MUSIC LINGO
The music business is a multi-billion dollar industry that touches people in every corner of the world. It all starts with the songwriters and composers, without whom there would be no music. But once a song is written, there is a whole industry that supports it:- the "business" side of the music industry.
Many people in the business started out playing music or singing in chorus in their high schools just like you. Some realized that their best talents were on the business side. Still, many music industry jobs utilize one's background in music in day to day operations.
Below, we highlight some music industry jobs that you may not currently know much about. We put together a sampling of some of the kinds of jobs available: most involve both music and business.
GENERAL INDUSTRY TERMS
buzz: There is a "buzz" about a particular band if people are talking about them and saying positive things.
break: An artist is about to "break" when he or she is on the verge of becoming very well known: this usually happens after some serious radio airplay or publicity is taking place and the expectations are high for great sales and visibility.
hook: The catchiest, most memorable part of a song that grabs the attention of the listener. Hit songs have great hooks.
press kit: A press kit generally includes a photo of the artist, a short biography (or "bio") about the artist, contact information, and maybe past press coverage and positive reviews of works. This kit is sent to publications to encourage new coverage and publicity.
promo kit: Essentially the same thing as a press kit, but used to gain general exposure for the artist. Often, promo kits are sent to radio stations to encourage airplay.
epk (electronic press kit): Serves the same purpose as a regular press kit, but comes in the form of a video. : The wizard in the studio who actually "gets" the sounds: twists the knobs, moves the microphones, brings in all kinds of other equipment. Being an engineer is a very challenging job that requires advanced technological knowledge and an endless supply of patience.
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LIVE PERFORMANCE RELATED
gig: A live performance showcase: A live performance at which multiple artists perform, usually for free, to gain exposure among people who work in the music industry and sometimes the public.
opener: An artist that is considered to be less well-known, who performs before the more well-known artist.
headliner: An artist that plays last at a concert: the more well-known act that a majority of the audience goes to see. set: The songs that an artist performs at a particular concert.
set list: The list on which the titles of the songs that an artist performs at a particular concert is written.
set time: The time at which an artist is supposed to begin performing a concert.
backline: The instruments and equipment that an artist/band needs to perform live. Backline is usually requested at one-time shows like showcases or special events where equipment is rented.
cover:
1.A song that an artist performs or records that was made famous and written by another artist.
2.The price that one must pay at the door to enter a venue.
cover band A band that plays only cover songs. Sometimes a band chooses to cover only one artist. In this case, a band that only performs songs written by the Grateful Dead would be considered a Grateful Dead cover band.
list: If you're on "the list," your name is on the list of people who do not have to pay to get into the show. People who put names on "the list" include: someone who works at the venue, the artist, the record label, the concert promoter, or the publicist.
plus 1: If you have a "plus 1," and your name is on "the list," you can bring one guest to the show for free. If you have a "minus 1," neither you nor your friend can get in the show. In fact, you have to eat hot dogs by the street for the duration of the performance.
line-up: The bands that are supposed to play a particular show together make the "line-up."
rig, gear: A musician's equipment.
book: A band is "booked" at a club if they are scheduled to play there.
load in: To move a band's equipment into a performance space.
load out: Figure it out.
soundcheck: A rehearsal before the actual performance that ensures the sound levels are appropriate at the concert venue.
soundguy: The person who is responsible for making a performance sound good. He is responsible for setting up the microphones and making sure all the instruments are at the right levels.
work the door: The person who is "working the door" collects admissions fees.
draw: A band has a "draw" if they can generate a live audience at a live concert. On the flipside, a band that doesn't attract an audience has "no draw."
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RADIO RELATED
GM: General manager of a radio station.
MD: Music director of a radio station.
PD: Program director of a radio station.
rotation: One broadcast of a particular song.
heavy rotation: Many broadcasts of a particular song. (i.e. "Genie In A Bottle" by Christina Aguilera is on "heavy rotation" at the Top 40 stations.)
light rotation: Very few broadcasts of a particular song.
no rotation: No broadcasts of a particular song.
single:
1.A song that an artist or record label decides to release to the public separately from other songs. Radio stations, press, MTV, and the artists themselves are supposed to focus on this song as it's expected to be best-loved. An album can have many singles, although they are "released" one at a time.
2.A recording that is released with only 1 or a few songs. These recordings sometimes feature different versions of the same song, or even a live recording.
b-side: The song released with the single as a "bonus" or "rare" song.
smash: A song or an artist that is very successful.
"number 1 with a bullet": A song, artist or album is "number 1 with a bullet" when it reaches number one on sales or playlist charts very quickly. This is an indication that the song, artist or album is a fast success and is gaining a great deal of popularity.
track: A particular song from an album.
cut: The same as a track.
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RECORD COMPANY RELATED
demo: A "demonstration" recording that is meant to give a sample or an introduction to an artist's music.
sample: A piece of music, usually made famous by another artist, that is used in a new way in a new song.
loop: A piece of music that is repeated in a song.
platinum: A record is considered "platinum" if it sells over 1 million copies.
gold: A record is considered "gold" if it sells over 500,000 copies.
diamond: A record is considered "diamond" if it sells over 10 million copies.
split single: A (short: 2 to 4 song) recording that features music from two different bands or artists.
split release: A recording that is released by two different record labels.
shelved: A recording is "shelved" when a record company decides not to release it to the public.
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Copyright © 2002 by Todd Brabec, Jeffrey Brabec. All Rights Reserved. Note: The figures and comments contained in this article are based upon the authors' experiences over the years with many specific situations. Ranges of fees, as well as comments, do vary based upon individual negotiations and situations. |
