Well here we go with the second edition of the THE STREET covering Information and the West Mass. Urban music scene. Today I would like to cover Artist Management and a couple of local profiles.

ARTIST MANAGEMENT
In order to succeed in the music industry you must put together a tight team. The Manager is a key member
I ended up managing more out of necessity than desire. I have coordinated several LP releases and a lot of times the Artist management component was suspect . I've managed Latin Express a Dance music act, Rap artist Rockwellia and R&B female L.I.Z. . Management takes a lot of hands on work and long term planning What's needed is talent, money, patience, organization, discipline and perseverance. I don't care what you are selling, everything needs a plan. So before you decided on managing an artist, get a pen, calculator and paper and write out a plan. If you are an artist make sure your manager has a plan. And while your at it sign an agreement with each other! ( verbal contracts simply don't work )

Here's my interpretation of the Artist Management job description. ( Business, Personal and Road management )

1. Musical development. Shoot for a goal of recording at least 15 to 20 tracks over a certain time period.
2. Promoting the artist brand name.
3. Insure the artist is protected concerning all legal matters.
4. Get your artist as many gigs as possible paid and promotional ( that's what the press kit is for )
5. Get your Artist paid. ( that's how you make money ).
6. Live performance concerns ( Ryder's, sound check, transportation etc. )
7. Budgets and goals
8. Assembly and distribute press kits in a nice folder:

A. Black and white 8x10 glossy photo, Biography and a Business card
B. Demo with your best three songs ( I prefer a shrink wrapped , barcoded and professional looking CD )
C. Media reviews if any or a promo 1 sheet
D. A DVD video single would be nice ( this is the future , ya heard it here first! )
E. THAT'S IT! Don't put in a lot stuff in it, it will only annoy people.

The following is a review of the types of Managers I've come across, good and bad ( I made up the names )

* THE NAME DROPPER: Every chance this character gets they let you know who they know or met. Young artist usually fall it and find out later that it was all talk no action. To be fair most have good intentions, its just hard for them to turn dreams in to reality.

* THE NETWORKER: You can spot this type passing out business cards and press kits at all the events. Someone you definitely want on your team. This person is also a good politician who gets along with people.

* THE SHARK: The thing is, once you know how this person is, you shouldn't complain when they bite you. They usually show their teeth when its time to sign the contract or during financial transactions.

* NAÏVE AND OPTIMISTIC: This type usually describes everyone in the beginning, big plans, big dreams. The key is how they react when things don't go as planned. Do they roll with the punches on or quit?

* THE INSIDER: The complete opposite of a Name dropper, unfortunately for West Mass. these types don't live around here. They are usually found in the big cities where the action is. Once you find em , you will have to prove that they should work with you. Its well worth the courtship because an Insider is a good person to have on your team.

* THE PLAYA HATER: These types have a problem with competition, whether its unsigned or major label. This attitude clouds there thinking . I have seen these people blow opportunities because of envy and jealousy Lets face it in this industry you have to get along well with others in order to be successful.

voyage a Torquay* THE NEPOTIST: The family member who all of a sudden wants to be in the Music business. Sometimes it works, but most of the time it doesn't. Do yourself a favor and find a real manager.

LOCAL PROFILES

SCOPES SPOT ( DJ SCOPE )
I going to get right to the point and the reason why I am profiling this DJ and his record store. Sound Scan, Sound Scan, Sound Scan. The only urban music record store in West Mass that reports all CD sales to Sound Scan. Why is that important? Record executives constantly read the Sound scan reports.

DJ Scope started his career as a dancer back in the 1980s. He eventually started DJing for local nightclubs. He was a fixture on WSCB and WAIC ( that's when they were more community oriented which I'll get in to later ). The mix tape phenomenon caught on and he sold the latest CDs and Cassettes in the back of Uptown Sounds. His own mix tapes are sold thru out the Northeast and he is invited to spin music for concerts and after parties.

Granada luxury hotelsA few years ago he struck out on his own and opened Scopes Spot, located on State Street in Mason Square. What makes his store different is the fact that he beat the local competition to the punch by going Sound Scan. These is a great affiliation to have because the labels give your store tons of free CDs, poster and other promos Here's an idea , if a local artist or label was smart they would service his store with CDs and then by them back! The goal is to create a buzz about your music not have it just sit in the store.

The Infa Red Fam is the AKA for Scopes camp of DJs, which include Jockeys from Connecticut and New York This is another reason why I am profiling his organization. If you are a Rap act you should go out of your way to service him with at least 15 to 20 promo units. He will then circulate them to his people. If you can afford it drop off some 12 inch records, wax is a favorite with mix tape and nightclub DJs.

Inside the store you will find the future of independent records store. Not only does he sell music, but you will Find clothing, perfumes, colognes, hats, incenses, DVD movies and plenty of the latest mix tapes. According to Scope ya just can't sell music anymore if you want to survive. 413 736 -6054

JAME LEWIS / WOO BEAR
Talk about holding it down! For 15 years plus James has owned and operated Woo Bear Entertainment a Promotional and Marketing company specializing in urban music, R&B, Rap, etc. His company markets major label artist to New England consumers , DJs , radio and retail. At any given time you might see James passing out free CDs, posters, stickers and tee shirts. He submits reports back to the labels stating just who got the units and what was there response ( surveys ).
His accounts include Def Jam, Sony, Columbia as well as independent recording labels. Along with his right hand man Ross Cogman these guys work greater New England holding showcases and Listener parties featuring major label as well as regional talent.

Every Tuesday from 4 to 6 pm he can be found on the air at 90.7 WTCC FM at Spfld Tech. Comm. College . The station covers West Mass and Northern Conn. . He plays the latest in R&B, Rap, Spoken word and Jazz. One of the things I like about his show is he gives unsigned talent air time on his show. From time to time he invites them to do radio interviews. I think this great because I lot of times local college radio stations forget just who they are serving . Give him a call at the station 413 736-2781

That's it for now, I'm slowly getting in to the swing things and I hope you enjoy the information Next up will be CD Distribution and Sales tactics along with a few profiles.

You can get in touch with me :
THE ALLIANCE c/o MICHAEL WYNN
39 MOUNTAINVIEW ST SPFLD. MA. 01108
413 732-9212 / TOVERTONWY@AOL

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