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But then you would lose the link if you had posted it somewhere or to someone. So I guess in that case, it is quite a useful thing to have.
Oh yes, I forgot about that. That is quite useful I agree, but only if you want to maintain your plays and comments. If that isn’t an issue then then just replacing the track is fine I suppose.
I have a “pro” soundcloud account. Im not sure if I will renew it, might just go back to the free version. 2 hours is more than enough space for your music and the stats are not really going to tell you much. I think if you spring for the full $100 a year package then it might be better, but the middle tier version is nothing special.
What I WOULD like to see SC do is offer an option to brand your page the way the do for certain big name artists. They give them a banner pic at the top, get rid of most of the right hand column etc. That would be really useful and could essentially function as a fully fledged website. It looks like its done only by request and for certain artists though. Pity
This whole “PRO vs RF” debate is becoming tiresome. In my short time here on the forum I’ve seen it come up and derail a lot of the best, most informative threads. Just like the ongoing debate between those who support the “digital revolution” vs “we want the record industry to go back to the way it was” its an argument that will never be won.
The best part of MLR is the goldmine of info re: music libraries as well as the practical “in the trenches” info from seasoned pros. Thats why i joined and become a paid member.
Theres a place for this “RF vs PRO” debate for sure. Maybe someone should start a forum just to address this topic?
My other suggestion, and Im not being sarcastic about this: It seems, based on the view points of the most vocal people here, that the membership of this site is split between RF and PRO. So why not have a forum just to discuss the ins and out of each side. Like “RF music library report” or “PRO MLR”, you get what I mean?
Then people, such as MichaelL and Mark Petrie who have a lot of info to share can do so without having to be derailed and forced to defend their position all the time. This goes for the PRO camp as well.
And then if people want to get into a debate, take it outside this forum.
Thats my 2 cents.
Yeah, I’ve got quite a few of those “scantily clad women” following me. Pity its only on Soundcloud…..:)
@Rob. Nice! Wanna swop 🙂
@Tbone. That makes sense. Otherwise you would just drive yourself crazy trying to choose among the libraries. Testing it out would give you the best ‘data” so to speak.
@Chuck Mott: Thanks for the response. I was just interested as I’ve seena number of “bigger” libraries package materials into themed albums, you know, like Classic Rock 1 or something. Was just wondering if those were written specifically or just a compilation of the best tracks from a particular author in a similar genre. I will often see the same author credited to each song on the cd.
@wildman. Im fairly new to the scene and havent dealt with submitting to the “bigger” libraries. The libraries that you do full cds for, do they request a certain type of album (genre) from you specifically and then you deliver that? or do you figure out what they need, record the album and submit it to them?
Ha ha. “I deserve a raise” I think we all do. I’ll drink to that
@More Advice: Don’t worry, sorry for the misunderstanding. Believe me, the last thing I would want to hear is someone referring to my work in the music biz as “not really work”. I would also get a bit p****d off 🙂
Just to be clear, I’ve been in the music biz for 18 years. Every bit of money I’ve earned has been through music. Its my job. But some people just dont “get it”. And I’ve been on the receiving end of too many “oh, at least you love what you do” condescending type remarks. As if its just some little hobby and I live in a dream land.
Its not. Its damn hard work.
For the record, I still do make about 90% of my income through live playing. The licensing and library work is a relatively recent thing for me that I hope to grow in the future. But playing gigs for me is my job. I love being on stage and playing, but I aint doing it for charity, believe me. Its what pays my bills.
Writing and composing and recording etc is hard work as well, lots of hours. I just think that some people think these compositions just appear out of thin air and magically get recorded somehow.
Anyhow, as far as the actual point of the original article, here is my take on it. Just say no.
People who value the work of a composer will be willing to pay and not insult you will free or low-ball offers. You do actually find people like that. Its the people who dont “get it” that send emails asking you to work for free. Just tell them to get lost. Why would you even want to work for someone like that?
Let me give a quick example from my world of live playing that may relate to this: I do between 150-200 gigs a years. Im not famous or anything, just a working musician. Yet despite this, about a month ago someone comes up to me and says “hey we have this venue, come and play for exposure”. Now, how do you answer that without sound like an arrogant (insert your own word)? Thats what I mean by someone who doesn’t “get it”. Thats the kind of person that emails you and asks you to pitch a track for free. So I just said no.
And then waited for someone else who does respect what I do to call. I then worked for them for the fee I normally charge. And everyone is happy.
P.S I have actually lived in hotels and planes for about 5 years as a touring musician. Yip, it sucks big time. You actually forgot to include: Flights so early that you have to leave the hotel before they start serving breakfast; 4 hours soundchecks; dodgy backline gear onstage; delayed flights; queuing for hours to get a VISA, the airline losing your gear; or your clothes; having to share hotel rooms with the drummer!!
Yes. Thats what I meant. Sorry, if I didnt make my point clearly.