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Musik and Film Records Featured Artist Harry Tietjen

June 10, 2015
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“I’m happy to work with Stephen Wrench and his kind team. Incredible, how fast the success came. Very professional work together and the activities exactly hit the point.”

Tietjen’s comments recently when he began working with Musik Radio Promotions on a campaign for his single, “Now I’m Free”.

However,  Harry Tietjen has been entertaining music lovers around the world for decades. Starting off at a very young age, Harry learned to play guitar, and piano, as well as sing. He landed his first gig in France at the age of 17 and hasn’t slowed down since; going on at age 20 to win the North German Singers competition with his first band, “Harry’s Gang”.

In the early 80’s Harry and a friend of his started a rock n roll club called “The Castle” in Hamburg. After two years of excitement at The Castle, he decided it was time take his music on an adventure, and set out to share his music in Morocco. He left his hometown of Hamburg and moved to Morocco to set up a new band. After a few months the funds ran out; unfortunately before the band could really take off.

“Then it hit me, why not solo performances in hotel bars and at Moroccan family celebrations, after all English cover songs were all the rage.”

“I was most fascinated by the extremes in daily life. One day, singing accompanied by lively guitar in the middle of corrugated iron ghetto for enthusiastic pop fans and the next, playing piano in a luxury hotel followed by a sumptuous 4-course menu for polite society.”

“Or sometimes people would simply & politely ask me if I could play something on my guitar play whilst sitting in a cafe. The music was ever present then as it is now and with an equally strong connection. People invited me home to their families and told me their life stories”.

In the 90’s, after eventually returning from his trips around the world, Harry found the “Come Together Studio”, producing bands like Inusa Dawuda, King Kurlee, Sandra king, Lightman, and others.

All these years later, Harry is still passion driven to create music, going on to win several awards in Germany in the late 2000’s to include Germany’s Best Folk Rock Voice 2008, Germany’s Best Pop Voice 2009, and Best Arrangement in 2010. Harry has teamed up with Musik and Film’s promotions team to send his music ‘round the world yet again, with his single “Now I’m Free” soaring to Number 1 in the Rock charts in 2015. We caught up with Harry Tietjen and asked him a few questions about his career in the music industry

 

 

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What has been your greatest opportunity in your career so far?

The awards, yes. Germanys best Popvoice 2009, Germanys best Folkrockvoice 2008 and the best arrangement 2010. Of course that was great. But even more something else in the live situations. If people are touched by the music, especially in small music club and if after I start singing people are immediately silent and listen. Then there is this moment of magic.

 

What do you think drives you to continue your pursuit as a professional musician?​

Harry: My passion. I have to do it. Think there´s nothing better than if you follow your passion. 

 

What do you think distinguishes a true music artist from an entertainer?

Harry: The best is when he´s both. But a true music artist tells something from his heart no matter what he gets for it.

 

What made you want to pursue a career in music?

Harry: You know, I´m an idealist. I´m happy if I can inspire people a little bit or make them dream.

 

What advice would you give a music artist who is just starting out?

Harry: Think that you always can do a little bit more than you think you can do and find the right musicians or team that really fit you.

 

When did you realize that you wanted a career in music and what prompted that decision?

Harry: I was 14. At that time I scared my parents with a self-made Electric-Guitar and there was a deep moment of knowing – this is my vocation.

 

What is so special about your album?

Harry: That I have worked the biggest part of my history into it has certainly helped. The wild times in our own live music club, the exciting years on the road with my guitar, the creating of the music studio and the many, many live gigs have all contributed towards making the album very special.

 

How would you describe your music?

Harry: The Style is Rock Pop with Blues, Country, Latin and Funk elements.

 

What are your goals where do you want to take your music?

Harry: I mostly did perform by myself on the guitar. The next step will be performing my original songs with a big band around the world.

What has been your experience been like working with Music and Film?

Harry: I´m happy to work with Stephen Wrench and his team. It’s incredible just how fast we’ve been successful. We work very professionally together and our activities hit the goal.

Artist News

Musik and Films Featured Artist Rose Boyd

June 10, 2015
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Rose Boyd has been sharing her voice with the world through song since the young age of seven years old. She has always had a life-long passion for sharing her commitment to Jesus Christ through song, and continues to do so to this day. At 17 Rose was faced with a choice between pursuing a record deal and furthering her education through college, a decision which brought her to study at College of Albemarle, in North Carolina. This would only last for about a year, when she received a call and learned that her mother had become ill, as did her father shortly thereafter. Having been the youngest of four, with no marital ties or children of her own at the time, Rose returned home to look after her parents and get a job to help support them.

Rose is now the wife of dynamic Gospel music songwriter, Craig Boyd. They both reside in Waterbury, CT and spend a great deal of time, and take a great deal of joy, in writing, recording, and performing divinely-inspired Gospel music for the masses. Rose is a member of the Faith Center Church in Meriden, Connecticut, under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Joseph and Lady Maddaline Norfleet. It is here that she serves as an anointed Levite, Psalmist, lead vocalist, and primary member of the Music ministry.

Rose recently released the third installment of her Gospel albums in May of 2015, and has been enjoying great success, while remaining on top as #1 of the Gospel charts for several weeks in a row. Musik and Film took some time to ask Rose a few questions about her career in music, and we share that interview with you now:

 

What has been your greatest opportunity in your career so far?

Rose:  Right now charting with “He’s So Amazing” in the National Airplay Top 50 Gospel Chart at number 1 for two weeks straight for the first two weeks my song has been playing. I’m still in shock because of it. Also doing a live performance on the Bobby Jones Gospel Presents that Air on TV in 2012

 

What do you think drives you to continue your pursuit as a professional musician?​

Rose: This gift was giving to me by God and I just want to display the gift and talents to the World.

 

What do you think distinguishes a true music artist from an entertainer?

Rose: When you sing it should be from the heart, the message should be to change lives to encourage, uplift ones soul. Entertainers I feel give people what is hot right now and  that has produced alot of copy cats, what do I mean? Everything sounds the same it’s all lumped into one big bowl mixed together and tastes the same. When we as artists give you something genuine and from the heart the people will know and God will be pleased.

 

If you could make 1 change to the music industry, what would it be?

Rose: Stop scamming artist! We work really hard. To pay someone to play a roll whether it be a manager, promotor etc in our music career, then you turn around and it’s like they left the face of the earth! Oh…Please pay for the music as well.

 

What do you want to always be remembered for?

Rose: An Anointed singer of God that gave her best.

 

What made you want to pursue a career in music?

Rose: My oldest sitter who has now passed on was an awesome pianist and singer. My sisters and I would go in the attic and sing. Harmonizing came natural at a young age for me. I sang in the choir every since I can remember leading and background. Singing in school playings, concerts etc.

 

What advice would you give a music artist who is just starting out?

Rose: Take care of your voice box. Don”t take those good vocals for granted. Also…Always get legal representation before you sign anything.

Oh… Know who you are in God, believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams, but know this…things don’t happen over night so be patient and your time and chance will come if it is God’s will.

 

How would you describe your music?

Rose: Contemporary Gospel with soulful vocal backgrounds that gives God the Glory with hope and encouragement.

 

When did you realize that you wanted a career in music and what prompted that decision?

Rose: When I became laid off after working at a job about 15 years. My husband Craig says “what do you want to do”and I said “sing”.

 

What are your goals where do you want to take your music?

Rose: I want my music to be heard all over the world and I would like to travel and take it across the nation!!! I would like my music to change individuals lives!!!

 

What has been your best and your worst moment during your career so far?

Rose: I can definitely answer the worst moment….It was when I was promised something in God’s name and I did everything in good faith  and the individual ripped me off, stole money from me. Not cool. It was a learning experience though. I have become extremely careful and it also has toughen my skin!

This moment of Charting #1 on the National Airplay Top 50 Gospel Chart for two weeks straight and only been playing on radio for two weeks is pretty spectacular!!!

 

What has your experience been like working with Musik and Film?

Rose: You are one of the best moments of my career (joyful tears flowing). I really just wanted to find good and honest people to work with me throughout this journey. Then came Musik and Film!!!

 

Anything else you really want to say?

​Rose: YES….Thanks be to God who has always been there for me even when I didn’t realize it.To Craig my husband who supports me, pushes me, encourages me, protects me, believed in me and loves me. I am truly grateful for you.

Artist News

Wanna get paid your Songwriting and Airplay Royalties?

June 4, 2015
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Stephen Wrench, President, Musik and Film Records, recently answered the prevailing question, ‘How does a DIY artist get paid for songwriting and airplay royalties?

I deal with a lot of artists who have spin reports and reports of airplay.  I am often asked, “Where are my airplay royalties?” The song was named “My Friend”. Now, there are probably 50,000 songs worldwide named “My Friend”; how is ANY collection society going to collect royalties on this?!? I then ask them if they sent in a properly coded MP3 with their registration. In most cases, they didn’t seem to understand what I meant by asking this.

There are 3 major songwriter collection associations in the U.S.; as well as a few other companies advertised on other sites. They all tout, “we collect world royalties”. One would think it would be easy to track airplay with ISRC numbers, bar codes, and digital tracking.

 

If you want to get paid for airplay royalties, then you need to code it properly. Here’s how if you’re in QuickTime: right click on the mp3, then  click Properties, and click on Details. From here you type in the correct registered title, album artist, album, year, and genre. When you get to publisher and composer, type in the registered writers names / publishers names and affiliation. Then, and only then, will they be able to track the release and collect your royalties.

I have numerous artists, including myself, who belong to US songwriters associations. Many of us have complained that we are not getting paid airplay royalties from the US societies that “claim” to collect airplay royalties worldwide. Proper coding may be one of the issues, here’s another possibility.

About 3 years ago I charted a top 40 hit in the UK and Europe. I waited and waited and waited for my airplay royalties. I eventually contacted my songwriter’s collection society, which I have been a member of for decades, and I was asked for the airplay information. So I provided them with spin and airplay reports; not once, not twice, but several times. Still anxiously awaiting my royalty check, I worked my way up the corporate ladder for answers as to why I was not getting paid.

I was finally verbally informed, by my collection society, that they only monitor 5% of Billboard reporting stations. I was also informed that they only monitor major releases, worldwide. I pressed on for more answers, “You mean I have provided you with spin and airplay reports and you will not collect my royalties”? I was told they would not actively seek to collect my royalties; but if they were to receive a check, it would be forwarded to me.

What kind of songwriter’s representation does the US have? How is it possible, in this digital age, to ONLY monitor a 5% sampling of Billboard reporting stations and NOTHING overseas? Extremely perplexed, I sought answers about world publishing collection societies and what societies ACTUALLY collected royalties for the average songwriter.

What I found, was that songwriters can collect their airplay royalties even if minuscule, but not with the US societies. With a US society, you will only get your royalties if you are with a major label and spun on billboard reporting stations. I recommend joining PRS, in the UK, they are serious about a writers royalties and not in bed with major labels.

Contact promotions@musikandfilm.com for more information.

 

By: Stephen Wrench

Musik and Film Records, President

 

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Artist News

5 Ways to Employ YouTube for Freelance Musicians

June 1, 2015
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Musicians these days are always looking for ways to improve themselves, market themselves, and inspire themselves. With the advent of YouTube, that goal has become immensely more achievable right from home, for no charge at all. There are countless ways to exploit this service to your advantage, but Dylan Welsh of the online blog SonicBids.com has clearly spelled out 5 ways to utilize YouTube as a freelance musician. These don’t just apply to freelance artists however, feel free to take advantage of these methods with your band as well. The article is definitely worth reading.

“I’ve seen a lot of active session musicians using video content on YouTube as a way to drive traffic to their websites and attract potential clients. This, of course, also strengthens your web presence and makes your brand even stronger. Here’s some of the smartest content that I’ve found active session musicians using for their YouTube channels.”- Snippet of full Article by Dylan Welsh

For full article go here: http://blog.sonicbids.com/5-smart-ways-to-use-youtube-as-a-freelance-musician

Artist News

Ever Wondered why youre getting paid CRAP for your streaming??

June 1, 2015
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This is probably why…

Have you ever felt like you weren’t being paid appropriately for your music streaming? Well it turns out you’re not alone on that one! Deals between streaming services and music distribution companies have long been affecting artists, and not for the better it seems. Distributors never asked the artists themselves for permission to stream their content, nor have they spoken with them about proper compensation. THIS is why artists aren’t making any moneystreaming, because they’re being cut out of the negotiation process.  Online news blog “The Verge” recently got its hands on the 42 page contract between Spotify and Sony Music that was signed back in 2011, spelling out the details between the streaming service and the record label giant’s mega deal. Apparently Spotify pays Sony MASSIVE advances of money, to the tune of $42.5 million, to have streaming access to the vast music catalogue that Sony possesses.

“In section 4(a), Spotify agrees to pay a $25 million advance for the two years of the contract: $9 million the first year and $16 million the second, with a $17.5 million advance for the optional third year to Sony Music. The contract stipulates that the advance must be paid in installments every three months, but Spotify can recoup this money if it earns over that amount in the corresponding contract year.

But what the contract doesn’t stipulate is what Sony Music can and will do with the advance money. Does it go into a pot to be divided between Sony Music’s artists, or does the label keep it to itself? According to a music industry source, labels routinely keep advances for themselves.” – The Verge

The million dollar question seems to be…why aren’t the artists getting a piece of this?? Artists are paid fractions on the penny per stream on these services, making practically NOTHING for their music play, which is in turn making it hard for artists everywhere to make a living making music these days. The problem is not exactly an unknown issue either, you may have already heard about Taylor Swift pulling her entire music catalogue off of Spotify. The platinum artist wasn’t happy with the outcome of her streaming profits, and decided to do something about it!

Musik and Film has THOUSANDS of songs streaming from their catalogue, and has yet to see ANYTHING from our digital distributors in the form of advances, has anyone else? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Here is the full article so you can check it out for yourself:

http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/19/8621581/sony-music-spotify-contract

Artist News

Australian artist, Rida, Top of the Charts Promotions with Musik Radio

March 2, 2015
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Rida’s hit, “Be With Me”  has been topping the charts since the worldwide radio campaign began by Musik Radio Promotions weeks ago.

Rida does it all: R&B, Dance, Rock, College, Urban –his songs are loved by so many fans!

He writes all his own songs – lyrics and melodies, mixes them, and usually does most of his own music, and directs all his own video clips (sometimes collaborating with assistant producers).

There will be much more to come from Rida!

 

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Artist News

North Carolinas Country Artist, Canaan Cox, on to next level with Musik Radio Promotions

November 12, 2014
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Canaan Cox is a new and exciting country artist from Hendersonville, North Carolina. He not only writes g his own music, but is a phenomenal multi-instrumentalist.     Canaan released a new single, Summer, in the beginning of 2014 and has recently began a worldwide radio campaign with Musik Radio Promotions. The response has been phenomenal, being called “brilliant” by some! Canaan is now being played on BBC networks along with thousands of other stations.

Canaan spoke of his experience with the radio promotions service, “Musik and Film Records has taken my dreams to the next level with their radio promotion services. When looking into launching a radio campaign, I had several companies in mind. But from one phone call with Musik and Film, it was a no-brainer. They are 75% cheaper and 100% more honest than any other company I spoke with. The turn out has been beyond what I could have asked for and will continue to use their services with my next single. I can’t wait to launch another tune to see where they can take me. promoting our music.”.

Musik and Film is thrilled to be working with Canaan and asked him to share with our readers about himself:

What made you want to pursue a career in music?

I grew up all around music. My entire family plays one instrument or the other so I’ve always been around it. However, it wasn’t until college I considered pursuing it and that had to do with writing. I wrote a poem for a girl in high school and in my first year of college thought I would put it to music. So a friend of mine got together in the sic building with a cheap little microphone and garage band and demoed my first song…I was hooked. Writing is such a wonderful and creative outlet for me, so I began to write more and more. It’s not by surprise seeing as though my parents are also writers themselves.

Besides music, what are 3 of your favorite things?

I absolutely love going to the movies. I’m a huge movie nerd and will always have an excuse to catch a flick. I love anything that has to do with water, swimming, hiking, waterfalls, canoeing, anything outdoors. And I love love love me some chocolate milk. There’s has been too many times in my life where I’ll go out at 2am to the nearest gas station just to get a bottle of chocolate milk.

Do you play any instruments?

I grew up in the mountains of NC so bluegrass and country music was the thing to play. I picked up the mandolin when I was 9, learning by ear, playing to Nickel Creeks first album. It wasn’t until middle school I picked up the fiddle and guitar. I also play piano, but just enough to write a song with.

How would you describe your music?

Vocally, I always get compared to Rascal Flatts, which to me, is a huge compliment because they were a huge part of my CD collection growing up. However, having 7 sisters, I had my share of the 90s boy bands, mom cranked Lynyrd Skynyrd, and my dads favorite artist was Conway Twitty, so when it comes to music and lyrics, I have a lot of influences to pull from that incorporate into my music.

What are your goals where do you want to take your music?

I could say that I want to go wherever the music takes me, or I just want to be happy, but the thing is… I love performing my music. And until my face is on the side of a tour bus, Madison square garden sales out in under 2 minutes, and I get to play in front of hundreds of thousands of fans, I won’t be happy. However, it’s not for the money and the fame, but to be remembered. And being remembered for bringing great music to the world and sharing my God given talents, that’ll be fine by me.

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Artist News

Jazz Band, Da Ja,Building Bridges To The World Partnering with Musik Radio Promotions

November 5, 2014
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Da’Ja has partnered with Musik Radio Promotions to carry their message to all parts of the globe. The song, Da’Jay, has been well received through the radio promotions campaign and has even been picked up by BBC stations.

At an early age performing with such artist as Anita Baker, Force MD’s, Chapter 8, and The Time, as well as legends Martha Reeves and LJ Reynolds, John Smith came up with the concept of combining the forms of Jazz, Funk, R&B, and Latin. Which birth the form know now as “Latin Funk”. His vision of the genre came to be after the tragic death of the artist Selina. From that moment John internalized his vision and proceeded to go forth and create the sound that dwelled within him.

John is the writer/composer of all music and the Founder/CEO of Da`ja Entertainment, the band Da`ja plays the music. John is the lead drummer. Our mission is all about building bridges between musical genres, generations, races, and cultures, past and present. What people will discover when they listen to their music? “It is Love, says John, as having such a mindset enables our production environment to be more conductive for innovative things to happen.

 

John graciously got up close and personal with Musik and Film:

What has been your greatest opportunity in your career so far?

John: The opportunity to glorify God through the art of Jazz music.

What do you think distinguishes a true music artist from an entertainer?

John: Craftsmanship and the learning of the artist’s trade.

If you could make 1 change to the music industry, what would it be?

John: Fair pay to the artist for their hard work and treatment with integrity and respect. Not when they are famous, but for the very start.

What do you want to always be remembered for?

John: The Love in the music.

Besides music, what are 3 of your favorite things?

John: Ports, traveling, and working with my hands. I’m a builder by trade.

What made you want to pursue a career in music?

John: Growing up in church and hearing the music from the choir. Those sounds always uplifted me.

Do you play any instruments?

John: Drums, percussions, trumpet, and guitar. Drums are my dominate skill.

What advice would you give a music artist who is just starting out?

John: Learn the business and practice your craft.

How would you describe your music?

John: Latin-Jazz-funk

What are your goals where do you want to take your music

John: Combining the Genres of Latin, Jazz and Funk into one sound.

Where do you see your artistry going in the next 5 years

John: Having a worldwide influence! Going straight to the top!

What has been your best and your worst moment during your career so far?

John: Band members! LOL

If you had the chance for the world to hear one song what would it be?

John: A unreleased song i wrote to my mother, “Thank You”.

Anything else you really want to say?

John: “Musik and Film, Get us on the path to greatness!”

Da’Ja is on the path to greatness with their unique approach to Jazz.  Stephen Wrench, producer of platinum albums says” Da’Ja is one of the best Jazz bands I have heard.”  There will be much more heard from Da’Ja!

 

 

Artist News

Singer Songwriter Max Lisa hits Top USA Chart with My Baby

November 1, 2014
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 Max Lisa is a singer/ songwriter/guitarist whose music mixes elements from rock, pop and country. He has been hitting the USA charts since the beginning, getting his music heard and gaining fans all over the world teaming up with Musik Radio Promotions.  Max has promoted several songs through Musik and Film including ‘Walking Dead’ and currently, ‘My Baby’.

Musik and Film is loving the reactions of fans and asked Max to share some of this personal thoughts about life and career:

What do you think distinguishes a true music artist from an entertainer?

An entertainer gives pleasure. An artist lead to transformations and can even influence your life!

 

What do you want to always be remembered for?

I would like to write some albums people will listen for decades and will remember me for those. In this way I could virtually live… forever!

 

Besides music, what are 3 of your favorite things?

Sailing in open waters, flying airplanes (I’ve an FAA pilot license) and travelling in remote areas. I love wild nature.

 

 Do you play any instruments? 

I do play guitar since I was 12. I play also some piano.

 

How would you describe your music?

A blend between rock, country and pop with attention to melody.

 

When did you realize that you wanted a career in music and what prompted that decision?

I was playing Let it Be at a party, When I started to play the guitar solo the audience started to clap so loud that I felt a “new” sensation and I told to myself: I want to feel this more and more and more…

Thanks for sharing the heart of an indie artist Max!

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