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About Info Articles

Here you'll find a series of AUSMUSIC'S MUSIC INDUSTRY INFO SHEETS, offering detailed information on essential topics for musicians. Articles include 'Getting a Record Deal', 'Legal Issues and Band Names', 'Understanding Copyright', 'Managers 101', 'Applying for Grants' and more.

If you're after more personalised advice, have a look at the regular ADVICE COLUMN , which covers locally-based topics on Radio Airplay, special Festivals, getting local gigs, distributing your CD in SA and more. New questions are always welcome!

And don't forget the AUSMUSIC SA Music Business Courses ...AUSMUSIC SA delivers accredited Music Industry Skills (Business) Certificate 4 units of study each year to assist in the development of the SA Music Industry. The courses age offer information on the series of Music Business short courses in 2007 (held at Music House), including downloadable timetable and enrollment forms.
 

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Articles List

Grants  
Trying to make it in the music industry is tough enough without the added stresses of trying to pay for everything. Many a fine band or artist dissolves into oblivion due to financial burdens holding back the development of their careers. Luckily there are wonderful folk who are prepared to give varying degrees of financial support to musicians for any number of projects.
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Managers 101  
Every band is a business. Every business needs to be managed by someone. Early in a band's career, it is a relatively simple matter to keep track of what's going on business-wise. One member can book the gigs while someone else can organize the advertising and keep track of what little money is earned.
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Ripping MP3 from Audio CDs  
Need to rip your tracks to mp3? This article points you in the right direction
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Understanding Copyright  
Understanding copyright is as important as learning to perform or write songs. If you do not fully understand everything that is written here, then you are in danger of ending up like the Beatles who through ignorance lost control of their own songs and millions of dollars.
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Legal Issues and Band Names  
In order to trade as a business you first need to register your preferred business name with the Corporate Affairs Office in your state. An application has to be completed along with a registration fee.
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Getting a Record Deal  
Gaining a record contract is usually the major goal of most bands and artists. Gaining a record contract is a fairly major stepping stone in a band's career path, however it is not always the sign the you have 'made it' The most important thing about gaining a record deal is the relationship that develops between the record company and the artist and the way the artist's career develops after the contract is signed. This info sheet will give you a basic overview on what record deals are available and what they entail, what you need to do to get a record company interested in your band, key contract clauses and a look at record royalties.
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Releasing an Independent CD  
More and more artists today are taking the option of releasing CDs themselves and utilizing the services of independent distribution companies to get their music out into the market place. This Info Sheet will give you a basic rundown of the processes required in releasing an independent CD.
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Promoting an Independent Band  
When you are starting out in the music industry, as a group or solo artist, it is unlikely that you will be able to employ a professional manager or publicist to promote your act. The best way to go about promoting your band can be summed up in three words. Do It Yourself. This Info Sheet will look at some practical ways to promote an act in its early stages.
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