I do no frequent the ever popular WorldStarHipHop.com but I do know plenty of people who use the site as their means of receiving all their news, from the lastest fight at some random location to teacher scandals to music.  The one time I did type in the url, I felt as though my IQ was dropping with each second.  But, to the site’s credit, it receives a lot of traffic and is a decent source for the latest videos and performance clips from some notable names in Hip Hop and R&B.  But out this post from RefinedHype.com.  Got some interest points on why WSHH might not be your best bet when trying to make a name for yourself and your music…

Music University Fall 2010 Semester

Patchwerk Recording Studio is not just your ordinary studio. They strive to not only stay sonically superior but also to aid aspiring artists and musicians in gaining a better grasp of the music industry. On November 7^th Patchwerk in conjunction with IdOMusic® hosted the Fall 2010 Semester of Music University. There were 4 “classes” that “students” were involved in throughout the day including Business Class, Marketing Class, Creators Class, and a Listening Lab. For a relatively small cost, attendees were filled with information ranging from “Making Money in the New Music Business” to “The Anatomy of a HIT” all from esteemed members of the music community.

MU Panelists or “Instructors” 

Business Class: Crystal Jones-Consulting & Creative Design Firm at Silver Starr Art Studios LLC, Janet Wade-Music Clearance & Licensing for TV/Film at Turner Entertainment Group, Catherine Brewton-VP of Urban Music at BMI, Johnnie Cabbell-Manager/Booking Agent at Hitt Afta Hitt Entertainment

Marketing Class: Cannon Kent-Southeast Promotions Manager at Atlantic Records, Kevin Rivers-Founder & CEO at Watunes, Ms. Rivercity-Editor of Ozone Magazine

Creators Class: Dondria-So So Def Recording Artist, Midnight Black-Award-winning producer/songwriter, Ray Seay-Award-winning recording engineer

Listening Lab: Lee Cagle-Program Director at Cox Radio, DJ Trauma-Disc Jockey, DJ Rasta Root-Hip Hop DJ

The Business Class panelists discussed various ways of making money to finance your musical dream. When asked what exactly does an independent artist gain by signing to a major label, it was a resounding “Not much.”

The main points in this class:

-Go into internships as if they were a paid gig and SHOW OUT!

-Don’t wait to blow up with a major label because you can actually do more on your own.

-Formula to succeed on a budget…build a fan base, create a brand virally through YouTube, merchandising, etc.), look beyond a deal for success, do as many open mics as possible to get known, and use club promoter connections to build your rep.

*The #1 reason for artists failing in the industry: Letting the money and fame get to their head.*

Next on the syllabus was the all important Marketing Class. The panelists were on hand to discuss how to adapt to the ever-changing digital marketing environment. The do’s & don’ts of Twitter and other social media sites were explained in depth such as DO interact with people via Twitter vs. just following them and DON’T just engage your followers…tweet new people and interact to build your fanbase and get acknowledgement from other industry professionals. Mobile marketing is new now…getting your app’  on phones. App’s are where it’s at!

Led by a panel comprised of an artist, a producer, and an engineer, this discussion was fueled by all the creative juices that were flowing in the room. When asked how to keep business as an engineer, Ray Seay reminded us to not be “out of site, out of mind.” Have a weekly call list to producers and artists to see if they need your work. Also, engineers must be more open-minded to producers and more conscious of the creative process to incorporate all ideas. One of the main points stated by singer/songwriter Dondria was that “when you get on, you have to still work like you’re not on.”

Probably the most fun part of the entire day was the Listening Lab in which attendees of MU got their own music reviewed by prominent industry professionals. You may ask, “What does a radio program director look for in hit songs for radio?” The answer from Lee Cagle…local sales numbers, if the clubs like the record, and are other radio stations playing it. Tip for DJs to play your record…talk to the DJs that go on before the main DJ. You have a better shot with them to get your records played if you come with clean/radio edit material. Overall, make sure that you are getting non-biased opinions about your music when people listen and be able to take constructive criticism well.

The best comment of the entire event…. “It’s now bloggers who do more A&R work by developing artists through marketing & giving them feedback on their music.” (wink wink)

The BR Ladies are constantly on the grind to find the artists that will continue to bring good music back, so we thought it would be only right to give you all some pointers on how to do it effectively. We would like to give a special shoutout to Curtis, Kervins, Oz, Toya, and all of the Patchwerk team who allowed us to participate in this event. For more valuable information like this, attend the NEXT Music University presented by Patchwerk Recording Studios and IdOMusic®. Hope you enjoyed these tips and will continue to strive for excellence in whatever you do. BRING GOOD MUSIC BACK! :)

ceewhy612:

Jay-Z Top Producer Young Guru Breaks Down How Music Artist Enslave Themselves. (via PositiveBlackStories)

 The most important part of being an artist, whether youre independent, waiting on a deal, or already signed, is KNOWLEDGE.  I love to hear personal takes from those who have been a part of the major labels because you get the real scoop to how the industry works, rather than just reading about it in books or daydreaming about how you think it would be.  Check out this video, reblogged from loyal follower and artist Ceewhy (‘preciate ya!), which features renowed hip hop producer Young Guru as he informs you on why being independent is the way to go.

Now, to play Devil’s Advocate for a second: Major labels are not all bad.  As with many business ventures (and please believe, signing with a label is strictly BUSINESS!), all sides must make sure they see a return on investments.  Since labels dish out so much money for so many projects yearly, and there is never any guarantee that they will see even half of the money in the near future, labels must find a way to make sure they are still able to pay their employees and keep the lights on in the office.  Being that the traditional model of “record-distribute-market-make profit” is no longer tried and true, labels must make up the difference somewhere. 

Either way you look at it, make sure youre always protecting your music, yourself, and your career by staying as educated as possible.  Ignorance is no excuse yall.

Interested in a career in the music biz? Are you an artist in need of tips to better your brand? Looking for ways to finance your musical dream? Well the Patchwerk Recording Studio’s Music University is DEFINITELY the place you need to be!! 

Music University 2010 // Fall Semester - November 7, 2010

Time: 11a - 6p

Campus: PatchWerk Recording Studios

Moderator: Juice Webster 

*Registration for Music University 2010 Fall Semester Includes:

• Registration for all four MU Fall Semester classes
• Complimentary Lunch 
• Submission to MU “Listening Lab” (1st 10 students guaranteed placement, 10 students chosen at random)
• Official “IdOMusic” Tee-Shirt
• 4-Disc Panel DVD from Music University 7 (Spring Semester 2010)

**For more info on Music University and how to better your music career, click the picture.