NDAMIXX: A&R Guy

Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

NDAMIXX: A&R Guy
IF IT AIN'T NDAMIXX IT AIN'T SHIT!

A&R Tips and Advice
So you want to be a Rap Superstar/ and live large/ big house five cars/ you're in charge/ comming up in the world don't trust nobody/ gotta look over your shoulder constantly- Cypress Hill "Rap Superstar" If you don't have "Rap Superstar" by Cypress Hill stop now and go cop dat. Listen to dat. Take something from dat. It's a phat azz jam but listen to the message. OK. You're still here so read on. You see livin' large won't come that easy. You have to pay your dues and dues come in different forms. From having to drive a thousand miles in 24 hours to do a show that won't pay you enough to cover the expenses, to sleeping (insert # of peeps in your squad) in a room at the local Motel 5 where there is only one bed, no room service and da ice machine on your floor isn't working. Dues is signing a Recording Contract in 1995 and here it is da 2G and your Album still ain't dropped (because it ain't your time). Do you still want to be a Rap Superstar? If you do I have some advice and a few tips that might just help you out. But in da end only one person can make your dreams come true and that's YOU. If you think you're ready to shine CLICK HERE!

A&R Tips and Advice

So you want to be a Rap Superstar/ and live large/ big house five cars/ you're in charge/ comming up in the world don't trust nobody/ gotta look over your shoulder constantly- Cypress Hill "Rap Superstar"

If you don't have "Rap Superstar" by Cypress Hill stop now and go cop dat. Listen to dat. Take something from dat. It's a phat azz jam but listen to the message. OK. You're still here so read on.

You see livin' large won't come that easy. You have to pay your dues and dues come in different forms. From having to drive a thousand miles in 24 hours to do a show that won't pay you enough to cover the expenses, to sleeping (insert # of peeps in your squad) in a room at the local Motel 5 where there is only one bed, no room service and da ice machine on your floor isn't working. Dues is signing a Recording Contract in 1995 and here it is da 2G and your Album still ain't dropped (because it ain't your time). Do you still want to be a Rap Superstar? If you do I have some advice and a few tips that might just help you out. But in da end only one person can make your dreams come true and that's YOU. If you think you're ready to shine CLICK HERE!

Platinum Rules
1. Never send unsolicited materials (ie your Demo Tape) to anyone (Record Labels, Attorneys, A&R Peeps). Most Labels including the one that I work for (BLAKNOTE RECORDS) will do one of the following with your unsolicited Demo: A. Return it to you with a stamped message, "We Do Not Accept Unsolicited Materials".(0.5%) B. File it under T. Short for thrash can. (99%) C. Drop it in a big box with the other unsolicited Demos that he or she has been meaning to listen to.(0.5%) WHY: Protection from lawsuits. Labels do not want to be sued by someone claiming he wrote this or that and sent it to us on so and so date. 2. Never sign anything without first having an (Entertainment) Attorney advise you of the finer points of said document. A second benefit of seeing an Entertainment Attorney is that he or she may be able and should be able to shop your Demo. That is if he or she has any connections and is respected (known) in the business. TIP: If you can not find an Entertainment Attorney in your area, contact friends and relatives in other cities and have them look in the yellow pages and find one. Get the number and call. Explain your situation TIP: If said Attorney is seeking Fees for services up-front and you can not afford to pay them then NEGOTIATE. Agree to pay when you have signed your deal. After all you are calling about a contract (add 5% but no more than 10% to Attorney's Normal Fee for such services as an incentive only if neccesary). 3. Get out and Network! To Network is to meet people. Networking can involve attending Industry functions such as: Jack The Rapper, Urban Network's Power Jam and Impact. At these annual functions you can attend daily seminars on a wide range of music related topics. Learn from the Pros so you can be more professional, after all THIS IS A BUSINESS. TIP: When networking always be courteous. Remember you want their help. Do not walk up and just bust a Rap or belt out a Song. Be polite and introduce yourself. Ask if you can get a business card. Ask if you can call or send them your Demo and if not Whom can you send it to. Ask if they will forward your Demo. TIP: When if given the chance to call, reintroduce yourself. Explain where you met him or her. Do not get upset or mad if they do not remember you. We meet a lot of people not just YOU. 4. Have all your materials copyrighted before you send or pass them out. This is your best protection from unscrupulous Industry folk. You will be surprised at what some jerk at a Label will do for a hit. FORM PA: APPLICATION FOR COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION FOR A WORK OF THE PERFORMING ARTS FORM SR: APPLICATION FOR COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION FOR A SOUND RECORDING Original forms, which must be used when applying for copyright, may be obtained by writing to: REG2ISTER OF COPYRIGHTS COPYRIGHT OFFICE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON, D.C. 20559-6000 Application forms may also be orered by telephoning the Forms and Circulars Hotline (202) 707-3000. The usual cost is $20.00

Platinum Rules

1. Never send unsolicited materials (ie your Demo Tape) to anyone (Record Labels, Attorneys, A&R Peeps).
Most Labels including the one that I work for (BLAKNOTE RECORDS) will do one of the following with your unsolicited Demo:
A. Return it to you with a stamped message, "We Do Not Accept Unsolicited Materials".(0.5%)
B. File it under T. Short for thrash can. (99%)
C. Drop it in a big box with the other unsolicited Demos that he or she has been meaning to listen to.(0.5%)
WHY: Protection from lawsuits. Labels do not want to be sued by someone claiming he wrote this or that and sent it to us on so and so date.

2. Never sign anything without first having an (Entertainment) Attorney advise you of the finer points of said document.
A second benefit of seeing an Entertainment Attorney is that he or she may be able and should be able to shop your Demo. That is if he or she has any connections and is respected (known) in the business.
TIP: If you can not find an Entertainment Attorney in your area, contact friends and relatives in other cities and have them look in the yellow pages and find one. Get the number and call. Explain your situation
TIP: If said Attorney is seeking Fees for services up-front and you can not afford to pay them then NEGOTIATE. Agree to pay when you have signed your deal. After all you are calling about a contract (add 5% but no more than 10% to Attorney's Normal Fee for such services as an incentive only if neccesary).

3. Get out and Network! To Network is to meet people. Networking can involve attending Industry functions such as: Jack The Rapper, Urban Network's Power Jam and Impact. At these annual functions you can attend daily seminars on a wide range of music related topics. Learn from the Pros so you can be more professional, after all THIS IS A BUSINESS.
TIP: When networking always be courteous. Remember you want their help. Do not walk up and just bust a Rap or belt out a Song. Be polite and introduce yourself. Ask if you can get a business card. Ask if you can call or send them your Demo and if not Whom can you send it to. Ask if they will forward your Demo.
TIP: When if given the chance to call, reintroduce yourself. Explain where you met him or her. Do not get upset or mad if they do not remember you. We meet a lot of people not just YOU.

4. Have all your materials copyrighted before you send or pass them out. This is your best protection from unscrupulous Industry folk. You will be surprised at what some jerk at a Label will do for a hit.
FORM PA: APPLICATION FOR COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION FOR A WORK OF THE PERFORMING ARTS
FORM SR: APPLICATION FOR COPYRIGHT REGISTRATION FOR A SOUND RECORDING

Original forms, which must be used when applying for copyright, may be obtained by writing to:

REG2ISTER OF COPYRIGHTS
COPYRIGHT OFFICE
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20559-6000

Application forms may also be orered by telephoning the Forms and Circulars Hotline (202) 707-3000. The usual cost is $20.00

Da Demo Tape: Is yours tight enuff?
Now you have copyrighted your materials and successfully networked; getting a name and address. Alright! Someone (in da A&R department) wants to listen to your Demo. Is it ready? You think it is, but are you sure it's tight enuff? This is your chance to shine. Your Demo tape is your representative. It is YOU. If you think you can hit A&R with a few of your so-so joints before your best stuff, you're dead, no make that in the trash can, wrong. There is nothing that will get your Demo tape and your chances dumped faster than a few so-so joints. If you do not catch and hold the listeners attention off top and I mean with in the first thirty seconds you can hang it up. Your tape will be out the box and into the trash before the end of the first verse. But that's why you're here reading this. So that at least you can have a chance to get a complete hearing. Now if you think that $19.99 boom box with the built in mic you brought from K-Mart is perfect for recording your demo, again you're trash can wrong. Da Demo Rules 1. Invest in yourself by investing in your Demo tape. When you give someone your Demo tape they are not going to listen to it right then and there. So when they listen to it your Demo has to speak for you. A good well produced Demo tape will speak volumes about your commitment and dedication. Even if you are not what that particular Label is looking for it may even get you a pass along. TIP: Label your Demo tape with your Song Titles, your Name and Phone number. Do this even if you include a one sheet with your Demo because the one sheet may not get passed along with your Demo. TIP: If you can not afford the high rate big studios charge then find a smaller lesser used studio. Rates at smaller lesser known studios can be very affordable. Talk to the studio manager and negotiate! TIP: If money is too tight and you can not afford to pay for any studio time. Ask the studio manager to front you enough studio time to get your Demo done against a promise of future bookings or delayed payment after you sign a deal. Then keep your promise or pay what you owe. 2. There is a saying, "Put Your Best Foot Forward". When it comes to your Demo tape put your best song first, then the next best, and so on. Again you want your Demo tape to speak for you. The listener can not ask you what you consider to be the best example of your talent nor will he or she be willing to find some reason to call you back. So make it easy for them and put your Best work forward. 3. Limit your Demo tape to 4 to 6 songs. If you have talent that's all it takes. Talent will shine through. Besides that if you put your best songs forward then the tape can only get worst. I know everything you spit or sing is off the hook. Or so you think. 4. Call Disc Makers. 1-800-468-9353 After you have recorded your 4 to 6 song Demo call Disc Makers. They can master your finished Demo. They also offer a wide range of post production services at affordabe prices. They also offer several booklets most are free and others are available at a small cost. But I happen to know that if you're courteous when dealing with them you may get them free. Topics include, 37 Recording Tips, Guide To Master Tape Preparation, and The Musician's Guide to the Web. In addition each booklet and Disc Maker's main catalog contain information and contacts to other artist friendly services.

Da Demo Tape: Is yours tight enuff?

Now you have copyrighted your materials and successfully networked; getting a name and address. Alright! Someone (in da A&R department) wants to listen to your Demo. Is it ready? You think it is, but are you sure it's tight enuff? This is your chance to shine. Your Demo tape is your representative. It is YOU. If you think you can hit A&R with a few of your so-so joints before your best stuff, you're dead, no make that in the trash can, wrong. There is nothing that will get your Demo tape and your chances dumped faster than a few so-so joints.

If you do not catch and hold the listeners attention off top and I mean with in the first thirty seconds you can hang it up. Your tape will be out the box and into the trash before the end of the first verse. But that's why you're here reading this. So that at least you can have a chance to get a complete hearing. Now if you think that $19.99 boom box with the built in mic you brought from K-Mart is perfect for recording your demo, again you're trash can wrong.

Da Demo Rules
1. Invest in yourself by investing in your Demo tape.
When you give someone your Demo tape they are not going to listen to it right then and there. So when they listen to it your Demo has to speak for you. A good well produced Demo tape will speak volumes about your commitment and dedication. Even if you are not what that particular Label is looking for it may even get you a pass along.
TIP: Label your Demo tape with your Song Titles, your Name and Phone number. Do this even if you include a one sheet with your Demo because the one sheet may not get passed along with your Demo.
TIP: If you can not afford the high rate big studios charge then find a smaller lesser used studio. Rates at smaller lesser known studios can be very affordable. Talk to the studio manager and negotiate!
TIP: If money is too tight and you can not afford to pay for any studio time. Ask the studio manager to front you enough studio time to get your Demo done against a promise of future bookings or delayed payment after you sign a deal. Then keep your promise or pay what you owe.

2. There is a saying, "Put Your Best Foot Forward". When it comes to your Demo tape put your best song first, then the next best, and so on.
Again you want your Demo tape to speak for you. The listener can not ask you what you consider to be the best example of your talent nor will he or she be willing to find some reason to call you back. So make it easy for them and put your Best work forward.

3. Limit your Demo tape to 4 to 6 songs.
If you have talent that's all it takes. Talent will shine through. Besides that if you put your best songs forward then the tape can only get worst. I know everything you spit or sing is off the hook. Or so you think.

4. Call Disc Makers. 1-800-468-9353
After you have recorded your 4 to 6 song Demo call Disc Makers. They can master your finished Demo. They also offer a wide range of post production services at affordabe prices. They also offer several booklets most are free and others are available at a small cost. But I happen to know that if you're courteous when dealing with them you may get them free. Topics include, 37 Recording Tips, Guide To Master Tape Preparation, and The Musician's Guide to the Web. In addition each booklet and Disc Maker's main catalog contain information and contacts to other artist friendly services.

Music Publishing, BMI, and ASCAP
After you have legally claimed your work as your own by copyrighting it with the U.S Copyright Office you will need to register with a Performing Rights Organization. ASCAP (212-621-6160) BMI (212-586-2000) SESAC (1-800-826-9996) These Performing Rights Organizations take a percentage of the royalty payments they collect on your behalf, so they are always interested in recruiting new members. Take your time and shop for the best rates and customer service. The following are the five major sources of royalties: Mechanical Royalties (collected from retail sales) Performance Rights Royalties (collected from radio or public (juke boxes, stores, etc.) airplay) Synchronization Royalties (collected from television or movie usage) Sampling Royalties (collected if your work is sampled by another artist) Royalties From Sheet Music Manufacturing (collected if song is a hit and is printed in song books or magazines) When signing with a publisher or label you may sign away all or part of your rights to your songs. Key terms to watch for when signing are: Exclusive Rights: Meaning said Publisher is the only Publisher that can shop your work Cross-collateralization: Gives Publisher right to deduct losses on one song from profits made on another. It can also give the label the right to recoup other cost from publishing money. TIP: Do not allow this inclusion at any cost. It is to be avoided. Reversion: Allows you to re-acquire a song's rights after a specified period of time. Audit: Allows you to verify the accuracy of Publisher's/label's record. TIP: Even if you are "getting paid," it never hurts to have an audit performed. Unspecified Use: Guarantees you can collect royalties if your songs make money from unintended uses. Changes in Words and Music: Prevents your songs from being altered or changed without your permission, which also protects you from some jerk making a few changes and claiming co-authorship and a cut of your royalties. I will continually update this page for your benefit. I will also answer any questions I can and post both the questions and answers here on NDAMIXX.com. Submit your questions to AANDRGUY@HOTMAIL.COM (aandrguy@hotmail.com) or send us some FEEDBACK. A&R Guy Today may be your lucky day. BLAKNOTE RECORDS and NDAMIXX.com has teamed up to give you your Big Break. NDAMIXX.com has agreed to forward your Demos to me at my office. My label BLAKNOTE RECORDS is currently putting together a new compilation album and is seeking new and fresh talent. BLAKNOTE RECORDS specializes in HIP HOP and R&B music and is currently seeking the same. If you have your Demo tape ready here's all you have to do: send your Demo Package to: A&R Guy C/O NDAMIXX P. O. Box 25356 Fayetteville, NC 28314-5005 There is a $5.00 s/h fee to cover the expense of repackaging and forwarding your Demo to my office. My staff and I will listen to all Demos received via NDAMIXX.com. We have reserved 9 sides or singles of the compilation for songs submitted via NDAMIXX.com. Your package should include your Demo tape and contact information, one sheet (picture w/ bio) if availble but not necesary, the $5.00 handling fee, and email address if available. If under 18 your package should be submitted by your legal guardian or parent. No package will be forwarded w/o handling fee.

Music Publishing, BMI, and ASCAP

After you have legally claimed your work as your own by copyrighting it with the U.S Copyright Office you will need to register with a Performing Rights Organization.
ASCAP (212-621-6160)
BMI (212-586-2000)
SESAC (1-800-826-9996)

These Performing Rights Organizations take a percentage of the royalty payments they collect on your behalf, so they are always interested in recruiting new members. Take your time and shop for the best rates and customer service.

The following are the five major sources of royalties:
Mechanical Royalties (collected from retail sales)
Performance Rights Royalties (collected from radio or public (juke boxes, stores, etc.) airplay)
Synchronization Royalties (collected from television or movie usage)
Sampling Royalties (collected if your work is sampled by another artist)
Royalties From Sheet Music Manufacturing (collected if song is a hit and is printed in song books or magazines)

When signing with a publisher or label you may sign away all or part of your rights to your songs. Key terms to watch for when signing are:
Exclusive Rights: Meaning said Publisher is the only Publisher that can shop your work
Cross-collateralization: Gives Publisher right to deduct losses on one song from profits made on another. It can also give the label the right to recoup other cost from publishing money. TIP: Do not allow this inclusion at any cost. It is to be avoided.
Reversion: Allows you to re-acquire a song's rights after a specified period of time.
Audit: Allows you to verify the accuracy of Publisher's/label's record. TIP: Even if you are "getting paid," it never hurts to have an audit performed.
Unspecified Use: Guarantees you can collect royalties if your songs make money from unintended uses.
Changes in Words and Music: Prevents your songs from being altered or changed without your permission, which also protects you from some jerk making a few changes and claiming co-authorship and a cut of your royalties.

I will continually update this page for your benefit. I will also answer any questions I can and post both the questions and answers here on NDAMIXX.com. Submit your questions to AANDRGUY@HOTMAIL.COM (aandrguy@hotmail.com) or send us some FEEDBACK.

A&R Guy
Today may be your lucky day. BLAKNOTE RECORDS and NDAMIXX.com has teamed up to give you your Big Break. NDAMIXX.com has agreed to forward your Demos to me at my office. My label BLAKNOTE RECORDS is currently putting together a new compilation album and is seeking new and fresh talent. BLAKNOTE RECORDS specializes in HIP HOP and R&B music and is currently seeking the same. If you have your Demo tape ready here's all you have to do: send your Demo Package to:

A&R Guy
C/O NDAMIXX
P. O. Box 25356
Fayetteville, NC 28314-5005

There is a $5.00 s/h fee to cover the expense of repackaging and forwarding your Demo to my office. My staff and I will listen to all Demos received via NDAMIXX.com. We have reserved 9 sides or singles of the compilation for songs submitted via NDAMIXX.com. Your package should include your Demo tape and contact information, one sheet (picture w/ bio) if availble but not necesary, the $5.00 handling fee, and email address if available. If under 18 your package should be submitted by your legal guardian or parent. No package will be forwarded w/o handling fee.