General Music Chat

Hi all,

I have to put together a song contest for a website, original music for a TV ad. Is an Apple iPad, $500, or choice of either an appropriate gift?

This is what I have so far

Thanks,

Alan

Not sure I know what you're asking. Does acceptance of said prize transfer rights to the tune to you? In that case you may have my worst song for $500.

Not sure I know what you're asking. Does acceptance of said prize transfer rights to the tune to you? In that case you may have my worst song for $500.

I believe it's just for rights to use in the ad.

The next question would be, is this for a local ad or a national campaign? If only local, either prize would probably be OK. If for a national ad, not even close.

The next question would be, is this for a local ad or a national campaign? If only local, either prize would probably be OK. If for a national ad, not even close.

It's a regional cable campaign.

I may be looking at this wrong, but wouldn't you want your song and name to get more exposure rather than less?

Dude.
What do you need and when by? What is the goal and what is the topic matter?
In short what does the add need?

Cheers.
Chipfryer.

The next question would be, is this for a local ad or a national campaign? If only local, either prize would probably be OK. If for a national ad, not even close.

It's a regional cable campaign.

I may be looking at this wrong, but wouldn't you want your song and name to get more exposure rather than less?

The problem is that many "contests" started using the term ''exposure" as a replacement for appropriate pay. Yes, all artists want exposure, but with the advent of the internet, broadcast TV, outside of major network programs, is simply not good enough. Musicians over the last 10 years have learned, usually the hard way, to be weary and on guard when that word is used in regards to songs and performances.

Regarding your original question- My answer is to forget the ipod, people would rather have cash. Everyone already has an ipod anyways. As far as usage rights go, I'd also ask no more than regional (tri-state MD NJ PA), and with a deadline of six months of use. After that, you can re-purchase future usage rights.

You would have a MUCH better turnout if you used those terms.

Now, here's the BURNING question from me to you:

Will there be an entry fee?

Granted Kramer I do agree in some respects.

Ok poster................
Suppose I don't give a hoot and will accept an IPOD? I don't care really. What next? Better than the 'I really deep down, fancy Palin, but I can't admit it on here thread' any day.

The next question would be, is this for a local ad or a national campaign? If only local, either prize would probably be OK. If for a national ad, not even close.

It's a regional cable campaign.

I may be looking at this wrong, but wouldn't you want your song and name to get more exposure rather than less?

The problem is that many "contests" started using the term ''exposure" as a replacement for appropriate pay. Yes, all artists want exposure, but with the advent of the internet, broadcast TV, outside of major network programs, is simply not good enough. Musicians over the last 10 years have learned, usually the hard way, to be weary and on guard when that word is used in regards to songs and performances.

Regarding your original question- My answer is to forget the ipod, people would rather have cash. Everyone already has an ipod anyways. As far as usage rights go, I'd also ask no more than regional (tri-state MD NJ PA), and with a deadline of six months of use. After that, you can re-purchase future usage rights.

You would have a MUCH better turnout if you used those terms.

Now, here's the BURNING question from me to you:

Will there be an entry fee?

Thanks, that some great advice.

No, there's no fee. Honestly everything on the site is free.

iPad guys, not iPod. You know, an iPhone for Shrek.

I have tons of stuff that would be suitable - radio-ready rock instrumentals (no vocals) that are edgy yet still MOR. But a song for a regional (three state) ad campaign should pay better than $500; I'm thinking more like $2000 for a 3 to 6 month campaign.

I'll undercut Jimmeh by 200 bucks.

On exposure -

I wrote the theme song for a local children's tv program. It played in 3 states. I got nothing out of it, as I signed away all rights to the thing, which I considered to be a throw-away piece of music.

I was on the program 3 times, as well, again, for no pay.

I got recognized on the street, & it got me into a cpl interviews when I was looking to break into advertising ditties, but nothing ever came from any of it.

Exposure is over-rated in a big way. There are lots of ppl willing to expose themselves. Hell, we have as many strip clubs as we do churches around here, & that's saying something!

Gimme the bucks from now on, if you please. Save the exposure for strippers & beginners.

I'd say that a minimum of $500 per region would be a fair price for a jingle, per year it's run, if it includes both writing & performance efforts.

Thanks for all the feedback.

First you have to win the contest

Probably be a good idea to have a bunch of finished product too.

I got finished product.