IHeart "Replacing" Taylor Swift Songs

[TheBigA]

How many artists own their masters? Maybe 20%?

The most valuable commodity a record label has is its catalog. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

Labels are not pre-disposed to give up the rights to those masters. So it happens infrequently, usually as a negotiating tool to keep or attract a valuable artist. But a few who do include Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers, and Ray Charles.

 

[boombox4]

So basically “sit down and shut up, we treated you fairly.”

Maybe, as with many contracts, things are not always black and white. Maybe she feels those were unfair. Maybe she wants to use the platform she’s been blessed to have to change the system and fight for more artist control. That’s not whining, that’s being an activist for the betterment of all.

As far as the effect on other artists 'control', it's increasingly academic. More and more artists are foregoing the record company, as well as radio -- marketing via YT and other internet media outlets. They already own their own masters. Problem instantly solved.

 

[dcowboy7]

They have to keep saying taylors version, its taylor version, this is taylors version.
It gets annoying.

 

[Don CT]

As far as the effect on other artists 'control', it's increasingly academic. More and more artists are foregoing the record company, as well as radio -- marketing via YT and other internet media outlets. They already own their own masters. Problem instantly solved.

Some artists license their music to labels so they own the masters. Some are not so lucky. The ones that have clout can get access to their masters, the majority can't. YouTube can only get you so far. You still need distribution.

 

[TheBigA]

YouTube can only get you so far. You still need distribution.

The main thing is you need a way to drive people to your YouTube site. Otherwise, you're just another needle in a very big haystack.

Taylor learned about this at a young age. She built her fan base on MySpace, back when that site was popular.

 

[Don CT]

The main thing is you need a way to drive people to your YouTube site. Otherwise, you're just another needle in a very big haystack.

This is where the algorithm comes in. Some use it well others not so much.

Lets say you hit it big on Youtube, how does that translate to radio play?

 

[TheBigA]

Lets say you hit it big on Youtube, how does that translate to radio play?

It won't unless the song is licensed for broadcast. And it helps to have a major label promotion department to make the case for airplay.

It's like winning Idol. Just because you win a TV talent show doesn't mean you're going to have a hit on radio.

 

[Don CT]

It won't unless the song is licensed for broadcast. And it helps to have a major label promotion department to make the case for airplay.

Exactly, artists still need the labels. How does an independent get their music licensed. Either through ASCAP or BMI.

 

[TheBigA]

How does an independent get their music licensed. Either through ASCAP or BMI.

Correct. They really should get their music licensed, plus copyright, plus registered with SoundExchange.

 

[Don CT]

Correct.

How, if they don't have major labels for support.

 

[TheBigA]

How, if they don't have major labels for support.

Taylor Swift had a publishing deal years before her record deal. The publishers will handle the license and copyright.

 

[Don CT]

Taylor Swift had a publishing deal years before her record deal. The publishers will handle the license and copyright.

If you are up and coming and don't have a record deal and want to get noticed. How does an artist go about doing that. Youtube can only get you so far. Long gone are the days of giving a DJ a demo asking for it to get played.

 

[TheBigA]

How does an artist go about doing that. Youtube can only get you so far.

You need to build a team. Manager, publisher, agent, lawyer. Someone has to believe in you, and they start introducing you to other people. It's all about the team. That's why when an artist wins a Grammy, they have a lot of people to thank.

The best example is Justin Bieber:

Usher Introduces Teen Singer Justin Bieber

Singer/songwriter/producer Usher introduced his teen protégé, Justin Bieber, to Los Angeles tastemakers yesterday (April 27) during a sit-down lunch at The Sunset Tower Hotel.

www.billboard.com

 

[boombox4]

Some artists license their music to labels so they own the masters. Some are not so lucky. The ones that have clout can get access to their masters, the majority can't. YouTube can only get you so far. You still need distribution.

My point is that probably the vast majority of musicians out there with recordings available for streaming or sale aren't associated with labels in any way. They use YT and social media, bypassing the massive record co middleman. I personally know several (who used to have record label deals) who know promote their music that way. YT, maybe FB, and they do some shows (pre-pandemic).

I also follow some musicians on YT who are successful via YT -- they have quality videos, thousands of views, and some of them use Patreon or other means of gaining revenue. They probably don't make tons of money, but some of them appear to be doing rather well for themselves, despite there being no record company involved.

In pre-internet days, the ability to market one's music in recorded form, and bypassing the record companies, was much more limited.

 

[Y2kTheNewOldies]

Here is the summary on the redo of Taylor's songs.

 

[MVB13]

So because she has the ability to speak up she shouldn’t? She’s whining by sticking up for herself? For challenging the idea that one doesn’t dare speak ill of the almighty industry?

Um, no. Making a good living does not mean one must forever be kissing the ring of those in the industry. She wants to speak up? Which isn’t whining by the way, for herself? Good. Hopefully it’s inspiration to others not to keep quiet for fear of speaking up.

Thank you! Taylor is a talented business woman. She did finally start sticking up for herself which is awesome! Something NO ONE should ever be afraid of doing! Good for you Taylor! 👍