- A 60 second HOW-TOvideo where Paul gives you the audio update on everything from recording vocals, to tricks in ProTools, etc.
/2\ How to Get a Record Deal
- What's true and false in the Biz of the Music Biz-turn your music into $$$.
To Copyright, or not to Copyright?
That is the question!
Do I need to copyright my material?
Technically, a song is copyrighted at the moment you write it down or record it. However, you should always register your copyright with the Copyright Office so you can PROVE that the song is yours, and when you created it.
How do I copyright my songs?
The copyright office now allows you to register online, or you can request the forms. You can contact them via phone at (202) 707-9100 if necessary. It's $35 if you do it online and $65 if you do it via hard copy.
What are the chances my songs will be stolen?
Pretty darn slim. We've been in the business for thirty years, and we've never personally known anybody who really had a song stolen. We've met the occasional person who had a song that did bear resemblance to another song, but there was no connection between the two writers that would have permitted the theft.
Ever noticed that most of the big copyright infringement cases are against huge stars like Michael Jackson? Our guess is that people who are looking for a quick settlement from a wealthy star in order to avoid the embarrassment of a lengthy court trial bring many of the high-profile suits.
That being said, always register the copyright to your material. You don't want to be the first person to prove our theory wrong.
What is Poor Man's Copy (PMC)?
Poor man's copyright refers to the method of using registered dating by the postal service, a notary public or other highly trusted source to date intellectual property, thereby helping to establish that the material has been in one's possession since a particular time. The concept is based on the notion that, in the event that such intellectual property were to be misused by a third party, the poor-man's copyright would at least establish a legally-recognized date of possession before any proof which a third party may possess.
The PMC was originally used by authors who sent copies of their own work to themselves through the mail without opening the envelopes in the hope that it would grant them legal protection by establishing a date at which the work was created. Use of this method may not hold up in a court as it is simple for individuals to pre-send envelopes which can then be used later by placing the materials inside.
****Disclaimer - Always consult with an authority of the law if you have questions.
Platinum: So first off, I have to ask about how you guys came up with such a cool name 'kinda major'. Please explain where it came from and what it means?
KM: It really happened on accident. Every time something was happening to us, be it in the band, our personal lives, or whatever, we would keep saying, "Whoa,that's kinda major!" It just stuck. We were calling the band STING, but we were worried about copyright issues. So, KINDA MAJOR became our name.
Platinum:
In your promo adds it's just two guys. Tell me
about the line up for the band and who does what.
KM: Steve and I (Gadget) make up the band. We will bring in special session players for drums, like John Wilkes, from the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. We also have an unreal team of "crowd hype(rs)" that get the people in the club moving!
Platinum: Everyone is looking to be the "next" sound. How would you describe your sound and how is it different than what people are use to hearing on the radio?
KM: Our sound is simple: it's POP WITH INTEGRITY.
Platinum: Speaking of radio, the word 'radio' kinda (no pun intended) is turning into an antique, like a VHS or cassette tape. What do you see as the future of the music business model and how are you working to compete in this new digital era?
KM: We have picked up sponsors, which has really been our angle. As far as the business model, it's simple. People make these decisions on who gets the deal. Bottom line, if you are not in the geographical hub of the genre of music you are pursuing (LA - Rock, New York - Rap, Miami - Rap, Nashville - Country), then it's harder to network with the people making the decisions. Take a risk and go to where the action is.
Platinum: Most bands are looking for that one song that give them their big break. How do you guys go about seeking out that song?
KM: It usually goes down that like: Steve or I will have a hook or a riff that we pitch to each other. Typically, it works and we build it from there.
Platinum: Being in this biz is tough. We all learn that you have to pay your dues. What three things would you tell aspiring artists to do to be successful?
KM: 1. Be honest with yourself in your music (DON'T SELL OUT). 2. Be confident. 3. Sell yourself like you are the next big thing to break.
Platinum: What's the most bizarre experience you have had since the band formed, please frame it as a PG-13 answer.....
KM: (Laughs) It has to be opening for Eminem, KISS, and Blink 182. It was surreal.
Platinum: You both have worked with www.myPlatinumSound.com for years. How would you describe the service to people who have never worked with us?
KM: Three things: It's one of the only places you get a true professional experience. Second, Paul creates an environment that helps the artist discover the best result in a short amount of time (which saves $$$$$$$). Lastly, the quality of the mixes and masters is undeniable.
Platinum: Where can people reading this go see you perform?
KM: The big show coming up is SXSW in Austin, TX. Meanwhile, we are doing a bunch of showcases here in LA.
Platinum: Thanks for your time guys. Final question - What question did I not ask you that I should have asked you?
KM: How to deal with the haters...(laughs)!!!!
Platinum: Great point. How do you deal with the haters?
KM: Ignore them and believe in yourself.
Need to record, mix or master? It's a platinum sound for a fraction of the price! Call us now @ 904-612-1492
