Tuesday 23 December 2014

The Role of Exercise and Success in the Music Business

Celebrities in the arts have very demanding lifestyles where they rarely enjoy the freedom of having weekends, holidays or free relaxation time. Even Brenda Fassie would complain to Chicco Twala that she is just too tired to do another gig. In order to keep her energy levels up, she resorted to drugs. Don't fall into the same trap!
Khabonina Qubeka (dancer & actress)
This is a condition that too many musicians end up succumbing themselves to before even reaching the age of 40. As you go through your 40s, it becomes increasingly harder to stay fit and perform at your best. Now that it is the festive season, remember that the healthy and fit version of yourself will be more successful and live longer than the unhealthy or drugged version of yourself in the long term.
Kabelo Mabalane (musician and fitness instructor)
Click here for a great article about fitness and easy exercising moves as an investment in your future! Remember, if you exercise for just 15 minutes every day, you will have more energy than if you don't.

Wednesday 10 December 2014

Management and Musicians - Ignorance or Bliss?

On December 6, an article was published about the Parlotones in a bitter battle with their former manager Raphael Domalik. The band signed a contract where they would receive a salary and give up ownership of the music under that agreement. Many would say that this is a typical case of ignorant musicians who lack an understanding of the value of copyright.

Gareth Cliff said, "I don't care about copyright anymore. People have stolen my ideas but I'm not worried because my currency is based on good content." As it is difficult to generate a stable income in the music industry, it is understandable why the Parlotones opted for trading their music for a salary. Their manager took the risk of investing millions of rands in the band and the Parlotones didn't have to worry about breaking even and making a profit.

Now that the relationship is over and Khan is branching off into a solo project independently, He may have to split himself into an artist, an investor, marketer, business man and administrator. Domalik on the other hand has lost 80% of his revenue as Franie Kotze would say.

Being an artist and having the luxury of having a manager is bliss but ignorance could easily turn that experience into a loss on the part of an artist. It's great that musicians are beginning to manage themselves. However, without a credible team to drive value and success, it may be a lonely long road ahead for many budding creative industry entrepreneurs hoping to make a fortune and become legends.