SCUTT LAW PLLC

SXSW had some excellent Continuing Legal Education topics during the last few days of the festival in March of 2010. One of the topics included information about artists trying to break into the industry and the effort that it takes in time and money.

In the present state of the music industry, success is where an artist finds it.  The affordability and advancements made in recording technology have taken million dollar studios that were only available to big label artists of the past and placed them firmly in the hands of musicians. What used to be three to five thousand dollar demos in Nashville are now cranked out on Garage Band or Boss portable recording units. As quick shot case study, just take a moment and look at Owl City.

Ken Abdo (whose law firm was generous enough to sponsor the CLE section) spoke briefly about Owl City. Adam Young is the 24 year old musician behind Owl City–he started the project out of the basement of his parents house in Owatonna, Minnesota. Like the lyrics in Owl City’s music point out, insomnia can be a very effective way to get more hours out of the day and record late into the night.

Young utilized (the now shunned) MySpace to generate interest in his music. After two independent albums, his 2009 major label “Ocean Eyes” release blew up with the track “Fireflies.” But take note, the album was released in digital format on iTunes before a physical release. A very nice strategic move–Owl City’s “Fireflies” had the distinction of being the most downloaded song iTunes in the U.S.

Quick Shot Take Away: Owatana, Minnesota is not Hollywood, Nashville, NYC, Chicago or Austin. Creativity and sweat-equity matter. Don’t think that you have to be in a major city as an artist to “make it.” Don’t get stuck with a garage full of physical product worth $1000.00 (roughly the price of a MacBook with Garage Band). Test the waters with a digital distribution. Then, see if it makes sense to release physical CD’s.