Music Industry Consultants

Music consultants use industry experience to provide creative solutions for musicians and record labels
By Kristen McClung A music business consultant is invaluable when your music business needs specialized talent or industry knowledge. With their vast resources, music industry consultants offer fresh perspective, experience, knowledge and skills to provide successful solutions for musicians, record labels and music businesses.

A business music consultant provides solutions for musicians or businesses seeking to launch a new album, develop strategic planning or refresh current imaging. A consultant music business increases financial stability by addressing essential music issues, recognizing industry obstacles and providing consulting services.

Before beginning your search for recording industry consulting firms, it is important to define your needs. Clearly identify the goal of your music consultancy, including project scope, services needed, time frame and budget. This information will help you select the best music business consulting agency to meet your specific needs.

When selecting music industry consulting firms, research each consulting practice and evaluate the following:

1. How much experience do the music business consultants offer in your music style or business market?

2. What services do the record business consulting firms provide to enhance your industry presence and improve your financial profitability?

3. How much should you invest in musical consultant services?

Hire music industry consultants who specialize in your business market

Select music business consultants who are seasoned professionals with extensive experience in your music style and business sector. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.
Try:  Record Play is an independent music consulting firm that works with a diverse client base of record labels, musicians, companies and individuals, and offers an online client list. Chris Stone Audio Productions offers stock/library/production music services for film producers and advertisers, and features an online client list. Orkin Marketing Consultants works with artists, artist managers and record companies, and features current client profiles.

Choose music business consultant firms with reputable skills

Review the services offered by each recording industry consulting firm. Evaluate each agency's experience and qualifications, and request successful examples of the specific skill sets you need.
Try:  GrayZone offers investigative, research and paralegal services to members of the entertainment community, and specializes in anti-piracy operations. Harris Tulchin, an international law firm, provides counsel services to music clients. Keith Holzman Solutions Unlimited offers specialized consulting services for record companies focusing on management, profitability, business affairs, contracts, marketing, distribution and technology.

Select music consultants that meet your budget

Many government consultant firms operate on a retainer with a minimum time commitment. Several utilize an hourly fee structure for short-term projects. Your music consultancy cost will depend upon the scope of your services.
Try:  TAXI offers a one-year membership fee for independent A&R consulting and contact services. Music Business Academy charges an hourly free for advisory services for independent artists and bands. Get a free initial one-hour consultation with Don Grierson, a leading music industry consultant.

• Do not pay for a company to review your music. Any reputable music industry consultant interested in helping you to publish, produce or record your music will accept and review material free of charge.
• Before signing a contract with a music business consultant, be sure to read the fine print. Pay an attorney to review your contract. The attorney cost could save you hundreds of dollars in potential income and will give you peace of mind that your music contract is written in your best interest.