#rachaelbstar

[rachaelbstar]

Hey everyone! It's been a while...

There have been a lot of changes in the last few months. I started a new job in Toronto, for one-- which is a blessing! I am so thankful to be able to work in the music industry in some way and get paid for it. Now that I'm used to the daily grind, I'm able to start blogging again. For realz. I look forward to hearing from all of you soon! RT, Like, Favourite, or Reblog your favourite posts to connect! Sending love and gratitude :) From, Rachael

[rachaelbstar]

Writing a Band Agreement

Step One: Original Members & Key Members

Determine who the Key Members are in your band. Key Members usually follow an order like this:

Vocalist(s)

Guitar

Bass

Drums

Before my butt gets kicked for the order above, Drums and guitar are the most popular musical instruments taught in school, below piano. They are easier to replace than the voice of an Aretha Franklin or Jon Bon Jovi.

Step Two: Roles & Responsibilities

What should each member be responsible for? ie: Social media, show bookings, arranging merchandise, booking studio time, arranging rehearsal space... Play to each other's strengths when completing this section.

Step Three: The Band Name

Any of the following are typically used when designing contracts for bands.

Whoever comes up with the band name holds the right to use the name should the group disband.

OR

The band name can only be used when any one original member is still in the band. (Guns N' Roses key and original member Axl Rose is still in the 2008 incarnation of the group and therefore, can still use the band name.)

Step Four: Songwriting credits

Should every member receive equal songwriting credit?

Should each member receive a percentage based on their contribution?

What happens if one member quits? Do they still receive their share of the songwriting credit? (I'll get into this below)

Step Five: Clauses

The Quitter clause

Including a clause that outlines what happens when a member leaves the group removes the guessing-game that may ensue later on.

Will the former member still receive merchandise royalties? Future merchandise?

Will the former member still be credited with writing songs or lyrics?

What if they want to start a new band with the same name?

Have they invested any capital into the business? When should they expect a return?

Should they be responsible for finding a replacement?

The Behavioural/Addictions Clause

If a member has behavioural issues or has an addiction that affects the normal functions of the business, the member may be terminated or mandated to seek help. Should they be terminated, rights to songs, merchandise, and the band name could be revoked.

The Terminally Ill/Death Clause

If a band member falls very ill or dies, their rights can either be divided amongst the healthy/living members or willed to a family member.

Step Six: Hiring & Firing of Personnel

This section ensures that a member does not hire their "third cousin Joe Blow who hangs out at a bunch of clubs around town" without the others' consent. Following a hiring and firing procedure for all aspects of the band is a great way to make sure you have the right people working with your band. This could apply to hiring:

Managers

Band mates

Booking Agents

Accountants

Producers

There is much more to writing a band agreement, but it could be as vague or as comprehensive as you want it to be. Here are some links that may be useful when considering a band agreement:

http://miyb.blogspot.ca/2010/02/sampleexample-of-band-agreement.html

http://musicians.about.com/od/musiciansfaq/f/bandmemcontract.htm

http://www.musicbizacademy.com/knab/articles/bandagreement.htm

[rachaelbstar]

Toyota's Sponsorship of the Polaris Music Prize

 I find it interesting that Toyota was the major sponsor of the Polaris Music Prize Gala held in Toronto. I had been questioned by a colleague of mine who said “Supercrawl, [a Hamilton-based weekend festival] was sponsored by Toyota.” Yes, one of the many local sponsors included Toyota— a local car dealership on Upper James Street. It is highly unlikely the corporate car manufacturer played any part in approving the donation of a minuscule amount of money to a music festival out of Hamilton Ontario.

What I’m talking about is how we’re living and growing in a musical era filled with commercial brand-name stages, merchandise, and sponsorship of whole events. Both Toyota and Red Bull have artists performing and recording under their company names all over the world who would otherwise not have much of a chance to succeed— but the leg up is also their downfall. In independent music, it’s not “cool” to be associated with a brand. When an artist is touring and the tour manager asks to hang a Toyota Scion banner behind the drum kit, that’s not cool.

Another thing I’ve noticed is the focus on adding company names to festival stages. For example, the “Virgin Mobile Riverside View” Stage at Osheaga, the “OLG” Stage at Burlington Sound of Music Festival, even going as far as naming an entire festival “The TD Toronto Jazz Festival”.

All of these brands kind of mesh together in my mind to form the giant phrase "WE COULDN’T AFFORD TO PUT THIS ON FOR YOU SO HERE ARE THE COMPANIES WHO PAID FOR THEIR NAME TO BE PLASTERED ON EVERY STRUCTURE THEY PAID FOR" which is really sad.

Polaris Music Prize was really counting its stars when obtaining sponsorship from such a large corporation. It doesn’t make the indie prize more attractive to recipient hopefuls or those waiting patiently for results— it makes awards organizers seem desperate.