₦airaland Forum

Digital Technology in Music Business: The Ultimate Game Changer!
By Akapo Emmanuel – Director, Tenstrings Music Institute, Nigeria.

There is no better time other now when our ‘almighty’ sectors such as Forex/Stocks and Oil and Gas are crashing woefully, to begin to explore possibilities in abandoned sectors such as music and entertainment in general. The entertainment industry is one sector that is relatively stable no matter the weather, it continues to thrive no matter the storm. Irrespective of what situation the nation is in, comedy shows and concerts will continue to hold, lounges and bars are always open. Huge sectors like Telecoms and the media thrive and survive majorly on entertainment - music in particular.

However, potential investors coming into the music industry must understand the current dynamics before diving in. In the past ten years, the music industry has metamorphosed immensely; the supply and value chains have taken new dimensions. The advent of digital technology has changed everything; the way we create music to the way it is been consumed.

Digital technology has transformed the world and the music industry as we know it. Before everybody was hooked up to the World Wide Web, the music scene was a very different place. Twenty years ago, consumers relied more heavily on CDs, The Charts and the radio. It was a time when mix tapes were widespread and people brought CDs or cassettes to parties.

Advancements in technology meant that hard copies of music were no longer a necessity- the introduction of the digital mp3 pushed out the requirement to own CDs. Similar to mix tapes, listeners would borrow a friend’s CD, copy the music to their computer and have an electronic copy of the CD.

The Internet shook things up further, as connection speeds increased, file sharing became more common. Consumers illegally used programmes like Napster and Limewire to pirate music. Pirated music became a widespread problem for record labels as there was no way to police the music duplication.

The advent of social networking also brought a whole new element to the music industry, with MySpace providing a platform for users to follow musicians and discover new bands. YouTube has meant that consumers no longer have to rely on MTV or purchase a band’s video or DVD to watch their music videos. In Nigeria, streaming services like Notjustok.com and Jaguda.com give listeners access to any music from anywhere with an internet connection.

Over the same time frame as this massive industry transformation, income from music royalties (income from songs including public performance, mechanical royalties and synch fees) has been stagnant. Although performance revenue has increased, income from record sales has dramatically declined.

However, research shows that music consumers of today do not spend less money on music compared to a decade ago — they simply spend that money differently. All in all, the last decade has certainly transformed the basis of the music industry, but the value of music remains strong, both from a business and from a cultural perspective.

The only part of the music business that is more successful now than in the pre-digital era is live performance. Tours by leading artists, such as U2, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and Jay Z, easily gross over $100 million, and celebrity DJs can earn well over six figures for appearing at a festival. Digital music, even when it’s free, can never replace the live experience, even if it costs so much for a tiny seat, or a spot on a field surrounded by thousands of fellow fans.

I predict that income generated by the recording and music publishing industries will modestly increase in the next several years. On the other hand, tours and concerts by famous performers will generate even more money for them, the promoters, venues and ticket sellers. Unfortunately, the big money will still flow almost exclusively to the best-known acts. Indeed, the disparity between the haves and have-nots among creators will only increase, with rich artists getting even richer, from concerts and branding (e.g, endorsements and more subtle forms of partnerships between big companies and celebrity artists). Even with respect to monies generated from streaming services, it has reported that only the most powerful artists with the most leverage have been able to negotiate a meaningful pay-out from the labels.

For new and unsigned artists, digital technology has had, and will continue to have, very mixed results. Anyone can now produce a record on a laptop and get their music before the ears of the masses via CD Baby, iTunes, or other digital middlemen. But the aggregators are the ones making most of the money. It turns out that these new “bosses” (such as the aggregators), social networks such as Facebook and web stores like iTunes, which all allow an artist to reach a worldwide audience, are even worse for artists than the old guard (the big record companies).
Tech companies give an artist the opportunity to reach a worldwide audience, but they don’t provide any of the positive things that major record labels used to (and still do, but for far fewer artists). For instance, none of these companies pay for recording costs, including hiring talented producers. They also don’t help an artist make great looking videos, get their music on commercial radio, book them on TV shows, and most importantly, give them up-front advances so they can quit their day gig.

Unsigned artists should also continue to be wary about using any of the thousands of digital "tools" offered by various online services that will take their money while offering no guarantees of getting them to "the next level." At least the bad old record companies would give artists money up-front -- not the other way around.

The digital era, in summary, has created real opportunities - but those opportunities have turned out to be more significant for entrepreneurs than for musicians. For instance, when Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine launched Beats Music at the beginning of 2014, they seemed almost foolish; streaming services have hardly made a profit, pretty much across the board. But a few short months later, they sold the service, (and its profitable namesake headphone business) to Apple for $3 billion, making a great deal of money for themselves and their partners.

Digital technology, once accused of nearly destroying the music industry, is now being hailed as its saviour.

Article by Akapo Emmanuel
Renowned Music Educator and Entrepreneur
www.akapoemmanuel.com
info@akapoemmmanuel.com
+2348039190021

Invitation to Band Auditions.

A reputable Lagos-based band needs experienced and skilled singers:

Audition Venue - Tenstrings Music Institute (Ikeja Center) - 24 Afariogun Street, off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja bus stop, Lagos.

Date: Wednesday , January 21, 2015

Time: 9.00am

Invitation to Band Auditions.

A reputable Lagos-based band needs experienced and skilled singers:

Audition Venue - Tenstrings Music Institute (Ikeja Center) - 24 Afariogun Street, off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja bus stop, Lagos.

Date: Wednesday , January 21, 2015

Time: 9.00am

Send all inquiries to info@tenstrings.org.

Invitation to Band Auditions.

A reputable Lagos-based band needs experienced and skilled singers:

Audition Venue - Tenstrings Music Institute (Ikeja Center) - 24 Afariogun Street, off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja bus stop, Lagos.

Date: Wednesday , January 21, 2015

Time: 9.00am

Send all inquiries to info@tenstrings.org.

An experienced admin staff is urgently needed to work with us at the Ikeja Study Center of Tenstrings Music Institute as the Admin/Facility officer. The Candidate will be in charge of supervising all administrative tasks regarding the smooth running of the center as well as ensuring that the facility is well maintained. A minimum of three-year working experience is required. The applicant should possess a minimum of O.N.D, smart, intelligent, able to multitask, prepared to work Monday to Saturday, have some love for music,  and reside close to Ikeja.

Send your CV to jobs@tenstrings.org and copy tenstringsmusiclagos@gmail.com

Urgent Vacancies at Tenstrings

1. Advance Piano Instructor ( ability to sight-read upto Grade 7 with minimum of 3 years teaching experience)

2. Mixing and Mastering Instructor (must be proficient with using Protools, Reason, Cubase, Logic Pro and basic mastering software )

Send applications to jobs@tenstrings.org


Thanks.

A driver with at least 5 years professional driving experience is urgently needed. Candidate must be very conversant with Lagos routes, must be at least 40 years old and very responsible in nature.

To indicate interest, send a text to: 08110548255.

La Campagne Tropicana, the stage that brought to the limelight acts like Tuface Idibia, Lagbaja and Ara is proud to announce the rejuvenation of its live music culture. This time in a trailblazer show - 'Live@ La Campagne'.
Live bands are invited to audition for the show.

If you think your band has got what it takes to perform on that prestigious stage then come for auditioning this Saturday by 9.00am at Tenstrings - 24 Afariogun Street, off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja.

Show date: Next Friday. 6.30pm @ La Campagne Tropicana - 27 Adeniyi Jones - Ikeja.

Job VACANCIES for Musicians and Producers!

1. Very skillful and experienced singers and instrumentalist are urgently needed to work with a high profile Lagos-based band.

2. An experienced studio producer/engineer is needed to work as an in-house producer in a studio located in Ikeja. Proficiency on Protools and mixing and mastering is compulsory.

To get an interview date please text your full names and interests to 08110548255.

Thanks.

Job VACANCIES for Musicians and Producers!

1. Very skillful and experienced singers and instrumentalist are urgently needed to work with a high profile Lagos-based band.

2. An experienced studio producer/engineer is needed to work as an in-house producer in a studio located in Ikeja. Proficiency on Protools and mixing and mastering is compulsory.

To get an interview date please text your full names and interests to 08110548255.

Announcement
ACI ENTERTAINMENT (www.acientertainment234.com)

Thanks.

what year is it pls?

An international entertainment company (ACI Entertainment www.acientertainment234.com ) urgently needs the services of female marketers and Recording Studio Producer/manager for full time employment.

Female Marketers Qualification

1.National Diploma and above
2.Driving skill
3.At least 2 years working experience
4.Training or experience in accounting is an advantage
5.Should love and be eager to work in entertainment and the arts generally

Studio Manager (Studio located on Allen Avenue, Ikeja)

1.Be very proficient on Protools and other production software
2.Be proficient in mixing and mastering
3.Should have at least three-year music production experience. Which would be proven by a sizable portfolio of works and clients to your credit
4.Resident in Lagos
5.Willing to deliver a fixed sum of money monthly for managing the studio on behalf of the company


To apply, send your CV to jobs@tenstrings.org.

An international entertainment company (ACI Entertainment www.acientertainment234.com ) urgently needs the services of female marketers and Recording Studio Producer/manager for full time employment.

Female Marketers Qualification

1.National Diploma and above
2.Driving skill
3.At least 2 years working experience
4.Training or experience in accounting is an advantage
5.Should love and be eager to work in entertainment and the arts generally

Studio Manager (Studio located on Allen Avenue, Ikeja)

1.Be very proficient on Protools and other production software
2.Be proficient in mixing and mastering
3.Should have at least three-year music production experience. Which would be proven by a sizeable portfolio of works and clients to your credit
4.Resident in Lagos
5.Willing to deliver a fixed sum of money monthly for managing the studio on behalf of the company


To apply, send your CV to jobs@tenstrings.org

Tenstrings Music Institute (www.tenstrings.org) urgently requires the services of a very ‘very’ good part time Dance Instructor who must be resident on the Island.

He or she must be very competent in traditional and modern dances, such as Latin Dances, Hip Hop, Ballet, Fitness Dance, Line dances, etc. A minimum of three years teaching experience is required.

To apply send your CV to jobs@tenstrings.org

Tenstrings Music Institute (www.tenstrings.org) urgently requires the services of a very ‘very’ good part time Dance Instructor who must be resident on the Island.

He or she must be very competent in traditional and modern dances, such as Latin Dances, Hip Hop, Ballet, Fitness Dance, Line dances, etc. A minimum of three years teaching experience is required.

To apply send your CV to jobs@tenstrings.org

Tenstrings Music Institute (www.tenstrings.org) urgently requires the services of a very ‘very’ good part time Dance Instructor who must be resident on the Island.

He or she must be very competent in traditional and modern dances, such as Latin Dances, Hip Hop, Ballet, Fitness Dance, Line dances, etc. A minimum of three years teaching experience is required.

To apply send your CV to jobs@tenstrings.org

Full-time Music Instructors Needed by Tenstrings (for our Ikorodu & Ajah centers)

Tenstrings Music Institute urgently requires the services of seasoned music instructors who is proficient in music theory and in playing musical instruments, including the piano. A minimum of five year teaching experience is required. Applicants must have been drilled in grade 6 and above theory exams and must have a fluent sight-reading skills.

To apply send your CV to jobs@tenstrings.org, we’ll send you interview details.

Female front desk officers/receptionists needed urgently in Tenstrings Music Institute (www.tenstrings.org) for our Ikorodu and Ajah centers. She must be fluent in writing and speaking English Language and must be able to use the computer well. Applicants should stay very close to either Ikorodu or Lekki/Ajah and should be enthusiastic about music. To apply, text FDO to 08067024255.

An experienced driver with at least 5 years working experience is needed urgently to drive the director of a
Lagos-based school. Driver must be very conversant with Lagos routes and must be very good in both manual and automatic
transmissions.

Call 07055439330 if you're qualified and interested.

An experienced driver with at least 5 years working experience is needed urgently to drive the director of a
Lagos-based school. Driver must be very conversant with Lagos routes and must be very good in both manual and automatic
transmissions.

Call 07055439330 if you're qualified and interested.

Let him call 08067024255 to secure an interview

Call for Auditioning:

Good news for the musicians and artists looking for an excellent and High-profile BAND to join!

Tenstrings Music Institute - (Nigeria's biggest school of music - www.tenstrings.org) is currently expanding and transforming its musical band into a world-class and high quality musical group:

It's therefore inviting persons interested in becoming members for the auditioning holding on Friday May 17 by 10am @ 22-24 Afariogun Street, off Awolowo way, Ikeja bus stop.

Band membership Categories:

1. Band Managers

2. Highly proficient instrumentalists

a. Keyboardists
b. Bassists
c. Drummers
d. Guitarists
e. Percussionists
f. Saxophonists
g. Trumpeters
h. Other instrumentalists

3. Experienced Singers

4. Songwriters

5. Music Directors

Applicants must be EXTREMELY good on their instruments and must demonstrate an admirable level of talent, passion, dexterity and musicianship.

Band 1 : Contemporary/African Music
Band 2 : Gospel

Register for the Audition by emailing your profile to band@tenstrings.org

I have 1M

Call for Auditioning:

Good news for the musicians and artists looking for an excellent and High-profile BAND to join!

Tenstrings Music Institute - (Nigeria's biggest school of music - www.tenstrings.org) is currently expanding and transforming its musical band into a world-class and high quality musical group:

It's therefore inviting persons interested in becoming members for the auditioning holding on Friday May 17 by 10am @ 22-24 Afariogun Street, off Awolowo way, Ikeja bus stop.

Band membership Categories:

1. Band Managers

2. Highly proficient instrumentalists

a. Keyboardists
b. Bassists
c. Drummers
d. Guitarists
e. Percussionists
f. Saxophonists
g. Trumpeters
h. Other instrumentalists

3. Experienced Singers

4. Songwriters

5. Music Directors

Applicants must be EXTEMELY good on their instruments and must demonstrate an admirable level of talent, passion, dexterity and musicianship.

Band 1 : Contemporary/African Music
Band 2 : Gospel

Register for the Audition by emailing your profile to band@tenstrings.org

Marketing Officer: Tenstrings Music Institute urgently requires the services of an experienced marketer to serve as an independent book marketer to the institute.
To apply send your CV to jobs@tenstrings.org, we’ll send you interview details.


Full-time Music Instructor: Tenstrings Music Institute urgently requires the services of a seasoned music instructor who is proficient in music theory and in playing musical instruments, including the piano. A minimum of five year teaching experience is required. Applicants must have been drilled in grade 6 and above theory exams and must have a fluent sight-reading skills.

To apply send your CV to jobs@tenstrings.org, we’ll send you interview details.


Sound Engineering/Music Production Instructor (Software and Hardware): Tenstrings Music Institute urgently requires the services of a seasoned Sound Engineering/Music Production instructor. Applicants must be proficient in live sound reinforcement system operations and should be able to use the following software efficiently: Protools, Reason, Logic Pro, Cubase, Ableton Live, FL Studio, T-racks, Sound Forge, Adobe Audition, etc.
He must also be experienced in music production, and music mixing and mastering.

To apply send your CV to jobs@tenstrings.org, we’ll send you interview details.

The book entitled, ‘You’ve Got Music’, is a 580 page handbook and DVD lessons for musicians. The magnificent book, which ranks as the biggest and most comprehensive music book published by a Nigerian, will be launched on April 20. Venue is The Place - 45, Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja by 4pm promptly. The event, which will be held in style is expected to be graced by music industry stakeholders such T-mac, Yinka Davies, Tuface Idibia, Dayo Adeneye, Tony Okoroji, and several other icons.

This is an exciting news for all musicians and music lovers at large. No matter how talented you are as a musician, there are certain basic skills and knowledge you need to succeed. Talent and passion are only an entry point. The uniqueness of the book is that it includes information on the theory of music, voice training, instrument lessons, music composition, sound engineering, music business and showmanship.

According to the writer of the book, Mr Akapo Emmanuel, CEO, Tenstring Music Institute, his ultimate goal is to breed first-class music professionals who will be sound creatively and commercially throughout their careers. His phenomenal and holistic approach to music education has made him an accomplished professional and offered him the privilege of grooming tons of up-and-coming acts and high-profile musicians. He said that experts have predicted that over the next ten years, jobs in art, music, culture and entertainment will grow twice as many as jobs in engineering will; those who've been educated in the arts will have a great advantage over those who have not”. The era of mediocrity in music performance and business is almost over, and soon, only the well rooted players will remain in the game,” Emmanuel stated.

He stated that talent is NOT ENOUGH when it comes to pursuing a successful music career or attaining distinction as a performing artiste. “To be qualified as a professional musician, there are inevitable skills and information you must have at your fingertips. We live in a sophisticated age, where what you know and how you apply it determines what you get. Chances are that musicians who fail to educate themselves will underutilize their potentials and find it hard to optimize emerging opportunities in the music industry,” the writer explained.

“The book: You’ve Got Music, is my response to the continual demand of my students and clients in over a decade. My goal is to place in your hands a comprehensive resource for your career development - the one you can always refer to for the basic knowledge of music and its business.

“As a music educator and founder of one of Africa’s biggest music academy, I’m very passionate about breeding the next generation of ‘Formidable Musicians and Superstars’. 'By that I mean musicians who can thrive favorably in the ever-evolving global music market. With some resources and commitment anyone can find their way to popularity in the music industry. It takes a deeper musician to make it to stardom, and even the exceptionally groomed to attain the legendary status. Having trained over 2000 musicians in the past fifteen years, it is my pleasure to release this masterpiece coined from my practical experiences in making and teaching music, and other best practices from around the world”.

Good news for all music lovers!

Finally, the all-encompassing music compendium – You’ve Got Music! - is Released! This 580 Page book (also including a DVD) covers in details lessons in theory of music, voice training, instrument lessons, Music Composition, Sound Engineering and Music Production, Music business, Showmanship, and several other information contained in the appendixes.

The book ‘You’ve Got Music!’ is a must-have tool for every musician and music lover! There’s been no such huge, all-in-one music publication in the history of our country.

Tenstrings Music Institute (www.tenstrings.org) is specially inviting you to join us as we officially release the new publication for sales:

Venue: The Place - 45 Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
Date: Saturday April 20, 2013
Time: 4pm Prompt

To Reserve Copies: Call or text Damie on 08067024255. Autographed Copies of the book will be available for sale at the venue. Retail Price is N4, 000.

How much is it last pls?

Akapo Emmanuel (director at Tenstrings) invites you to attend the PROJECT 12.12.12 training workshop.

4 hours of Complete Vocal Overhauling.

This is my Christmas hamper for all my fans and friends who have always wished to have personal t
raining sessions with me but are unable to meet up with regular school arrangements. At this ground-shaking 4hours vocal training session I will be passing on to you very effective singing skills and vocal remedies.

I have been researching for over 6 months just for this single day. I bet you, the exercises we would take are nothing close to what you have heard before. There will be vocal treatment drugs too free for all. Be prepared for a paradigm shift in your singing! Expect a positive turnaround in your singing. Come with all your questions about singing, I assure you’ll find remedies. We shall also explore the world of songwriting to the fullest.

Highlights:

1. Get pro singing secrets
2. One on one singing consultation
3. Discover your real voice
4. Participate in bumper vocal loosening exercises
5. Vocal treatment drugs
6. Open up your voice, Sing higher pitches.
7. Common Singing Problems and their solutions
8. How to write commercial Songs

You must not miss this for anything!

Venue: Tenstrings - 24 Afariogun Street, Off Obafemi Awolowo way, Ikeja, Lagos.

Date: Wednesday 12.12.12 and a Repeat on Saturday 15.12.12. Time: 10am

The fee is 5k per person, to be paid at entry.

FREE for all current Tenstrings' Students!

If you’re coming text your Name space project 12.12.12 to 08067024255. (Example David Ade Project12.12.12).

Pls re-broadcast, tell your friends and contacts who might be interested about this.


Brace yourself, it will be explosive!

Akapo Emmanuel (director at Tenstrings - www.tenstrings.org) invites you to attend the PROJECT 12.12.12 training workshop.

4 hours of Complete Vocal Overhauling.

This is my Christmas hamper for all my fans and friends who have always wished to have personal t
raining sessions with me but are unable to meet up with regular school arrangements. At this ground-shaking 4hours vocal training session I will be passing on to you very effective singing skills and vocal remedies.

I have been researching for over 6 months just for this single day. I bet you, the exercises we would take are nothing close to what you have heard before. There will be vocal treatment drugs too free for all. Be prepared for a paradigm shift in your singing! Expect a positive turnaround in your singing. Come with all your questions about singing, I assure you’ll find remedies. We shall also explore the world of songwriting to the fullest.

Highlights:

1. Get pro singing secrets
2. One on one singing consultation
3. Discover your real voice
4. Participate in bumper vocal loosening exercises
5. Vocal treatment drugs
6. Open up your voice, Sing higher pitches.
7. Common Singing Problems and their solutions
8. How to write commercial Songs

You must not miss this for anything!


Venue: Tenstrings - 24 Afariogun Street, Off Obafemi Awolowo way, Ikeja, Lagos.

Date: Wednesday 12.12.12 and a Repeat on Saturday 15.12.12. Time: 10am

The fee is 5k per person, to be paid at entry. Call 08067024255 for enquiries.

FREE for all current Tenstrings' Students!

If you’re coming text your Name space project 12.12.12 to 08067024255. (Example David Ade Project12.12.12).


Pls re-broadcast, tell your friends and contacts who might be interested about this.

Brace yourself, it will be explosive!

Hello guys,

Tenstrings is letting out a recording studio (worth 10Million Naira) and Video editing suite (worth 5Million Naira) for a monthly delivery of N100,000 each.

The offer simply means the studio will be made available for you to do all your works and only make a delivery of One Hundred thousand Naira monthly for each studio (N100, 000). Power and maintenance inclusive.

Studio is located at Isolo, Ire-Akari, Lagos.

If you're interested pls call 07055439330 to get a date for inspection and bidding.

Applicants must be music producers and video editors with good following and track records.

Respond ASAP.

Thank you.