Record Deals and The Future of Music with Don Passman

[heltaskelta32]

2:00 he came up with spotify b4 spotify ha

[Bak3dB3an]

Cloud Computing. 

[xtina00123]

He is very right in regards to the 'cell phones' and the monthly service. This is platforms such as Spotify, We7 etc. If he predicted this 4 years ago, I wonder what will evolve in the music industry in the next 4 years!

[JLJorgenson18]

And 4 years later, this guy turned out to be so fucking right 

[THYRDEYE]

How can there be jobs for that many entertainment lawyers when there are no jobs for recording engineers?

[yarchism]

wow he called the i phone

[Ladyluck2806]

live streaming will be the future just wish i had the cash to start it.

[293sunny]

Good advice.. Thanks.. I recently stumbled over this fellow here on YouTube under joshuakunzechannel who has a sweet voice.. he should have a look at this...

[1Mellodee]

This guy is a rich dinosaur, like the rest of the Suits in music....Monthly fees for music? Too late.

[cbracco415]

@1Mellodee dude was right .. look at rdio, spotify, grooveshark, and similar services. i use rdio personally, and i couldn't be happier, shit's awesome. all the music i want, from all my devices, 10 bucks a month.

[stillphil]

@1Mellodee dinosaur ? nah this was filmed in 2007.

[1Mellodee]

@stillphil - and it's 2011...the info is out of date already. Too late for that Model.

[stillphil]

@1Mellodee true...the rules will be re-written again and again.

[oxytrebor]

the new format that's going to dominate the world of (recording) music is called 'Prehumistus Compression' as covered in the new issue of 'Scientific Monthly'

What it will do is collect strenuous data pockets lost in the stream of contained presumptive direction and volatilize it into a brand new phosphoric transcriber .

[cowboytony47]

Ilike your chanel,very cool,have a super nice day my friend

[LunaSeaSane]

I believe the music buisness was never healthy to start with, given it is first and foremost, a buisness. As an example of this, I offer the hundreds of artists who have had their tracks pulled out of fan videos -or official videos- that the companies who represent (or represented) them, did not authorize. By exercising control over a track they didn't write, this shows how deep they can bury an artist into oblivion.

Love of music? More like:

"No longer a 'going concern'? Screw you."

[JohnF30Music]

@LunaSeaSane then they shouldn't have signed the contract , idiot. the companies promote the hell out of the artists. You can't have your pie and eat it too.

[LunaSeaSane]

To start off,

You go call your mother an idiot, you ###hole.

Now... idiots (if you can think that far ahead) are those who fail to legislate in a protective way; a way that prevents people from signing crap, because it would simply be illegal. That brain workin' yet?

So companies promote artists... they charge it all back to the artists!

Thus, nobody shipped off back home with 56 bucks, after a tour.

Nobody banned from any ticket money.

And no 3/60s. They are corruption.

[JohnF30Music]

@LunaSeaSane ok i completed the first step and called my mom an idiot. the rest of your comment makes no sense and is bias.

[LunaSeaSane]

In other words, you didn't get a thing.

Perhaps a high paying position at a real corrupt record company suits you.

I am sure with your insight, you'll do a stellar job.

[JohnF30Music]

@LunaSeaSane i don't want a stellar job, but a high position in a label or corporation would be amazing. thanks, i'm already majoring business administration

[BritonTS]

I agree with a lot of what Mr. Passman is saying. Being part of the generation of pirates and freebee's I feel a "streaming" type of model where I can listen to any music sounds great but I don't think people will want to have something they don't actually own. Seems pointless. Not to mention what if internet goes down?

[1Mellodee]

@BritonTS - Right. Who "Rents" music other than Radio & TV?

[blauwbiets]

lol he gave the creators of spotify their idea here

[skope74]

i took his book to my first interview with a entertainment lawyer he's the man

[strauqq1]

lol how about you so called music execs just go back 2 good music and vinyl and pay your artist.

[SuperFoxSD]

Don Passman is the man!!! He inspired me to become a Entertainment Lawyer. Tone Fox ESQ coming soon!

[Theprophet524]

I'm definitely looking forward to buying his revised book when it's available. But does anyone know if there are any books out there that go into detail about songwriting. I want to know everything from developing concepts to writing hooks. If anyone has any book titles just send a message to my inbox

[NewFace420]

DAMN YOU NAPSTER!!!

[RawwestHide]

Won't get anyone in CA to be interested in your music. They have their OWN local/ indie bands to support.

This is where promotion via TV, Radio, interviews in newspapers or popular internet sites, reviews from popular magazines and websites, a street team, will help. This is why there will never be a huge band based solely on the internet with no label help. T

Of course, being a huge band isn't EVERYTHING, but just know the true realm of possibility.

[RawwestHide]

A video on MTV, where everyone could see how different they were, and how good they were compared to the other bands at the time. They simply did not have access to that market as an indie label act. There's also issues of promotion? We're bombarded with so many ads on the internet daily, how are you going to make someone give a shit about your band? There's so many on myspace, yours will look like "just another mysapce band". Plus, if you're a local PA band you won't get anyone in CA

[RawwestHide]

Yes, youtube, myspace, and other internet resources have been around for years, yet we still haven't had a Zepplin, we still haven't had a Metallica. That's because the market is over saturated, which means LESS quality control. Nobody ever goes through thousands of myspace pages looking for a band that doesn't suck, because many do on myspace. Metallica became popular because of the live show and word of mouth, but they didn't get huge until they signed to a Major and did a video.

[flipperboy]

@RawwestHide LESS quality control is exactly what it means, LESS quality control meaning noones scanning through bands looking at which one will sell the most, do you really think records look at talent and creativity when they scout? they look at who can make them the most money, in the 1990s record companies had alot of power but that were we getting? Britney spears, Backstreet boys and Limp Bizkit

[AykinSkywalker]

... Vinyl ... never ... dies...

[HolliValsMusic]

@WorDS347 Yeah, don't you just love all the YouTube Music SCene :)

[nuffsd]

Yo! none of the videos work, there is no

play button to operate the videos, nor does it appear when you up load them.

Whatz up ??????????

[pogoZ0aka0fed0EX]

workin 4 me

[a7xfreakmia89]

is there anyway you can read this book for free online anywhere or can anyone tell me what chapter 15 is about i couldnt afford to buy the book so anything will really help me out

[adriencote]

chapter 15 : Copyright Basics

1) basic copyright concepts

2) what are all these rights you get?

3) exceptions to the copyright monopoly

4) compulsory mechanical licenses(which basically means when someone HAS to give you the right to use/play their music, as long as it has been previously released to the public in cd/record/mp3 form,this chapter is confusing!)

It basically explains how a copyright is a "limited duration monopoly" which gives the creator the sole rights to their music.

[adriencote]

as long as the artist /pulisher has a tangible copy of their work...

[freeeewilly66]

I think some people are missing the point. Yes, it is much easier for the artist to make their own recordings cheaply or put up a myspace to promote themselves. The age of the CD is certainly dying, but the music business is undergoing a restructuring.

The business will start to revolve less around CD's and more around promoting the artist by licensing the artist's material and finding new ways to distribute music. The artist will still need a company that has the resources to help do this.

[bearssmg]

I bought Don's book "this business of music"

YEARS ago and thought this guy was probably

some old librarian back in the 80's. Now I find out he

is a Hollywood Super Star and looks like an actor!

Always seems to be on the side of the artist.

[Stbuster31]

do*

[Stbuster31]

agree, artists/basically record companies are making money due to this but disagree on that I still love buying a CD kind of like people still buying vinyl. There such an enjoyment putting it in and sitting back and listening. I dot buy itunes when I just want individual songs. Also downloading for free craps your computer up and give credit to the artists that make us happy or be selfish if you really want, I don't personally care what you do. this means nothing.

[cdjburton]

soon artists like my self wont need a record deal, or pay money to make money!

soon enougth artists will hav a bedroom for a studio!

i mean i have a pc aquiped with a recording program, fruityloops studio 8 'with lots of effect plugins', and many more! and that didnt cost me a penny.(and neither did my pc)the only musical items that i did pay fro was my mixer and my decks! if i had a few grand i would buy a vinyl press with lots of blank vinyl and sell my music to my local record shop.

[tvrulesnation]

@cdjburton

Obviously though the equipment in studio will be multiple times better (eg the acoustics) & to some extent the help of professionals who help set up the album will be better than a Bedroom-record.

However that being said its possible very possible, John Frusciante for example does all his stuff at home, now mind you i dunno how big his home studio is, i know his drug albums ''niandre lades'' etc were created on the most basic equipment.

SeaSick Steve is naother example

[brandonshred1]

Music sales are limited to stupid people and true fans. When i pay for music(which is rare) i want to have the fucking cd, not have the song on my phone or on itunes. I have filesharing programs for that.

[cameronsound1]

I wonder if this guy knows Satan personally, or if he just does contract work for him.

...'the future of music is on cell phones, because every kid has a cell phone even if they don't have a credit card...and it's really easy to get something on a cell phone, particularly if mom and dad are paying the bill......'

Wow. Anyone who agrees with what this guy is saying should go listen to a Hanna Montana record, because that is the kind of music this business model supports.

Wimps.

[Emeraldjazzlady]

Dude, calm down. Donald Passman has been around for a LONG time. He wrote books on how to work in the music business years ago. He's not a fool.  The music biz is not what it used to be. It's really sad. It used to be sooo exciting and fun.

Don't get mad at me. Go back and do some research and see how great it used to be to work in the music biz.

[LadyTai7]

You have no idea who Donald Passman is do you? Do a little research and you'll probably retract...

[Emeraldjazzlady]

O.k. STOP yelling at me!!! I will go do research on him. I had one of his books. I did NOT read it through completely. What I did read didn't look bad. Is there something you want to tell me??? IF so, please send me an email in YOUTUBE. Thanks.

[Emeraldjazzlady]

PLEASE stop being mean. It doesn't help. Some of us are older and remember seeing things when they were good and better in our blessed country USA.  What do you mean "this guy knows Satan???" Please try to answer me calmly. I would appreciate that.

[fuzzybunnies]

OK but here's my theory on ringtones:

Some of the rich men, get their riches from the ghetto. As far as I can see...

All the poor ones, that live in the ghetto.

They put all their trust in vanity

And that's why, the rich ones shall be richer.

And the poor ones shall be poorer.

That's how it goes, that's where it's at. ~Toots and the Maytals

[PhuckHue]

CD sales are plummeting every year because they are becoming obsolete. All music will be downloads. Artists won't need record companies or recording studios anymore. From computers to Ipods

[4DRY4N]

Wow great information, thank you for sharing PaulCookeMusic 5* A.D.

[PaulCookeMusic]

My GURU, can you help me sue Sony and Sade master:) paul cooke

[guitarded78]

i hate the way the music business is. i took a music biz program in college and dropped out after the first semester. i just think it is a very very dysfunctional business that is full of degenerates, and nothing against those who do their job right. alot of drugees and alcys are in the biz too, i tell you noooo lies

[freeitunespodcast]

The evolution of the music business is one whereby the finance paradigm must become symbiotic with the users demands and needs, and perhaps must do so in a reverse model whereby the media is compensated as a result of usage not direct sale as is with physical objects.

[GoldenChildBH]

Passman's knowledge of the music industry really bogels my mind.

[brilliantou]

search: destiny brilliantou . Say what hyou think!

[ateamga]

I love you guys site.

[Brilliantbeing]

I, for one, am glad the industry is changing. The old model was flawed from the start.

The next record companies will be companies who aren't even in the music business; Starbucks, Target, McDonald's, Toyota, iTunes, etc. This is good, because record companies know very little about good music themselves. All they are is "big". Hey, IBM is big too..

[ralphtheray]

so money is more important than exposing people to good music? (as opposed to what sells (sex, violence, power, shock (marilyn manson))?

I think not. roy orbison could never get a record deal today...Mcdonalds??? you want to turn music into a mcdonalds hamburger as opposed to a REL hamburger>?

[Brilliantbeing]

You miss the point.

If other large conglomerates enter the music business it would keep the traditional record companies more honest.

Record company executives, by and large, are already tone-deaf. Starbucks or Target could do much worse. Besides it would open up the industry to talent that is getting overlooked at present.

This has nothing to do with hamburgers.

[ralphtheray]

In my opinion, "traditional record companies" are called indie labels. They their artists to develop artistically, look for talent, and have artistic principals. They serve their true purpose.

My focus is on the music that "the masses" of fellow human beings are exposed to and spoon fed; and this music not being the equivalent of "fast food."

Crap dressed up to look great that seems to taste good but destroys your heart and body...

[blahblahblahman]

Yes, money is important. Do be naive. Music is a BUSINESS like anything else. There is money to be made--it's not a game.

[ralphtheray]

"There is money to be made..." Is that the justification for all the wrong in the world that makes money? The exploitation. the trampling down. The dissappearing beauty.

Saying that there is money to be made, subverts the responsibility to address the irresponsibility of blind profiteering.

there is money to be made from every wrong. Money makes it right?

[Debonair73]

ralphtheray, it cost money to expose people to good music. The indie labels are really worst than a major in many ways because at least with the majors they can get you national exposure. From what I've seen indie deals look just like the major record deals accept you have more creative control because it's not as much money invested by the label. It cost money to tour, it cost money to record, it cost money to even get a deal to hire a decent lawyer so you don't get screwed.

[Debonair73]

ralphtheray, each artist is like an startup company with 1-2 million in venture capital and like most startups, most artists failed. People like to complain about the industry but they are not the one making the million dollar bets on a bunch of 20 year old kids.

[ralphtheray]

respectfully,

You are simply describing a business model that has been applied to music. Marketing students learn how to "expand markets" What "the industry" you defend is doing is feeding people crap and attempting to numb them to real expression. this way, it is easier to feed them more and also predict what will succeed and be economically viable for them.

Not only is this destroying musical taste, but it is also destroying culture. Sex, money and violence is being fed to our kids.

[ralphtheray]

I was at a show a few months ago and it was a band that played acoustic guitars and real drums and brass horns and vocals and backup vocals and also electric guitar and bass guitar and sometimes string instruments.

The record company before they came out, forced us to listen to an hour of hiphop. It was drum loops and background tracks. Everybody was complaining. One "song" called "keys open doors" was that line said over about 100 times.

expanding markets. Testing marketability.

Music?

[ralphtheray]

Disrespect for culture and good taste and respect itself. Business gambles don't belong in music. Let the market decide itself. Business is changing peoples tastes the same way people used to fastfood can't appreciate garden tomato. Thei taste buds are seared.

only the music industry is searing much more than taste.

"Whach ya gonna do wit all that breast. all dat breast inside dat shrrt." Thats what your 13 yr old is being fed. Can you defend that?

[deepelmdesciple]

The reason that millions upon millions of listeners even download music illegally is so they don't have to spend THEIR money. So musicians have the right to wanna keep their money as well. I do believe to an extent that getting the music out is really important, but as a musician how can I afford to keep putting out quality music without any income? And in the Indie grey area, they might not reach as many people, but the artists get A LOT more per record, so we can't say that they're saints.

[thebeatles897]

Are the companies addressing the issue of illegal sharing of music? For example, is there some way to protect the content on cds or mp3s that does not allow the sharing of that content?

[xms32]

I've haven't seen anything that protects a cd or mp3 from being copied and distributed.