Does Your Label Really Look out for You?

The music industry can be a tough one. When an artist or band is attempting to break into the industry, they must be careful about who to work with, who to work for, etc. and not jump at every offer they receive. They need to build a solid team behind them that has the artists’ or bands’ best interest at heart; not their own thinking about profit only. My recommendation to help in this endeavor of becoming a newly signed artist or band is to sign with a record label that is a member of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

RIAA is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States. The RIAA also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi-Platinum™ and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales. (www.riaa.com)
Nowadays, it is hard for musicians to make any type of profit from selling CDs. Sales have dropped a great amount because of piracy. Illegal downloading has completely taken over as the new way to get your favorite musical albums. This puts a huge strain on up and coming musical acts who don’t yet make money by being booked for gigs, merchandise sales, etcetera. Because of this ongoing concern. RIAA has worked with the FBI to develop a new government seal and warning for placement on copyrighted music products in order to increase anti-piracy awareness. (www.riaa.com)

Currently, RIAA has members from every type of record label. Members include Bad Boy Entertainment, SonyBMG Music, Palmetto Records, Cascade, Chamillionaire, Columbia, Pussycat Dolls, and thousands more! (www.riaa.com)
I feel that this is a great organization that is designed to truly look out for the best of musical artists. I give credit to every record label that is a member of this organization and I hope one day it becomes a requirement for all record labels to be a part of. With organizations such as this around, there may be come hope in the return of high CD sales! Isn't that every musical artists' dream?
photos courtesy of http://www.obsessable.com/news/2008/12/19/riaa-will-finally-stop-suing-music-downloaders/ and http://benchmarkreviews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=199&Itemid=1