Common Terms in the Music Business
If you're trying to get started in the music business , it can sound like everyone is speaking a different language, with buzz terms and music-specific terms. The below guide can help you understand the industry: 360 Deals - An increasingly common major label deal structure in which the label not only earns income from the sale of recorded music of their artists but also gets a cut of other artist income, including money generated by touring and merchandise sales. Agent - Someone who liaises with promoters and venues to book gigs for bands. Big Four Record Labels - Major record labels. Demo - A sample recording of a band's music. Often rough recordings or early versions of "songs in progress." Digital Distribution - Distribution of music online, i.e., downloads. Digipack - A type of CD case that looks like a book instead of a plastic case. The outside is made of paper and the CD sits in a tray inside that is attached to the paper. Door Split - A type ...