It's very gratifying to see clients pumped up and excited about how their finished album sounds - especially when it's equal to or better sounding than anything in the stores by "name" artists. However, when asked about their "next step" plans for the completed album, an answer we hear all too often is that they are going to mail copies of the CD to all of the Major and Indie Labels. They will then wait for one or more of them to offer up a huge recording contract and then they'll be set for life!

We certainly don't want to dampen anyone's enthusiasm and optimism but unfortunately, the music business doesn't operate that way anymore (and in reality, it never actually did). In fact, did you know that in some cases getting a major record contract could end your career before it starts?

Here is an interesting scenario. Let's say the Label advances you for re-recording your album (quite likely, so they can own the master recordings). You owe the advance back - but they decide not to put the album out because "the market has changed." You now can never recoup much less make any money because they won't release you from the original contract.

So now...
1) you aren't allowed to record a new album with a new Label (in order to make some money)
2) you cannot even sell your music yourself (in order to make some money), which results in
3) your car going a little slower because it has a Pizza Delivery sign on the roof and your instruments start to rust.

This probably won't happen to you but did you realize that it was even possible to find yourself in such a position? Not the best way to end up on MTV's Cribs!

Helping Artists Help Themselves

In an effort to help artists quickly discover that elusive "next step", Vestman Mastering has contacted a select group of some of the most knowledgeable and experienced music industry professionals around. In addition to their industry jobs, these people have all agreed to make themselves available to consult with you on your career, show you how the music business works and/or advise you on improvement strategies for your next record. They all charge an hourly consulting rate, usually between $50 to $75/hr - tailoring their advice specifically for you and your vision. Note: We do NOT receive any kind of referral fee or kickback from these individuals! There is no obligation for you to even mention that you contacted them through us (although we humbly won't mind if you do). It is strictly between you and them. We simply offer this as an option to further help you and your music succeed.

Key: Small changes can make a big difference. Think about how much time and money you've put into your project up to this point. Just an hour or two spent with these individuals is nothing compared to that - right? Get an edge - add some career expertise - streamline your next moves. Spending some time with these experts will change the way you approach the music business and assist your musical career path! You CAN succeed in the music business and make a great and long term living - even if you don't have number one hit!! But if you DO have a number one hit and you don't make the right choices.......... think about it.

Stack the odds in your favor! Knowledge of your industry is key and these individuals can really help you to know your options, know the lay of the land, know what's realistic and when to course correct. All professionals from Accountants to Zookeepers know exactly how their industries operate and as a musician you should too!

We encourage you to contact any or all of the following individuals and schedule a consulting session. They were all selected based on our direct personal experience with them. Along the way, we would also like to hear back from you about how things are progressing for you.

Recommended Music Industry Consultants:

1) Ritch Esra (800) 377-7411 E-Mail: ritch@musicregistry.com

Background: Ritch owns The Music Business Registry, THE contact bible for the music industry. He has a stellar industry background including Director of A&R at Arista under music biz legend Clive Davis. There is a recent bio of him here. A long time industry educator as well, Ritch is experienced and knowledgeable about all sectors of the music business and is amazing to learn from. If he doesn't know (improbable), he knows someone who does!

2) Dan Kimpel (323) 344-0599 E-Mail: dankimpel8@aol.com

Want to get "connected" in the music industry (you should, it's all about people and relationships)? Besides writing features for Music Connection magazine, Dan literally wrote the book on networking in the music business called... Networking In The Music Business (Mix Press). He is a ball of fire, enthusiastic and ingenious at coming up with new, move ahead opportunities for artists and bands. His website is here.

You can find additional background info here. Dan is a great person to creatively brainstorm with. The possibilities you will uncover are incredible!

3) Matt Forger (818) 716-7152 E-Mail: MDForger@aol.com

Matt is an "A" League Recording Engineer/Producer (Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, etc, need we say more?) who has been through it all on the production side. Matt has an incredible studio sense and can really help your music and career develop to it's full potential. His website is here.

Additional background is here. Matt is super cool to work with and a veritable fountain of applicable advice and experience. He knows how it works at the top of the food chain! Find out!!

4) Reading, web site resources and more:

These two excellent music industry books "Confessions of a Record producer" and "Secrets of Negotiating a Record Contract" by Moses Avalon can be excellent reading to arm yourself with info about the biz. Plus there's a ton of web resources right here to support your success!

To wrap it up, if bank and circumstances allow we highly recommend spending at least 1 to 2 hours with each of the above professionals. You will gain a lifetime's worth of useable insight, a new perspective on how your chosen industry REALLY works and, more importantly, how to work it to your benefit!

Additional Recommendations

If you or someone in your band circle really wants to dive in deep we recommend The Music Business Program at The Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. This is a serious, 6-month, full time, on-site immersion complete with a stellar array of industry guest lecturers, insider instructors and industry internships for students. We realize that there are many other schools and universities that offer Music Business Programs (e.g. UCLA) and that they are undoubtedly worthwhile. This just happens to be one we have had direct experience with and therefore can personally recommend. We can also recommend The Musicians Institute's 6-month Recording Engineering Program, again based on direct experience.

Cool idea.... - next time you climb in the van for that extended 3-state tour, send both your "manager" and "engineer" to Hollywood for 6 months at MI! We can assure you they will be "on the case" and "ready to rumble" for you when they graduate! We can also assure you that Hollywood California is not as crazy as it's rep so - no - they won't come back with a purple Mohawk hairdo (unless they go there with one)!!

We hope this helps you. Best Wishes and All The Best in your career! You were given talent for a reason so KEEP GOING and STAY MOTIVATED! More people than you'll ever realize around the world will have their spirits lifted if they can just get a chance to hear your music!!

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