While picking a band name that’s cool and interesting to fans is ideal, perhaps almost more important is selecting a name which hasn’t been used already been used by other artists (past or present), and which doesn’t defy any attempt to Google it. Here we look at the consequences of…
Category archives: Publishing & Songwriting
How To Copyright Your Original Music and Why You Need To
As a creator of original music, it is essential that you take the necessary steps to properly protect your work, particularly given what a litigious environment the music industry tends to be. Here we look at the proper channels to follow in order to ensure your compositions are secure. __________________________…
BUSINESS OF INDIE: Major Label Kool-Aid • R.I.P. Keith Case • AIM Awards Winners • More
In this new edition of the Business Of Indie, two top indie execs caution against drinking the major label Kool-Aid, Nashville agent Keith Case passes, the UK’s Association Of Independent Music announces its 2019 winners and much more. Like Hypebot’s More News section, The Business Of Indie is nestled under…
Ipecac Recordings On 20 Years Of Music Business Success [INTERVIEW]
A rare feat in a challenging industry, Ipecac Records has managed to successfully turn a profit during each of its twenty years in operation. Here, founders Mike Patton and Greg Werckman sat down to with The Orchard to discuss the label’s origins and what the future might have in store…
Katy Perry ‘Dark Horse’ Verdict: End Of The World Or Hand In The Cookie Jar?
In the wake of a recent Federal Jury verdict which resulted in the songwriting team and label behind "Dark Horse" paying out millions of dollars, Stephen Carlisle takes an in-the-weeds look at just how similar the offending song and the Plaintiff’s track "Joyful Noise" really are. ______________________________ Guest post by…
Fans Want To Know Your Narrative: Crafting A Story For Your Music Career
When it comes to marketing your music, it can be easy to get lost in the excitement of album launches, interacting with fans, and posting on social media. All these elements are certainly important in cultivating a successful career, but it’s important to also spend time developing a compelling bio…
SEO For Musicians: 6 Best Ways To Promote Your Music
While you may be able to find some success getting decent airplay for your music, your online presence is still likely to suffer without a proper visibility boost. Here we look at how DIY artists can employ Search Engine Optimization to increase their content’s chances of being discovered via organic…
2 Big Mistakes Artists Make When Contacting Tastemakers
Music industry tastemakers are incredibly busy people, and even those working for smaller outlets are inundated with promotion seeking emails. This being the case, it’s important to make an immediate positive impact, something a surprisingly large number of artists still manage to fail to to do. Here we look at…
6 Great Online Music Forums To Visit When You’re Caught In A Jam
While social media has taken over where online forums once reigned supreme, it’s important to remember that many of these forums – or at least ones very like them – still exist, and if you’re trying to find answers or broaden your horizons in a very specific niche of the…
Songwriters Could Actually Catch Break As DOJ Weighs In On “Stairway To Heaven” Case
Songwriters have been going through a rough time in the courtrooms of late, often losing out on cases more often as the result of song’s ‘feel’ than its actual melody. That could be changing however, with the Department of Justice weighing in (as it rarely does) on case between Led…