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BREAKING INTO SHOWBIZ
By David Bercuson

You're 'The Boss' in the Business of Music
A Miami entertainment-industry attorney shares his hard-nosed advice used in guiding many successful recording artists' careers.

David Bercuson is a Miami attorney specializing in the music and television industries. He has represented artists, record labels, producers, music publishers, composers, managers, on-air television talent, and independent television producers in the negotiation and re-negotiation of significant industry agreements. He has handled the business and legal affairs for several independent record companies, popular recording artists, and television personalities. Mr. Bercuson is also a specialist in licensing music and finding deals for artists.

Do not include cover songs on the demo. No matter how talented you are, you will always be compared to the singer and the recording that made the song famous.

Breaking into the music business obviously requires talent; a passion for and knowledge of music, singing, and performing; a high level of preparation; and realistic expectations and the ability to cope with rejection. As an attorney in the entertainment industry specializing in music, the advice and information that I will offer in this article is the same advice that I give to clients on a regular basis.

Assuming that you have all of the above characteristics, the most common question is: "How do I get started?" The balance of this article will give pragmatic and useful information that should help provide direction for your start in the music business.

Get to Know the Business
The most important thing to know about show business is that it is — a business! It is not called "show party time" or "show I want to be a star." You must always remember that, in the music business, if you do not take care of your business, you will soon be out of business.

It is easy to learn about the music business. Take any related classes in high school or college. If no classes are offered, go to the music business section of your library or bookstore and you will find numerous books that are specifically written for people who are interested in learning about the business of music.

I hope the message in this section is clear: always prepare to the extent of your ability. You can never know too much or over-prepare. Consequently, you must read, ask questions, and learn everything you can. If you do not learn about your business, you will benefit neither your short-term nor long-term career goals.

KC of the Sunshine BandRock of Ages — David Bercuson has handled the business of major music acts, including Harry Wayne Casey, who is "KC" of KC & The Sunshine Band (Far Left: with David's wife, Marla Bercuson) and (Left) Nicko McBrain of the musical group Iron Maiden.

Get Smart About Demo Packages
The principal tool used by a singer to obtain a recording contract is the demo package. Clearly, a demo recording is a demonstration of the artist's vocal abilities and, if the artist is also a songwriter, the demo also serves to exhibit the songwriter's skills.

As you may know, the music business today is being challenged by a number of factors, such as digital downloading and piracy. In this difficult environment, it is very easy for a record label to say "no" to a prospective new artist; therefore, an artist needs to be smart when creating a demo. Do not give the label any opportunities to say "no." Consequently, the general rule is that the demo should include only three songs, and these should be your very best vocal performances and your very best songs. If the label likes two or three of the songs you have a great probability of continuing the negotiations with the label. However, if you give the label 10 songs and they like only two or three, the other side of the equation is that the label does not like seven or eight of the songs. In this event, you will have lost your opportunity with that label.

There are other very important matters that an artist needs to consider with respect to the demo. The first issue is the budget available to the artist for the production of the demo. You absolutely do not need to produce a demo that is ready to be played on the radio. I have obtained recording contracts for artists whose demos are merely a voice and a piano or a voice and a guitar. Do not be fooled by a producer who wants a high fee because he believes the demo must be "radio ready." Remember that a singer/songwriter's demo is not a producer's demo. The purpose of the demo is to get a contract for the artist, not the producer. The people reviewing the demo are listening only to your voice and the quality of your songwriting. You must also remember to leave money in your budget necessary for "shopping" the demo.

Get Help, Then Follow Through
In the event the artist needs to find a songwriter and/or a producer for the demo, the search process should not be difficult and is no different than finding a doctor, lawyer, plumber, or dentist. Seek recommendations from people who have used the services of songwriting or production professionals, and then listen to examples of their work on records. Once you find someone whose work you like, call and set up a meeting in order to exchange ideas and find out if you connect creatively. Furthermore, it is mandatory that you reach an agreement (preferably in writing) with the songwriter and producer to determine their compensation before any work begins.

Your demo package should contain a terrific photograph. A headshot is good, but it should be accompanied by a full-body shot as well. You also may include a biography or discography, if it contains good and impressive industry information, such as any prior recordings, concert experience, industry awards, and honors.

Finally, do not include any cover songs on the demo. No matter how talented you are, the person listening to the demo will always compare you to the singer and the recording that made the song famous. Inevitably, you will come up second best and give the label another opportunity to say "no." When putting the demo package together, always remember: the goal is to get the record label to say "yes!"


SHOWBIZ TIPS
You're the Boss in
    the Business of Music
Build a Voice That
    Sounds Like No Other
Secrets to Conquering the
    Magic Kingdom
Escape to New York:
    Avoiding 5 Mistakes
Your Voice Can Control
    Your Acting Success
Training Is the Key
    to Acting Success
Surviving the Casting,
    Winning the Call-back
Developing an Acting
    Career
Pageant PR &
    Promotion Strategy
20 Secrets for Breaking
    into Comedy
The Top 20 Tips for
    Aspiring Actors
Break Into Showbiz
    WITHOUT Going Broke
How to Break into
    Movies as an Extra
Does YOUR Child Have
    What It Takes?
Dott Burns: Showbiz
    Do's and Don'ts

INTERVIEWS
Erika Harold:
    Miss America 2003
Katie Harman:
    Miss America 2002
Angela Baraquio:
    Miss America 2001
Heather French:
    Miss America 2000
Nicole Johnson:
    Miss America 1999
Kate Shindle:
    Miss America 1998
Debbye Turner:
    Miss America 1990
Kimberly Pressler:
    Miss USA 1999
Shawnae Jebbia:
    Miss USA 1998
Paula Shugart:
    Interview with the
    President of the
    Miss Universe
    Organization

HAIR TIPS
Investigate These
    Fabulous Hair Styles
Hair Styles for Prom
Hair to Be Remembered
Updo Hair Styles
Hairstyles for Fall '03
Summer Hair: Makeovers
Prom Hair: Quick Fixes
Hairstyles for the Holidays
Hairstyles for Fall
Hairstyles for Summer
8 'Dos To Make You
    The Mane Attraction
Prom Do's
Prom Hairstyles: Tips
    and Tools
Back to Glamour:
    Hair Styles for Prom

MAKEUP TIPS
Freshen Up Your Makeup
MTV Stylist's Makeup Tips
Don't Do Makeup
    Half Way
Winterize Your Skin
Makeup: Basic Training
Makeup: Sun-Savvy
Makeup: Ionic Products
Makeup Tools:
    Brushes & Sponges
A Good Foundation
Prom Do's
Steps for Applying
    Color Shades (Part 1)
Steps for Applying
    Color Shades (Part 2)
Prom Makeovers:
    Emphasize Personality
From Problem Skin to
    Prom Queen
Beautiful Blunders:
    Learning from your
    makeup mistakes

MODELING TIPS
VIDEO: Working The
    Runway
BOOK: The New York
    Model's Black Book
BOOK: The Modeling
    Handbook
BOOK: First Option: A
   Directory of Legitimate
   U.S. Modeling Agencies
MAAI: A Close Look
    at Modeling
IMTA/Barbizon
Modeling: How One
    Parent Started Her
    Children