We have a wonderful interview with a remarkable guy who has been doing big things publishing his own music in film and TV.   He started his publishing company while in college and within two years he already had TV deals going.

How2rap sits down for an exclusive interview with Music Publisher David Hooper.   Get a quick glimpse into the music publishing business.

What you’ll learn after reading this interview…
What is a Tip Sheet?
Where to outsource your work?
Why should you have your own website?
Why you may want to seek placements on your own?

Hi Dave can you tell us what it is that you do?
http://www.musicmarketing.com is my site. I host a syndicated radio show called Music Business Radio and you can go to http://www.musicbusinessradio.com to listen to episodes online.

How long have you been publishing music for TV/Film?
I started my publishing company in 1995, while I was still in college. Had TV deals going by 1997. Once one came in, others followed. Thanks to cable/satellite TV, there is a BIG need for music, so there are plenty of options. They’re not all huge deals, but it should be pretty easy for people to break in if you’re stuff is decent.

Do you think having your music in film and video games etc are great avenues for indies to make money from their music in today’s marketplace?
They’re definitely great for exposure, which can lead to money.  As  far as money directly, they MAY be a good deal. Many indies are so glad to be in film and video games that they’ll work for free (no Licensing fee). TV deals will get you a performance royalty when the show is broadcast, so there is some money there, even if you’re let them use the master recording for free.

So the answer is yes and no, depending on how much money you’re talking.

I noticed your blog Musicmarketing.com has a lot of information for anybody looking to market their music. What gave you the spark for creating the website and how has it been running it?
Went with a blog format, since it’s the fastest and easiest way to get information out. If I get an idea that I think will help people, I just need to type it out quickly and it’s up. No worrying with HTML, or FTP, or any of the other stuff I used to have to do when I had a traditional web site.

This is something I’d recommend for bands, by the way. Throw up a tour diary, rehearsal diary, or SOMETHING to let people know what you’re up to. Sites like Twitter, MySpace, or Facebook come and go, but your own site can be there as long as you want and you’ll have total control over it.

What tips do you have for any one looking to take the independent approach into marketing their music?
The first thing is to take advantage of the fans that are willing to help you. They love your music, so they’re the best reps for it. Let them help you think of new ideas on how to reach their friends.

If you’re doing something online, oDesk is a great place to hire people for not a lot of money.  Countries like Philippines have talented people who understand online promotion and marketing and love to do work for musicians, like link exchanges, or venue research for example.

I hear after you have a nice size catalog of your music, its time to persue publishers who in turn finds you placements. Do you think this is a good route to go or should the artist try and find placements themselves?
Publishers can be good, but they’ll take a big chunk of the money.  100% of zero is zero, so in some cases, this may be worthwhile, but don’t just sign away your rights to something thinking it will automatically be a hit. It won’t.

An option I’d consider first is a “tip sheet” that lists people who are looking for songs– not just TV/film stuff, but also artists who are looking to record new stuff.  If you follow my Twitter feed at http://www.twitter.com/davidhooper you’ll get some of this info on occasion from me. A search for “tip sheet” on Google will also bring up a lot of them.

*David Hooper*
RADIO: http://blog.musicbusinessradio.com/
BLOG: http://www.musicmarketing.com/
TWITTER: http://www.twitter.com/davidhooper

Hope this helps!
How2rap.com

Here are a few Music/Licensing sites that you can check out right now to start submitting your music to.
1. Broadjam
2. Music Supervisor Guide
3. New Music Tip Sheet
4. Artist PR
5. Google Music Directory
6. Chop Shop Records
7. Licensing Port

Music Placement
1. Google Music Placement
2. Paramount Song
3. 1-800-Play
4. Mel Shaw

Music Publishing Info
1. Levy Music
2. NMPA
3. Hip Hop Press
4. Song Writer Universe
5. Munite
6. Indie Sessions
7. Jiggy Piggy
8. You License

Here is a site called Kick Starter that you can check out to help raise money for your projects.

 

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Jamaal West is the author of The Official How To Rap Manual.  He has over 15 years experience helping others improve rap skill and rhyming ability.  Inventor of the How2rap Point-System & The Understanding Bars Tutorial his techniques on teaching others to rap have been regarded as one of the best of its kind since the year 2000.
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