Viveick Rajagopalan, a music producer and percussionist, conducted an insightful session on Music Business and Legal Issues at The Audio Guys Institute. It was a rewarding session for artists who are looking to make a sustainable career in the world of music.
He discussed with the students how the music industry has transformed significantly due to technology. He touched upon how streaming platforms and social media have changed the way musicians release, promote and monetise their music. Emerging artists should also adapt to these trends and take advantage of them.
Participants were introduced to digital streaming, the importance of personal branding in the digital era, and how technology now enables artists to distribute their music globally.
Understanding the Commercial Aspect of Music:
The session bridged the gap between creativity and the commercial aspect of music. Viveick Rajagopalan stressed how today’s artists must go beyond musical and production skills to make a sustainable career in the music industry. It’s crucial for artists to understand the business frameworks of the music industry and know how to monetise their music so that they can generate revenue from their productions.
The highlighted key aspects:
- Revenue streams for artists, gigs, streaming, licensing and royalties.
- Brand collaborations and endorsements.
- The role of labels, managers, distributors and independent platforms – these people play an important role as they help to build careers for creators.
- How to build a sustainable career in the music industry.
Navigating Legal Issues:
Viveick Rajagopalan delved into the legal issues in the music industry that are mostly overlooked by emerging artists.
He emphasised the following:
- Artists should have a thorough understanding of copyright; it’s essential to know about ownership and royalties.
- Licensing music for placement in movies, TV shows, games, etc.
- Contracts and agreements.
- Royalties and rights management.
- Reading the contract before signing.
- Understanding the difference between composition rights and sound recording rights.
He also spoke about the common mistakes that the artists make.
Key Insights:
Drawing from his own extensive experience in the industry, Viveick Rajagopalan shared real-world examples and scenarios, making the session relatable. This helped students realise how to protect their work from legal issues and how to monetise their productions.
Through this session, students gained a comprehensive understanding of the music industry, which will help them make informed career decisions, protect their work legally, and generate revenue through their productions.
This knowledge will help students approach the industry professionally and confidently. Real-life examples from his career helped break down complex concepts into simple ones.
This session equipped students with the knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive landscape. Stay tuned for more informative sessions like these at The Audio Guys Institute.