Wednesday, February 23, 2011

SDA Nominated for a BEFFTA Award

SDA Talent Management Press Release
By: JoAnn Emale
Who is the new talent management agency on the block? Why SDA is of course! SDA Talent Management Agency is the premiere talent agency that houses some of the most talented women from the West coast all the way to the East, and right back down to the sunny South. These women are skilled in any and everything. Not to mention, they are some of the most beautiful women this nation has to offer. From singing and dancing to motivational speaking and event hosting, these young women are the total package. It is apparent that SDA got talent, and they showcase it oh so well. As a product of CEO Niesha Burnett’s hard work and dedication to the proficiency of talent management, they have been nominated for a BEFFTA Award in the category of Best Model Management. BEFFTA stands for Black & Ethnic Entertainment, Fashion, Film, Television & Arts Awards. In the UK, it is a high honor to be nominated for an award dedicated to the entertainment professionals that make an impact on Black arts. As BEFFTA is transitioning into the US market, SDA Talent Management’s excellence did not go unnoticed. Want to cast your vote for SDA?
Check out:
Learn more about the BEFFTA awards and cast your vote for SDA Talent Management here: http://beffta.us/?p=323

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Being Indie is Worth the Sweat and Tears

The advantages of being an Indie Artist are endless. The amount of control that you retain is worth its weight in gold. Being able to call the shots on all aspects gives you the freedom to put out the type of music, when you want, how you want, wherever you want is something every artist dreams of. Why be a slave to a record label that gets a higher percentage of the proceeds than you do. Lets face it you ultimately get paid last. The song writers also known as publishers and the producers get to reap the benefits long before you see a dime.




How Royalties Work:



Royalties can be paid on the basis of a royalty rate multiplied by the manufacturer’s suggested retail list price (SRLP) or on the basis of some “wholesale” price, sometimes referred to as the “published price to dealers” (PPD).

The artist’s royalty rate will of course vary depending upon the relative bargaining positions of the parties. Deal making is, after all, about who wants who more. However, generally speaking the artist’s royalty rate will run anywhere from 6% to 10% or perhaps a bit higher, when based upon the SRLP. If the label calculates royalties upon a PPD basis, the rate is about 60% higher than the retail rate but of course it is calculated on a lower base price. The artist may negotiate for an escalation of these rates as the deal progresses, either based upon sales (i.e. 7% up to x units, 8% for sales in excess of x units and so on), or higher in subsequent years and on subsequent albums. Note that I use the term “royalty rate” since this number is vastly different than the “royalty” the artist actually receives.

There are also deals for the artist which include a producer royalty, the so-called “all in deal,” in which the label will pay an additional royalty over and above the artist royalty to include a royalty for the producer, generally anywhere from 3% to 5% of the SRLP. Under such a deal, it is the responsibility of the artist to pay the producer out of the all in deal. Unless the producer is the same person as the artist, this all in deal can be tricky for the artist to make since often third party producers wish to be paid from the first record sold after the artist recoups. In such an instance, it may be that the artist is not recouped because the artist has several albums with the label but the producer is entitled to the producer’s royalties because the particular album on which the producer worked has recouped its recording costs. The artist is then in a cash flow bind since it owes money to the producer but has no money coming in. And if the artist is in a cash flow bind, likely as not so is the producer.

Investors:

The reality of it all is Investors don't like to invest in musicians because there is no guarantee on a R.O.I (Return of Investment) There is a huge risk in investing in an artist. Now does that mean you can't make it in the business? Of course not. If you look at musicians who are in the business now and successful they all have invested in their own craft and struggled to make it. A select few (who shall remain nameless) have had rich parents to support them and invest lots of money for them to come out in less than a year. That of course is rare. Most artist take 5-10 years for them to reach the level of success that will sustain them. Tre Songz is on his 4th album and is just now getting to the high point of his career after 10 years of working hard. Don't allow the struggle to discourage you. Work hard, build your buzz and keep your music fresh and you will see that it is all work the sweat and tears!



Author Jasmine Sanders
CEO Royalty Enterprise
All Rights Reserved
© 2011

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Designers to Watch

The Spring/Summer fashion season is fast approaching and there are quite a few outstanding upcoming fashion designers that will be putting their stamp on this seasons fashion trends. What fashion statement will you make this season? Take a cue from 2011’s most promising designers Rosa Pushér, Mara Hoffman, and Felicity Brown to name a few. Each of these designers embraces a fresh perspective and will bring something new to 2011 fashion looks.

Rosa Pushér was created in early 2010 by Tammy Pushér who serves as the line’s creative director. Rosa Pushér’s designs are both glamorous, sophisticated and exude a sense of undeniable elegance. Adding Rosa Pushér designs to your closet will not only allow for stunning fashionable looks in 2011 but also provide timeless beauty.



Embracing more of an avant-garde perspective, Felicity Brown’s designs are visually interesting and often times colorful. The British designer’s structured looks are heavily influenced by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec's paintings. Felicity Brown will most certainly be a designer to watch in 2011.



Mara Hoffman is an up and coming designer with a strong celebrity following. The likes of Kelis, Nelly Furtado, Mischa Barton, and Naomi Campbell have all shown strong interest in Mara Hoffman which has created a genuine buzz about her designs. Mara Hoffman’s resort and swimwear looks for 2011 are refreshing and include interesting use of prints. The swimwear collection uses bold colors and includes prints, texture, and interesting cutouts. Mara Hoffman’s collection will no doubt make a great addition to this summer’s wardrobe.