Did You Know

Collaboration Deals vs. Record Deals As far as the music industry is concerned, artists, producers and other music creatives are subject to different types of agreements and deals. However, these deals may either come off as detrimental or instrumental, which is why it is not just enough to be a creative, but it is also essential for you to possess a deep understanding of the intricacies governing these different types of deals as they concern the music industry. To this effect, this paper seeks to explore the differences between collaboration deals and record deals as they’re both fundamental to creatives in the music industry. In short, the key differences between these two stem from the tripod of ownership, control and profit sharing. Thus, while collaboration deals are flexible, and in some ways, more artist-friendly, record deals are sophisticated and require more prudence. Stay informed, stay creative! @Alaro Basit

DYK? Two facts you probably don’t know about the Legendary Fela Kuti! Did you know that the music legend & Afrobeats pioneer initially set out to be a medical doctor? Fela Kuti was on his way to bag a MBBS degree in the UK before making a sudden swerve into the music world with a unique Afrobeat sound that blended traditional Nigerian sounds with foreign genres like jazz and funk. It would also interest you to learn that in 2021, Fela was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, due to his pace-setting contributions to the music industry and the world of social activism at large. Picture him as an Albert Einstein of the music world! @Alaro Basit

DYK? The Infamous “Friday Release” Rule Did you know that, until 2015, the global release day for new music were Tuesdays? It was in a bid to eradicate piracy & coordinate chart tracking in the music market that it was shifted to “Fridays” starting with Beyoncé’s eponymous fifth studio album. The unofficial announcement was made on the 11th of June, 2015 by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), which represents the global music recording industry. Key Notes: Never stop creating! @Alaro Basit

DYK? The Mozart Effect The Mozart effect simply purports that your own art might just be the therapy you need. It provides that listening to your own music can help boost your creativity, memory, enhance mental clarity and cognitive skills in general. Need more reasons why you should listen to yourself more? Embrace, create and stay inspired. Never stop creating!

DYK? DYK: The Music Color Theory Did you know that associating colors with your music can enhance your brand identity and emotional connection with listeners? This is perched on the tripod stand of colour psychology, visual branding and emotional appeal. Take a walk with me; Stay colorful, stay creative!

DYK Did you know that as lucrative as audio sampling can be to music production, it can also subject you to legal issues & not-so-friendly lawsuits? Well, here’s how to make music without facing the music. First of, it is germane to note the following; 1. Sampling laws: In the US and all other countries that may employ their sampling laws, producers are required to clear samples with the original copyright holders before use. The issue with this being that it can be pocket-draining and time-consuming. 2. Fair use: This means that in some instances, some samples may be considered as “fair use” as they allow a music producer the limited privilege of using a copyrighted material without legal permission. Simply, this implies that some part of the copyrighted material is free for use. 3. Creative sampling: Here, the ball is totally in your court as a music producer. If you play your cards well, sampling can be a creative way to pay homage to other artists, add texture to your tracks, or even create something entirely new. This is evident in Buju’s “Pidgin & English” and even in Rema’s latest single, “Baby is it a crime?” Key Takeaway: As a music producer; Never stop creating, never stop producing!

DYK? “Most Favored Nations” Clauses Don’t fret, this is not about international politics. Did you know that some record deals include “Most Favored Nations” (MFN) clauses, which suggests that if the label offers a better deal to another artist, you’ll receive the same benefits? Key Takeaway As an artist, be aware of MFN clauses when negotiating contracts or bagging record deals as this can shield you against fraudulent and ambiguous deals. Stay creative, stay informed!

DYK? Authenticity Sells! Did you know that Billie Eilish’s unique sound, coupled with her refusal to conform to industry standards, was what helped her bag stanship globally? Key Takeaway Like the fingerprints on our palms and like the strips of a zebra, every artiste has a unique sound that can never be found in someone else. You just have to find it. When you find it, stay true to it. The industry can be distracting, and amidst all the noise, the special feel of your sound can be the light at the end of your tunnel. So, focus on developing your unique sound and style. Stay true, stay bold!