When you’re the Angrymob, you get to meet and advise a lot of budding and established artistes and start-up labels hoping to gain a foothold in the world famous (in Keke’s voice) Nigerian music industry.


From my experience, at least 90% of the new entrants into the industry will ultimately be unable to make any significant impact or reasonable revenue to sustain them beyond the first 5 years. Likely cause of death? Utter lack of understanding of the Business of Music!

Here’s a typical scenario, I’m flown out of town – consultation fee in hand, checked into a nice hotel and excited to meet with a new record label boss who wants my opinion of his business. Soon, we’re off to the studio to listen to some music and meet with the talents.






The talents are usually ensconced in a well-furnished “label house” complete with a nice studio. After listening to a few mediocre records from the signed talents and learning of all the costs that have already been incurred including cars, monthly allowances and a couple of Clarence Peters videos, the only sound that lingers in my mind is the rushing sound of money down the drain.

I feel sorry for the investor and sad too; because asking the right questions early on would have saved them a ton of money and time.

If you get into the entertainment business without first learning the business, you’ll become the entertainment.

The general lack of knowledge and understanding of the industry among new investors in the music industry is appalling. Listen, if you get into the entertainment business without first learning the business, you’ll become the entertainment.





The amazing thing is, some of these investors have thriving businesses in other sectors yet they assume that the music business does not require the same amount of due diligence they would normally carry out before venturing into other businesses and this is dead wrong. Music business is business.

Since the success of your label depends greatly on the quality of talent you sign, and I want to see more label wins this year, here are a few tips you should consider before signing an artiste to your new label in 2019:

1. Do not sign an artiste who doesn’t already have a cache of recordings.

2. Never sign an artist who has not invested a relatively significant amount of their own money in their career.

3. Don’t sign an artist who does not have a growing and zealous fan base.

4. Never sign an artist without knowing exactly how you will add value to their career and scale what they already have going.

5. Never sign more than one artist at first.
There’s an igbo proverb that says that one who asks questions (early) never misses their way. If you wish to start a label in 2019 or have recently started one, I beg you to do your research and due diligence and also speak to a knowledgeable industry professional/player to improve your chances of success. Finally, watch this space.

Cheers to a profitable 2019!



Obinna Agwu (@D_AngryMob)
Entertainment & Artist Manager
Lagos, Nigeria.



SOURCE: http://www.barbaric.com.ng/before-you-sign-a-new-artiste-in-2019

Lovely Piece ,

Never sign an artist without knowing exactly how you will add value to their career and scale what they already have going.

Great thread.....

Thank you hope they gonna listen to you and stop signing garbage artistes.

Never sign a thirsty Nigerian artiste they would betray your trust and don't give a bleep about lawful contracts save your money

Runtown says hi

post=74431262:
Never sign an artist without knowing exactly how you will add value to their career and scale what they already have going.

Great thread.....

This is very true. All the points are very true.

Biscuits:
Never sign a thirsty Nigerian artiste they would betray your trust and don't give a bleep about lawful contracts save your money

Runtown says hi

Even the one's that are not thirsty would still betray, once they are dishing hits (so called)......

nex:


This is very true. All the points are very true.

You can say that again.

Yes this is true. Never sign an artist like airforce1 cos you will lose your money. And you will cry when see him working as a car wash boy

Well said

Thanks for this

Hmmm

Funny enough,i met all the criteria above but still unsigned,all i need is a little push

But we are winning this year.. amen

Hmmm..if you get into the entertainment business without first learning the business, you will become the entertainment

6. Don’t sign an artiste and treat him like your brother. See him as a business partner, and let all your dealings be strictly on business. Their loyalties always disappear when they start handsome cash.

Why will I sign a new artiste?

never sign an artiste that lacks creativity

nex:


This is very true. All the points are very true.

Davido signed Mayorkun from twitter. All these rules of dos and donts don't always translate to success.

And do not give an artiste a slave contract to sign, do not manipulate your artiste they are human beings also with needs.





Kizz daniel---Over on repeat....

Biscuits:
Never sign a thirsty Nigerian artiste they would betray your trust and don't give a bleep about lawful contracts save your money

Runtown says hi

Stop talking trash do you know how much Runtown made for that label?

Doesn't matter! Who go blow go blow las las ni

.

Wat abt nollywood na dere I wan invest

OK

femi4:
Davido signed Mayorkun from twitter. All these rules of dos and donts always translate to success.

Exactly what came to my mind, according to the rules, Mayorkun failed all, but Davido looked beyond all these, he spotted a talent in him. The only way you can succeed as a label owner is if you

1. Can spot talents when you see it
2. Can push your artistes well

Dont sign any artists. Nigerian artistes will betray you and the law isnt strong enough to hold them down.

Runtown
Kizz Daniels

Hmmm nice piece there
Meanwhile if you are up coming artist visit www.showitnaija.com.ng to register and promote your self free of charge
Our area of specialisation includes Artist Management and promotion.

KingLennon:

Stop talking trash do you know how much Runtown made for that label?

Hehehe