The Australian Music Industry

Australian musicians and songwriters talk about the realities of life in the industry

The Industry ► The music industry is diverse, encompassing all musical styles, types of performing and types of recording. ► It is changing. Access to purchasing and downloading music online has changed sales, marketing and distribution of music. Technological developments such as home recording equipment are also changing the industry. It will continue to change in response to fashion, technology, lifestyles and cultural developments.

Occupations in the industry ► Over people have a music occupation as their main job (2001). 48% music teachers, 38% instrumental musicians, 8% singers. ► Many have a second job in music. Almost a quarter of a million people undertook some work as a live performer (2004).

Live music ► Over 500 organisations, employing over 4000 people, involved in producing live performances (2003). 70% popular music, 19% musicals and operas. Have you been to any? ► 40% of people attended a music event in million adults attended popular music concerts, 2.7 million musicals and operas, 1.3 million classical music concerts. Have you attended any? ► Large increase in music festivals.

Recorded music ► About 500 organisations involved in recorded music. 54% recording studios, 28% record companies and distributors, 13% music publishers. ► Over 300 businesses involved in retail of recorded music. (Which ones have you heard of?)

Money ► Australians spent about $2,800 million on music in , including audio equipment, CDs, concerts and nightclub charges.

Diverse industry ► The music industry consists not only of musicians, but also of all the organisations and businesses that directly make money from music. ► It includes record companies which finance the making and promotion of albums, promotions companies which organise concerts and festivals, music venues, instrument manufacturers, music retailers, and music broadcasters.

Occupations ► The music industry offers occupations in areas such as:  Recording  Live performance  Music retail  Music publishing  Concert and venue management  Advertising  Radio, film and TV  Teaching  Music therapy  Music video and media

Originators Originators provide the raw product for the industry – the music. 1. The Musician: these are the people who earn a living by either playing an instrument or singing. 2. The Songwriter: lyricist and/or composer

Primary investors Primary investors provide a link between the originator and the mass audience. 1. Publishing Companies – manage sales, copyrights and royalties 2. Record Companies - marketing, promotion, development of acts 3. Promotions Companies and Promoters – eg. tour managers

Secondary investors Secondary investors specialise in other activities in the industry that help music reach consumers. 1. Music Performance/ Craft Careers – eg. arrangers, teachers 2. Music Business Careers: - eg. managers, accountants, lawyers 3. Sound Production Careers – eg. producers, engineers, sound technicians, road crews, lighting and sound technicians, DJs

Secondary investors 4. Careers in Promotion and Marketing – eg. agents, publicists, stylists, photographers, journalists, graphic artists 5. Careers in Radio Industry – eg. programmers, marketing researchers 6. Careers in Retail, Venues, People and Places – eg. venue operators, event managers, instrument salespeople, instrument repairers

Some other jobs in the music industry ► Read about jobs other than teaching and performing in the music industry. jobs

The Engineer ► Is responsible for all of the technical aspects of a recording ► Drives the studio equipment and twiddles all its knobs and sliders ► Negotiates and explains processes to musicians, producers and record company executives what is and isn’t technically possible ► Needs excellent listening and people skills

The Producer ► Has creative control over the entire recording process and is responsible for the final sound of a song – The Boss! ► Roles include:-  Listening to demos and deciding on final mood, tempo and style of a song  Selecting and/or writing arrangements  Directing the engineer and giving constructive criticism and feedback to musicians  Supervising the final mix ► The studio equivalent of the orchestra conductor or film director

The Manager ► Has many responsibilities and roles:-  Salesperson  Negotiator  Watch-dog  Administrator  Marketer  Street lawyer  Accountant  Motivator  Worrier

The Agent ► Knows all the performance venues, their managers and promoters ► Is responsible for getting gigs and good fees for a performer

Artists & Repertoire (A & R) ► The people in the record company who listen to incoming demo tapes and decide who the company should sign up ► They don’t have to know anything about music – in fact, most have a sales background ► A&R people are the go-between between the artists and the record company

The Music Publisher ► Prints and publishes sheet music ► Controls the copyright of a song ► Looks for musicians to perform and record songs from their catalogue. Eg:-  Placing song in a film, TV series or advertisement ► Protects the rights of the owners of the composition ► Pays songwriters for the rights to their works

Radio ► Three types of radio stations:  Commercial (income from advertising)  Public (income from subscribers and sponsors)  Government (income from government) ► Commercial stations earn money from the ads, so try to keep ratings high – it can then charge more for the ads. Therefore they play mainstream music with wide audience appeal. ► Examples: FOX, Triple M, NOVA

Radio ► Public or community stations play more alternative and independent music. They also play a lot more Australian music (50- 60%). Unsigned bands have a much greater chance of being played. They have fewer listeners. ► Examples: Triple R (102.7), PBS (106.7) Triple R Triple R

Radio ► Government stations play a range of bands from both major record companies and independent companies. There is also regular Australian content. ► Example: Triple J (107.5) ► Triple J provides some opportunities for young, unsigned bands through competitions such as ‘Unearthed’. Past winners include Grinspoon and Killing Heidi.