard the song on the radio, I was in NY when DJ Envy premiered the record. I went to see my lawyer in Manhattan and when I got in the car and turned the radio on the song was playing. I just felt like , 'Wow, this is gonna be a big record', and I still feel that way. It’s spreading everywhere."

As of lately,Jahlil Beats is officially signed with Universal Records. Despite all the success, Jahlil vows to continue to stick to the basics when it comes to doing what he loves. Known amonst the industry for being a "hybrid producer", creating hot tracks behind any piece of hardware you put him behind, He perfers to use FL Studios software as his studio of choice. Proving that you to can get to the next level by just staying true to yourself. From Minimal to Millionaire producer, any thing truly is possible.

For All beat inquiries, feel free to contact Jahlil At:

http://www.twitter.com/ajahlilbeat

E-mail: Jahlilbeats@gmail.com

Here is his latest video of the heat he created, just yesterday: