A Rant & Advice To All Artists By Jennifer Yeko www.truetalentmgmt.com
"There are a lot of shady and disreputable people in the music business. People that run their companies with the sole intention of making themselves money, not doing what is in the best interest of your band".
A bedtime story.....I have a client and developed their career, as well as their publishing. I got them in front of major labels for 4 different showcases. 4! The labels always liked the band, but their live show needed work and the band just never wanted to put any time or energy into improving their show or touring to develop a fan base. So, no deal ever happened. I did what I could and worked my a-- off for them for 4 years. 4 years. And they sat on their a-- and did nothing. I started licensing songs to help the band survive, not because I wanted to be a music licensing person or publisher. I did it for the band and have continued to grow and succeed in this area because I'm good at what I do. It's developed into a little cottage industry for me doing music placement but managing bands is still what I love to do. Ironically, all sorts of well-known bands are now contacting me wanting MY help to promote their music. But still, I focus on the clients I manage and indie bands because frankly, I want to help those people first, not some superstar client who really doesn't need the money. But, I guess everyone does what they can to pay the bills. Anyhow.
In doing my job, I sometimes come into contact with music supervisors that are less than ethical. They will ask for a band's publishing, not just for a placement, but to own the band's songs just so that they'll help get a song placed. I think that's a HUGE conflict of interest - a music supervisor is hired to find the best music possible for a project - a film, tv show, video game, etc. They are paid quite well to perform this job. It is incredibly shady and unethical, in my opinion, to be a music supervisor that also has a publishing company, unless that is made public to the studio or TV network hiring that supervisor. It's a HUGE conflict of interest. And sure, people do it. I just can't imagine why anyone would hire a music supervisor to choose music for their film or TV show when that supervisor is choosing music that lines the supervisor's own pocket (through their own publishing company) - it's double dipping and it's wrong. There is no way that supervisor is going to choose the music that is best for that project. Just the music that benefits them financially. But, I digress. And perhaps my morals are much higher than they should be but that's just the way I was raised.
One supervisor offered my band no money, just wanted the publishing so she'd "help" place their songs. She went on and on about how she knows Jimmy Iovine and the head of Universal Music Group and all these famous managers and other people and how she has the ability to get bands into all the films she supervises. Ha, what a scam, I saw through her bragging as someone that just wanted to own a piece of something for doing no work! And in the years since she tried to sweet talk me into letting my band sign their publishing to her, she hasn't supervised one single film that I've seen come out in theaters. So much for all her "talk". People will tell you anything if they think it will help them get what they want from you. BEWARE!
Another company (a studio no less), on the other hand, does the same thing, promising that they'll help get bands into the films and TV shows they work on. They promise the world - oh, we do 18 films and these tv shows (crapped cable shows) and it just upsets me so because I always have my band's best interest at heart, and there are companies like this that just want what's best for their bottom line. This is the same company that continually tried to get songs from me for WAY below what they were worth, would offer me insulting amounts of money for music ($400 per song for a "popular" TV show, what?) and would agree to a license for a certain amount of money....and then weeks later they would come back and demand more rights for the same price, or they'd pull the song! Shady, shady, shady!
I just want you to be aware because, unfortunately, there are a lot of shady and disreputable people in the music business. People that run their companies with the sole intention of making themselves money, not doing what is in the best interest of your band.
I, on the other hand, have done everything for my clients, out of love for their music and as a way to help them make money so they can play that next gig or record that next record. I've sacrified a lot of things for their benefit. Because I believe in artists and in helping make more great music. And it really pains me to see those same bands become greedy and evil and stab people in the back that did everything to help them, for their own financial gain.
And I suppose I am stupid for being so naive in thinking a band would care about "right vs. wrong" because at the end of the day, it seems that anyone that puts money on the table will be believed and a deal will be signed by an artist, no matter what.
As artists, you need to be aware and not just take any money that is offered you. It may seem like a "good deal" but who are you signing your life away to? Is this person or company going to always be there for you and make the best long-term decisions for your career. And should you trust someone that comes "out of the woodwork" with some offer vs. someone that you've known for years and have worked with and trusted for many many deals? People will butter you up and say how much they LOVE your music, and tell you how they'll make you a huge star. And you'll probably believe them. But, I urge you to GO WITH YOUR GUT INSTINCT. Do you REALLY trust this person? Do they really have your best interest at heart? Or their own? Are they promising you the moon and stars? If so, they will most likely not be able to deliver. I've always told my clients that I'm not sure what I can do but I'll work incredibly hard for them. I think that's more honest than saying "I'll deliver X, Y, and Z" because those promises rarely come to fruition.
I just urge you to always consult your manager before doing any deals. And anyone that pressures you to do a deal without talking to your manager first is someone you should RUN AWAY from. There is a reason why they don't want you getting advice - because your manager is smart and would probably advise you not to do it!
And, do your homework on a company. Don't just take their word for it. Google them. Ask other industry players what their reputation is. Don't just believe what people tell you to your face, because in my experience, so many people in the entertainment business will lie, lie, lie to get what they want.
I think my client made a terrible decision and it will ultimately mean less money and opportunities for them. But, what can I do? Now, don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with publishing deals. I'm starting a publishing company myself because after all, your publishing isn't worth anything unless someone exploits and promotes your songs.
I just would never want to do business with any company that comes from out of no where, promises you everything, and then signs you for everything because it will not end well. I promise you that.
Jennifer Yeko has placed her clients' material in over 35 film and television projects, including hit television shows such as "Sex and the City," "The OC," "Laguna Beach," "Ghost Whisperer," "Reunion," "Wildfire," "Boston Public," "North Shore," Comedy Central, "One Tree Hill," "Summerland," "Dawson's Creek," "Party of Five," "Roswell" and MTV/The Real World. She has promoted a wide range of artists and music genres, everything from Top 40 and pop to modern rock and classical. She has produced and managed major events, such as "ShowBiz Expo" for which she secured over 200 speakers, including former Vice President Al Gore. She has recently been featured in Billboard magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Music Connection and RowFax. Visit Jennifer on the web at: www.truetalentmgmt.com
Webmaster Comments: Jennifer Yeko would be the first person I would contact if I were looking for help with music publishing, music licensing or band management. The unethical practices Jennifer makes mention of in the music business world is alive and well in the rest of the world including personal relationships. I hope that all who are seeking music careers will get connected with the "right people". There may be some out there who will not appreciate the honesty or publication of Jennifer's article "A Rant & Advice To All Artists". This article was placed on this web site on 2/14/06 to benefit, bless and educate those who will appreciate information of this type.
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