1. Start your own record label – the anatomy of a release

Whether releasing your own track or one by a band you know, this seminar takes you through the anatomy of a release, from the recording of a demo through to the promotion of your label’s 1st single on iTunes and Spotify. Learn about the vital timelines and checklists used by established record labels to give yourself the best chance of getting your single noticed.

2. Protecting your creation – know your rights

This seminar aims to explain the core legal principles to enable you and your band to protect the rights in your creative output. It includes basic copyright law, band agreements, video and artwork contracts, and distribution deals.

3. Building a team – who does what (and for what price)

The seminar explores the popular alternative to signing with a major record label or going completely DIY, namely the building of a team of independent, specialist third parties to assist your progress as an artist/band. We look at the roles of producers, artist managers, live agents, media lawyers, accountants, PR companies, radio pluggers, TV pluggers and label services providers.

4. Monetise your music

Here we explore the different revenue streams which your music may be able to generate, including digital distribution, the role of aggregators, direct distribution (via the likes of Bandcamp), manufacturing physical product (including limited editions), the different ways to approach merchandise, the role of collection societies, and synchronisation (on TV and commercials).

5. Marketing and promotion

This seminar concentrates on the core options for the marketing and promotion of your release, including how best to maximise your chances with only a limited budget.

6. Pitching your music to the industry

Here, we provide a record label’s and music publisher’s perspective of the dos and don’ts of pitching your music to the music industry. 

7. Signing a record deal

This seminar looks at the different types of record deal that you may be offered (major, indie, exclusive recording contract, finished product licence, 270/360 deals, etc.) along with some of the key clauses that you should look out for (territory, term, label obligations, artist obligations, etc.).

8. Publishing and sync agency deals

In this seminar, we consider the different types of deal that are available to exploit and monetise your songs, including songwriter agreements, single song assignments, publishing administration deals and sync agency deals.

About Integrity Records

These sessions are delivered by Nick Tarbitt, co-founder of Integrity Records Ltd, one of the U.K.’s longest running truly independent record labels and known for finding & nurturing cool new talent. Their releases, spanning various genres from punk to drum & bass via indie-folk and quirky pop, have been heard on BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 2 & BBC Radio 4, alongside Radio X, Q Radio, Amazing Radio, Talk Radio and numerous international stations Many Integrity artists have played live sessions from the BBC Maida Vale studios for Steve Lamacq, Jo Whiley, Zane Lowe, Mike Davies and the late John Peel.

Nick also has several years’ experience as a media & entertainment lawyer, advising musicians, management companies and labels on contractual issues. He has a particular interest in assisting new artists, musicians and performers with their early steps in the industry. 

These sessions are delivered as part of Sound Gallery’s educational programmes: SiMPTI work experience, SiMPTI Digital and RAPTORS. To enrol or to find out more, email us: [email protected]