How does the music industry work?

Question

I recently emailed the manager of a band, because I want the band's music to be in a video game I'm producing.
I told him that I was new to dealing with the music industry, and he said to email him back when I figured it out.

What sort of information do I need to provide him with to get him to give me permission to use the band's music?

Answer 1

As a former professional artist, booking agent representative and manager, I would like to offer the following suggestions: 1) Manager, agents, artists, for the most part - DO not accept unsolicited material. It is risky and they can be sued if even portions of your music was 'thought' about or used in their videos or other music genres. 2) You almost have to 'know' someone inside to be heard. The business is very, very hard and the people over the years have become even more cautious, hard and/or callous. Lawsuits over music run rapid these days. Telling someone you are "new' to the business may be honest on your part, but to the seasoned pros - that represents a warning - 'stay away'. Being 'new' to the business indicates that your knowledge about "what to do and how to do it" is limited. As suggested - you should check out your library or local bookstore for books that will help you enter the business, write those special letters and requests 'correctly', contacts (including ASCAP/BMI and other industry giants). Here are some books I recommend: www.jimhalsey.com/Jim_Halsey_books;www.homebusinesscenter.com/guide/music.hmtl. These are just a few and if you go online, you will find there are many, many additional opportunities available to help you. Personal contacts - call your local colleges that have music business courses, contacts, etc who you may be able to talk with and discuss "how to's". Again, it is a difficult business and unfortunately, the tried and true have perservered a long time before they were heard. I might even suggest that you put our your own music and use MYSPACE.MUSIC, or even UTube to get your video out there to be seen by the masses. Word-of-mouth generates the most excitement! Additionally, when you want to use the music of other artists - you need to go through the folks who legally represent them (BMI/ASCAP/SESAC, etc) and as advised- you will have to pay - however, some bands don't allow their music to be used and these agencies can advise you of that. You need your own attorney, etc to help you because there are lots of legalities involved in using other people's music. Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

This is a very broad question. Go to your local book store or library or on-line and see if you can find appropriate titles.
In general,the music industry is full of sharks (great whites)so watch your a**!

Answer 3

you need to get in concact with the bands label, manager, and get a laywer to go over any contracts that get thrown on the table. you'll have to pay them royalities for the song uset too.

Answer 4

He'll probably just want an in depth view of what the game will be about