I have worked in the music industry at the highest level for nearly 30 years. During that time I have been a part of the creation of more than 2200 recordings. Many of those have earned great aclaim including Grammys, CMA, GMA, and other awards. In the 1980's I served as Director of Operations for CASHBOX Magazine and was responsible for the oversight of both the charts as well as the editorial of the publication. I hosted the Nashville Music awards in 1989 and was a part of the selection board for the American Music Awards.
I am presently a member of the Recording Academy (The Grammys), The CMA (Country Music Association), The GMA (Gospel Music Association (Dove Awards) I am signatory to the The American Federation of Musicians producers agreement and serve on numerous advisory boards pertaining to the recording and entertainment industry.
I will not "Name Drop" but suffice it to say, I still provide consulting services to a a few Grammy, CMA, CMT, AMA, ACM, and other award winning artists and their management staff.
In May of this year I was invited to attend a conference and taping at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville featuring Joe Galante and Naomi Judd
During the conference we discussed the "Future of Music". By all accounts, the business is migtating toward independence and away from major recording labels. Presently there is no real voice for the independent artist, label, publisher, etc. That is why we made the decision to take IAIRA to a more universal platform and attempt (attempt being the operative term) to build an organization that will eventually be just that.
On our site, we offer a lot of information for free. As we move forward, I will continue to upload more and more information including some 100 or so indusrty forms, letters, contracts, etc, which will be FREE.
As for certification. The certification cost $20.00 and each original certificate is $11.50. You can't hardly print out the CHART AND FRAME IT FOR THAT. We are mostly volunteer and make what money we do from sponsored links and advertising. I also make money from my royalties, consulting fees, and lecture engagements. We also work within the industry as musicians, writers, publishers, etc.
Our vision for the future is to upload video lectures by particular subject matter and again, provide that for FREE.
Now if you can find a scam in that please let me know.
Everyone may not agree that it is useful and I don't blame you for being cautious. In fact this has brought to mind an idea to add to IAIRA. What is your opinion about forming a "Watch-Dog" pannel to help expose some of the rip-off crap that is out there preying upon the dreams of creative people. And would YOU be willing to serve in that capacity?
If we can grow this organization large enough, it can become a powerful voice in the industry and in the lawmaking process.
The internet has become a leveler of the playing field. But, it does not simply make it equitable for everyone because of a lack of knowledge. When you are competing with a major record you are competing with a staff, not just the music. Collectively, an organization such as IAIRA can become a knowledge bank to combat that STAFF.
I am open for dialouge, questions, comments, answers, suggestions, whatever.
Please feel free to contact me directly if you like.
I am also planning a webinar (FREE) to address some of these concerns.
Mark Carman
Chief Operating Officer
IAIRA
mark.carman@iaira.us
---------- Post added at 01:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:15 PM ----------
As a result of some of the commentary here, I have directed my staff to make the following changes.
1) IAIRA will offer a PDF version of a Certification letter for FREE
2) The letter will also be availabe in original hard copy form for a fee of less than $10.00 (still working on that) plus the postage. If you don't want the original, get the PDF version.
3) The certificates are simply a commemorative. Just like framing a CD or a print out of the chart, The exception is, These are really NICE. They include a Transcript on security paper, embossed raised seal, real raised ink, on heavey high quality diploma paper, a presentation folder, a guide to helping you get out a press release, etc. Certificates cost $31.50 for the first one. Each duplicate (not a copy) is $11.50 each. We do not offer copies. Again, the free version is available via PDF. And yes we do make money on them if you buy one. So does the printer we order them through, the company that makes the gold and silver seals, the folder manufacturer, the postal service, our staff, etc.
Mostly, its about respect. You put your music out to the world and Somebody noticed. That's all.
As for me personally, I have made a career out of the music business. I still earn my living through various related means (royalties, consulting fees, etc) but this Sunday I will make my final professional appearence as a musician. I am retiring from performing on the big scale but want to remain involved. Therefore IAIRA.
I have worked my entire professional career in the Country and Gospel music world. However, I respect all forms of creativity. And the industry is changing. THE INDIE artist is not the same as it used to be. Indi artists produce more than 70% of the revenues earned in the business yet have little or no voice. I hope to change that.
Mark
