Bad News For ASCAP Members

[Casey H]

Honestly, it really doesn't make a difference for many musicians.

Most artists with ASCAP were not earning enough to live off of to begin with. Is it fair that the vocal rate was cut? Nope. Is there anything that can be done about it? Nope.

I came to the conclusion a while ago that the investment in music for me is something to do as a hobby and not a career. I think that other musicians need to face the fact that unless some law is passed, music is not a sustainable career. It takes too much work to make too little money.

Musicians like myself will continue to make music because it is fun to create stuff. The royalties and licensing fees earned will really be a bonus. It makes sense to keep costs down and use any money earned from my music to buy new hardware, software, and instruments. The days of taking out a loan to buy musical equipment are done.

If you are in it for the money, you are in it for the wrong reason.

You really need to stop assuming that your own world reflects everyone elses.

[fusilierb]

that's why he's the most "popular" poster on these boards.

[crs7string]

Honestly, it really doesn't make a difference for many musicians.

Most artists with ASCAP were not earning enough to live off of to begin with. Is it fair that the vocal rate was cut? Nope. Is there anything that can be done about it? Nope.

I came to the conclusion a while ago that the investment in music for me is something to do as a hobby and not a career. I think that other musicians need to face the fact that unless some law is passed, music is not a sustainable career. It takes too much work to make too little money.

Musicians like myself will continue to make music because it is fun to create stuff. The royalties and licensing fees earned will really be a bonus. It makes sense to keep costs down and use any money earned from my music to buy new hardware, software, and instruments. The days of taking out a loan to buy musical equipment are done.

If you are in it for the money, you are in it for the wrong reason.

You really need to stop assuming that your own world reflects everyone elses.

Gee Casey, next thing you know, you'll be asking him to NOT believe there is such a thing as "Better living through chemistry."

Chuck

[peeyo]

I wonder if DI lives in a lair, has a cat, a huge wall of computer screens and uses the word "EXCELLENT" a lot while petting the cat with one hand and twirling a mustache with the other?

[Casey H]

I think that other musicians need to face the fact that unless some law is passed, music is not a sustainable career.

What'chu talkin' 'bout, Willis?

[fusilierb]

I wonder if DI lives in a lair, has a cat, a huge wall of computer screens and uses the word "EXCELLENT" a lot while petting the cat with one hand and twirling a mustache with the other?

My guess is his mother's basement, one x-box and definately a cat. As far as the mustache, my money is on peach fuzz.

[DesireInspires]

Relax guys.

We all know that you guys are successful musicians. No need for you to worry about a drop in royalty rates. Many of you have been in the business and will weather this storm.

My comments are for the other 90% of composers like me that still have a day job. Cats like me are not going to produce music and get upfront money and sync fees. The majority of us will get small royalty checks. My comments are for the majority of musicians.

Please feel free to ignore anything I said. I did not intend to anger the successful people here. You guys have nothing to worry about. I hope that you guys continue to have great fortunes from your music careers!

[rnrmachine]

Ack.. I saw this too. Lets fix it... how do we fix it??? I have my pitchfork ready to go.

It does just mention BV's, is that just ooh and ahh's, it doesn't affect a full on lead vocal? Still sucks, and I still have my pitchfork ready!

Not backing vocals in songs... in video... So, that means that anytime they can call it a backing track and get away with it, they will.

In others words, people who write songs, not instrumentals, just got a pay cut.

[DesireInspires]

Not backing vocals in songs... in video... So, that means that anytime they can call it a backing track and get away with it, they will.

In others words, people who write songs, not instrumentals, just got a pay cut.

That is unfortunate.

But from all of the cue sheets that I have, the majority of placements were background instrumental songs anyway. Most of the uses for songs with vocals were VV uses (visual vocal).

I hope that people do not make a huge deal about this. I do not want people to feel bad about a situation they have no control over. Music is a very tough business to make a living from. It is not for the weak or weary.

I did not intend to cause chaos. I just wanted to point out that if money is the primary reason to get into music, that may not be the smartest choice. There are many great careers that require less stress and more financial reward.

Besides, why get angry when you can make music? Money comes and goes. Just focus on making excellent music and let the chips fall where they go.

[Kolstad]

I saw this too.. First thought that crossed my mind was.. should I become a BMI member?
There's so much more work to writing songs, than instrumentals, at least for me, so it's basically an incentive to write more instrumental music..