Well, the answer to that question could now be 'yes' for many new, up and coming artists.
Disclaimer: This is not a Tate Music Group plug or info-mercial blog to get you to purchase a product (it's free right now, anyway)
This is a short note to show artists how looking at and thinking about their music from a business perspective can really get ahead of the competition by making things better and simpler.
One of the things we stress over and over here at Tate Music Group is the importance of live events and CD signings/interviews, etc. These not only provide much needed exposure to the artists...they also provide an outlet for CD and merchandise sales...which, at the early stages of an artists' career, are vital to being able to keep going.
Now there seems to be a device that allows you to accept credit card payments via your smart phone...right at your merch table. That is a pretty cool option for artists who are trying their hardest to create true fans...who will buy their stuff.
You can check it out here - https://squareup.com/
Judge for yourself if this device is a good option for you. But remember that not pushing and selling the music you have worked so hard on is never a good option.
Showing posts with label CD manufacturing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CD manufacturing. Show all posts
Monday, February 7, 2011
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
tate music group...digital killed the CD star
I read an interesting post by Derek Sivers, the guy who started CD Baby and then sold it for a lot of dough. He brings up some interesting thoughts and questions about the future of CD sales, especially in-store sales. He makes the comment that he believes CDs to be on the downhill slide and, he believes, they will be all but obsolete in a few years. I must say that I agree with him, for the most part, but I don't believe it will happen as soon as he thinks it will.
Technology is a wonderful thing, unless you are the thing that technology just helped to replace. I do think that, much like the cassettes of my youth, CDs will be fully replaced by the digital files that are making a long-term home in the jean pockets of the next generation.
I don't see this as a bad thing, though, and neither does Tate Music Group. Sure, if you grew up going to the store to buy a CD you will most likely always want to go to the store to buy a CD. I get that. What I don't get is the worry and focus that is put on the 'in-store' sales. In my opinion, the focus should be on the 'sale.' Period.
A huge part of what Tate Music Group provides our artists is the nationwide distribution which includes in-store as well as online. We will continue to provide this distribution for as long as stores are carrying CDs. What I, we, want the artists we work with to realize is that it doesn't matter how or where the CD is bought/sold. It really only matters that it was, in fact, sold.
A sold album, whether physical or digital, is an album that is being listened to, talked about, and promoted by the fans who are listening. When this happens, the music and the message and meaning it carries is shared with the people who, as an artist, you want to share it with. It grows and spreads and, let's be honest, it is probably shared, too. But that is okay because every sale helps the cause and because Tate Music Group is working with our artists to benefit from this popularity through radio and live gigs. It all fits together.
I don't think CDs are waving goodbye just yet. I do think that digital music is moving in permanently but I think, at least for now, there is room for both. And as long as there is room and demand for both, Tate Music Group will offer them...and anything new that technology introduces to us.
I just hope the next idea involves holograms...
Technology is a wonderful thing, unless you are the thing that technology just helped to replace. I do think that, much like the cassettes of my youth, CDs will be fully replaced by the digital files that are making a long-term home in the jean pockets of the next generation.
I don't see this as a bad thing, though, and neither does Tate Music Group. Sure, if you grew up going to the store to buy a CD you will most likely always want to go to the store to buy a CD. I get that. What I don't get is the worry and focus that is put on the 'in-store' sales. In my opinion, the focus should be on the 'sale.' Period.
A huge part of what Tate Music Group provides our artists is the nationwide distribution which includes in-store as well as online. We will continue to provide this distribution for as long as stores are carrying CDs. What I, we, want the artists we work with to realize is that it doesn't matter how or where the CD is bought/sold. It really only matters that it was, in fact, sold.
A sold album, whether physical or digital, is an album that is being listened to, talked about, and promoted by the fans who are listening. When this happens, the music and the message and meaning it carries is shared with the people who, as an artist, you want to share it with. It grows and spreads and, let's be honest, it is probably shared, too. But that is okay because every sale helps the cause and because Tate Music Group is working with our artists to benefit from this popularity through radio and live gigs. It all fits together.
I don't think CDs are waving goodbye just yet. I do think that digital music is moving in permanently but I think, at least for now, there is room for both. And as long as there is room and demand for both, Tate Music Group will offer them...and anything new that technology introduces to us.
I just hope the next idea involves holograms...
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
tate music group...the state of tate
Last night was the annual Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing Christmas party. What an experience that was. There was great food, presents and prizes, and very unusual entertainment. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Needless to say, it was a night that will not soon be forgotten.
As much as I would love to describe the silly skits that were performed or the amazing generosity shown by the Tate family (raffle prizes and gifts were everywhere), I have another reason for this post.
Every year Ryan Tate, President of Tate Publishing and Enterprises, LLC, addresses the entire staff in what we call the 'State of Tate Address.' It is a time where he tells us about the past year...what we have accomplished...where we need to improve...and how many sodas and brownie bites we have consumed as a staff in the cafe. Although there were a lot of funny statements made about staff food consumption, two figures really stood out to me and made me that much more thankful to be a part of Tate Music Group and the Tate Publishing family.
1. In 2008, Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing set up over 24,000 events for our arists and authors all over the United States. Also in 2008, Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing sold over 1.4 million CDs and books through events and distribution. That is incredible! What really stands out to me is that these are more than just numbers, they are a true measure of success, hard work, and great business strategy. We have a proven track record and it is apparent that our artists and authors are benefiting greatly from this.
2. In 2008, Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing gave over $660,000 in unsolicited funds to local, national, and overseas ministries focused on proclaiming and furthering the Kingdom of God. Wow! What an incredible incentive for success. It is such a blessing to work for a company that has its priorities in order.
It is no wonder that Tate Publishing and Enterprises, LLC, which includes Tate Music Group, was voted as one of the best places to work in 2008. For you artists and authors alike, there is no doubt in my mind that this is the best company to work with to help you accomplish all your dreams and goals.
I can't wait to see what 2009 brings...
As much as I would love to describe the silly skits that were performed or the amazing generosity shown by the Tate family (raffle prizes and gifts were everywhere), I have another reason for this post.
Every year Ryan Tate, President of Tate Publishing and Enterprises, LLC, addresses the entire staff in what we call the 'State of Tate Address.' It is a time where he tells us about the past year...what we have accomplished...where we need to improve...and how many sodas and brownie bites we have consumed as a staff in the cafe. Although there were a lot of funny statements made about staff food consumption, two figures really stood out to me and made me that much more thankful to be a part of Tate Music Group and the Tate Publishing family.
1. In 2008, Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing set up over 24,000 events for our arists and authors all over the United States. Also in 2008, Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing sold over 1.4 million CDs and books through events and distribution. That is incredible! What really stands out to me is that these are more than just numbers, they are a true measure of success, hard work, and great business strategy. We have a proven track record and it is apparent that our artists and authors are benefiting greatly from this.
2. In 2008, Tate Music Group and Tate Publishing gave over $660,000 in unsolicited funds to local, national, and overseas ministries focused on proclaiming and furthering the Kingdom of God. Wow! What an incredible incentive for success. It is such a blessing to work for a company that has its priorities in order.
It is no wonder that Tate Publishing and Enterprises, LLC, which includes Tate Music Group, was voted as one of the best places to work in 2008. For you artists and authors alike, there is no doubt in my mind that this is the best company to work with to help you accomplish all your dreams and goals.
I can't wait to see what 2009 brings...
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
tate music group...a december to remember
It is hard to believe that Tate Music Group is about to see its first year come to a close. What a year it has been. I do realize it is only the 2nd of December but you get the point. Now is the time of the year we start looking back at where we have been. We have seen some great things happen here at Tate Music Group and I wanted to just take a few moments to remember some of them.
Tate Music Group has gone from an idea in the heads of our company founders and executives to a key leader in the changing music industry. The 'old model' of a record label isn't working and 'indie' artists are the rage...though most don't have the resources, connections, or ability to really get things done on their own. That is where TMG comes in. We offer artists the best of both worlds - the backing and resources to get things done and the freedom to stay true to themselves and their music. That's a big thing.
Tate Music Group is also many steps ahead of where our parent company, Tate Publishing, was at the same time in its history. Granted, Tate Publishing paved the way in a new territory and has been influential in helping TMG get to where we are. That said, it is still a great accomplishment to be this far along the process this early in the game. And, if the huge success of our parent company is any indication of where Tate Music Group will be...watch out! That's another big thing.
Tate Music Group has also seen our marketing, promotions, and distribution grow immensely in this short amount of time. We are paving the way by offering Digital Download Cards, as well as CDs, for our artists to stay in front of where the market is going. We have over 400 radio stations, all across the country, who are playing TMG produced programs on a weekly basis. Our distribution has grown from working with a few stores directly, to working with one major distribution company, to now working with two of the biggest, most successful and respected distribution outlets in the nation. Those are all really big things.
So you see, there are a lot of big, great things happening at Tate Music Group. All of these things have happened in our first year of existence. It's almost scary to think about what will happen in 2009.
I can't wait to find out.
Tate Music Group has gone from an idea in the heads of our company founders and executives to a key leader in the changing music industry. The 'old model' of a record label isn't working and 'indie' artists are the rage...though most don't have the resources, connections, or ability to really get things done on their own. That is where TMG comes in. We offer artists the best of both worlds - the backing and resources to get things done and the freedom to stay true to themselves and their music. That's a big thing.
Tate Music Group is also many steps ahead of where our parent company, Tate Publishing, was at the same time in its history. Granted, Tate Publishing paved the way in a new territory and has been influential in helping TMG get to where we are. That said, it is still a great accomplishment to be this far along the process this early in the game. And, if the huge success of our parent company is any indication of where Tate Music Group will be...watch out! That's another big thing.
Tate Music Group has also seen our marketing, promotions, and distribution grow immensely in this short amount of time. We are paving the way by offering Digital Download Cards, as well as CDs, for our artists to stay in front of where the market is going. We have over 400 radio stations, all across the country, who are playing TMG produced programs on a weekly basis. Our distribution has grown from working with a few stores directly, to working with one major distribution company, to now working with two of the biggest, most successful and respected distribution outlets in the nation. Those are all really big things.
So you see, there are a lot of big, great things happening at Tate Music Group. All of these things have happened in our first year of existence. It's almost scary to think about what will happen in 2009.
I can't wait to find out.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
tate music group...contract bullets
One of the things I am most proud of regarding Tate Music Group is our contract. It is, hands down, the best contract available to a music artist. One of the great things you will notice about our contract is that it is pro artist. Our artists retain their song rights, they have final approval of production, and they have freedom. They can decide if Tate Music Group is where they want to stay or if they want to move on. Of course, we never want any artist to go elsewhere which is why we work so hard to constantly earn their business. I don't know if you will find that anywhere else.
Most people who read this post will probably not believe our contracts are as good as I am saying they are. With that in mind, I thought about how I could explain and show off our contract offer without just cutting and pasting. I decided to just hit the main points of what we do...what sets us apart from everybody else...what makes our contracts and our model better than all the rest.
So here is the 'bullet point' version of a Tate Music Group contract. Enjoy.
Tate Music Group will:
• Set up and promote gigs and events for you, the Artist, as well as help manage
and promote events set up by you.
• Contact all the media outlets (Radio, TV, and Print) within a 100-mile radius
of each event scheduled.
• Create a customized Electronic Press Kit for promotional use.
• Provide nationwide distribution for your album.
• Present your music to industry trade shows, awards shows, and include it in
our yearly catalog.
• Create and provide marketing reports showing our progress and giving vital
follow-up information.
• Produce, mix, and master your music at the highest quality.
• Create and design original CD artwork to your specifications.
• Provide you with the highest quality product and unbeatable prices.
• Create, manufacture, and promote your album while you retain all the rights
to your music.
• Provide you with over $2000 in merchandise to sell at your discretion.
• Return your Artist Participation Investment once 2,500 albums are sold.
• Work hard and work smart to help you find success and achieve
your dreams.
Most people who read this post will probably not believe our contracts are as good as I am saying they are. With that in mind, I thought about how I could explain and show off our contract offer without just cutting and pasting. I decided to just hit the main points of what we do...what sets us apart from everybody else...what makes our contracts and our model better than all the rest.
So here is the 'bullet point' version of a Tate Music Group contract. Enjoy.
Tate Music Group will:
• Set up and promote gigs and events for you, the Artist, as well as help manage
and promote events set up by you.
• Contact all the media outlets (Radio, TV, and Print) within a 100-mile radius
of each event scheduled.
• Create a customized Electronic Press Kit for promotional use.
• Provide nationwide distribution for your album.
• Present your music to industry trade shows, awards shows, and include it in
our yearly catalog.
• Create and provide marketing reports showing our progress and giving vital
follow-up information.
• Produce, mix, and master your music at the highest quality.
• Create and design original CD artwork to your specifications.
• Provide you with the highest quality product and unbeatable prices.
• Create, manufacture, and promote your album while you retain all the rights
to your music.
• Provide you with over $2000 in merchandise to sell at your discretion.
• Return your Artist Participation Investment once 2,500 albums are sold.
• Work hard and work smart to help you find success and achieve
your dreams.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
better late than never
There have been quite a few artists who have said to me, "I wish I/we had known about Tate Music Group before we did [insert high dollar production item here] on our own." That statement makes me both happy and sad. Happy for us here at Tate Music Group because it reiterates our belief that what we offer is the best deal going. Sad because I think about the money, the thousand and thousands of dollars, that is spent on producing a CD but having no support after its been created.
I think that is what truly sets us apart here at Tate Music Group. We offer what no one else does or can. What we offer goes beyond just the production and manufacturing of a CD. We offer a partnership with each of our artists to help them, in any way we can, to get to the next level. Sounds different, huh? Well, it is.
Production and manufacturing are very important parts in the music process. We agree with that, which is why we offer those services to all of our artists. The problem is, if you stop there, what do you do now? What do you do with the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of CDs sitting in a closet in your drummer's two-bedroom apartment? How do you get people to seriously consider you for shows, interviews, or openings for larger bands? What about radio? What is the plan for talking to radio stations? Do you send in a CD with a note about you, maybe an EPK? Thousands are doing the same thing. What is truly going to set you apart? And what about distribution? Besides iTunes and CD Baby, where else are you going to get your music represented? How can you get it out of your local music store and into a nationwide distribution channel?
The great thing is that all of these questions can be answered in one of two ways: 1. You can pay for each of these services to happen. There are booking agents, publicists, radio promoters, and distribution managers who will gladly get this going for a not-so-small fee - or - 2. You can sign on with Tate Music Group and you get all of these and more. (Wow, that sounds like a commercial...but it's true.)
That is what makes us different than all the others. We do all we can, all that I have talked about and more, to help our artists to make it, to find success. We care about each of our artists and we want them all to know that TMG is working hard and smart, on their behalf.
So when people tell me they wish they would have known about Tate Music Group first, my response is "Better late than never." We truly care about our artists and we want to serve them any way we can.
By the way, if you wanted to find out more or just have some questions, I'd love to talk to you. Just give me a call at 405-376-4900.
I think that is what truly sets us apart here at Tate Music Group. We offer what no one else does or can. What we offer goes beyond just the production and manufacturing of a CD. We offer a partnership with each of our artists to help them, in any way we can, to get to the next level. Sounds different, huh? Well, it is.
Production and manufacturing are very important parts in the music process. We agree with that, which is why we offer those services to all of our artists. The problem is, if you stop there, what do you do now? What do you do with the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of CDs sitting in a closet in your drummer's two-bedroom apartment? How do you get people to seriously consider you for shows, interviews, or openings for larger bands? What about radio? What is the plan for talking to radio stations? Do you send in a CD with a note about you, maybe an EPK? Thousands are doing the same thing. What is truly going to set you apart? And what about distribution? Besides iTunes and CD Baby, where else are you going to get your music represented? How can you get it out of your local music store and into a nationwide distribution channel?
The great thing is that all of these questions can be answered in one of two ways: 1. You can pay for each of these services to happen. There are booking agents, publicists, radio promoters, and distribution managers who will gladly get this going for a not-so-small fee - or - 2. You can sign on with Tate Music Group and you get all of these and more. (Wow, that sounds like a commercial...but it's true.)
That is what makes us different than all the others. We do all we can, all that I have talked about and more, to help our artists to make it, to find success. We care about each of our artists and we want them all to know that TMG is working hard and smart, on their behalf.
So when people tell me they wish they would have known about Tate Music Group first, my response is "Better late than never." We truly care about our artists and we want to serve them any way we can.
By the way, if you wanted to find out more or just have some questions, I'd love to talk to you. Just give me a call at 405-376-4900.
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