Notes on the Music Industry
Section 5 | Getting HelpWAMThe WA Music Industry Association (Inc.) is a non-profit organisation which was formed in 1986 (as WAR-MIA) by the contemporary music industry to assist in the development of the industry in this state. WAM develops and assists with projects, and lobbies Governments, to this end.
Members of WAM not only have a say in this development, but are entitled to discounted entry to events and functions, and to free business and career advice. Of course WAM produced these "Notes", and also presents industry seminars and the annual Music Industry Awards.
WAM also acts as the state co-ordinator and information point for AUSMUSIC and various State and Federal Government grants programmes.
WAM has now established its youth Projects Office (WYPO) with a part-time Youth Projects Officer to assist and work with young people who are interested in careers in (or just being involved in) the music industry. The Youth Projects Officer is available to talk to individuals, community groups and schools about the industry, and the Office is both bringing in projects from interstate and developing projects locally that will assist young musicians and others.
Australian Youth Music Network
The AYMN is currently co-ordinated in Western Australia by the WAMIA Youth Projects Officer, who also provides the full secretariat support for the State arm of this national AUSMUSIC initiative. AYMN is designed to provide an information and communication centre for any person or group working with or for young people, and wishing to use music in that work. An important function of the AYMN is to assist with the co-ordination of music programmes and activities amongst State-wide groups to prevent duplication and wastage of resources (like time and money!).
If you are doing anything with music and young people, you should call the State Co-Ordinator (at the WAM office) to let them know. They may be able to help in many different ways, including helping you to let young people know what you are up to.
Musician's Union of Australia
The Union is the only organisation that caters for the needs of every musician in all disciplines. It is inexpensive and offers a wide range of services - particularly to players just starting out.
Being a member entitles you to legal and contract advice, information on a whole range of matters - obligations of managers, agents and employers, health and safety and award rates. They can also assist you in recovering money owed to you by venue owners or promoters who refuse to pay for work performed. This is a great service when a lawyers fee would be out of the question.
APRA
The Australasian Performing Right Association is a non-profit body which collects royalties from the broadcast and public performance of a member's musical works.
A music user (radio station, concert promoter, hotel owner, theatre, aerobics club, school or church etc.), pays for the right to use music. APRA collects this money and distributes it to their members copyright owners.
You can join APRA if:
1. You are the original creator of a musical work
2. The musical work is being broadcast or publicly performed
3. You are an Australian, New Zealand or Fijian national or permanent resident
AUSMUSIC
The Australian Contemporary Music Development Company lists its purpose as "the creation of educational and training opportunities for young people in all aspects of production and performance of contemporary music".
AUSMUSIC is involved in a great number of projects and activities to achieve its aim. Of particular value to young musicians have been the 'Fresh Tracks' national demo distribution programme, the school-based 'Roll Over Beethoven' program (introduction to the music industry through concerts and seminars), and the central role in the development of a national scheme of secondary, TAFE and tertiary courses in all aspects of contemporary music. More information from AUSMUSIC or WAM.
EMA
Export Music Australia is an industry owned music promotional and marketing service. it assists the sale of Australian music overseas by organising trade missions, seminars, expos, marketing guides and promotional showcases.
It can provide lists of contacts of overseas buyers interested in the Australian music industry and its product.
AMCOS
The Australasian Copyright Owners Association collects publishing royalties from record companies, passes them on to the publishing companies who then pass them on to you. AMCOS works closely with APRA - this is important. If someone has recorded a song of yours and you don't have a publishing deal, APRA can collect your royalties from AMCOS on your behalf. They charge a small percentage.
ACC
The Australian Copyright Council is a non-profit company which provides the arts and copyright industries with a range of legal services. Almost all of these services are free. A great source of information and free assistance for writers.
Australasian Music Industry Directory (AMID)
The industry 'BIBLE'. A comprehensive listing of nearly everybody and everything in the contemporary music industry. Record companies, Publishers, Media. Managers, Agents, Artists, Promoters, Publicists, Production companies, Insurance Brokers - they're all there. Available from WAM for just a few dollars, it's essential reading for young players and established professionals alike.
Austrade
The Australian Trade Commission offers advice and support to businesses (any size) concerned with exporting their goods and services overseas.
In recent years they have been increasingly involved in music and there are a number of things that they can do to help Australian musicians and bands. Where appropriate, financial assistance is available.
Make the Contact!
All of these organisations are there to help you, that is why they exist. If you feel that they can be of assistance with your music, then call them and ask for an appointment to see one of their officers. They will be able to provide you with a wealth of information in their area of expertise, and most of them have publications that are either free, inexpensive, or at least that you can have a look at and take notes from.
Information will be your greatest weapon in this battle to "make it", so never be afraid to ask. The WAM office is a central point for information about the music industry in Western Australia, so maybe they can be your first step to learning all you can about your intended career.
Notes on the Music Industry
Section 5 | Getting HelpWAMThe WA Music Industry Association (Inc.) is a non-profit organisation which was formed in 1986 (as WAR-MIA) by the contemporary music industry to assist in the development of the industry in this state. WAM develops and assists with projects, and lobbies Governments, to this end.
Members of WAM not only have a say in this development, but are entitled to discounted entry to events and functions, and to free business and career advice. Of course WAM produced these "Notes", and also presents industry seminars and the annual Music Industry Awards.
WAM also acts as the state co-ordinator and information point for AUSMUSIC and various State and Federal Government grants programmes.
WAM has now established its youth Projects Office (WYPO) with a part-time Youth Projects Officer to assist and work with young people who are interested in careers in (or just being involved in) the music industry. The Youth Projects Officer is available to talk to individuals, community groups and schools about the industry, and the Office is both bringing in projects from interstate and developing projects locally that will assist young musicians and others.
Australian Youth Music Network
The AYMN is currently co-ordinated in Western Australia by the WAMIA Youth Projects Officer, who also provides the full secretariat support for the State arm of this national AUSMUSIC initiative. AYMN is designed to provide an information and communication centre for any person or group working with or for young people, and wishing to use music in that work. An important function of the AYMN is to assist with the co-ordination of music programmes and activities amongst State-wide groups to prevent duplication and wastage of resources (like time and money!).
If you are doing anything with music and young people, you should call the State Co-Ordinator (at the WAM office) to let them know. They may be able to help in many different ways, including helping you to let young people know what you are up to.
Musician's Union of Australia
The Union is the only organisation that caters for the needs of every musician in all disciplines. It is inexpensive and offers a wide range of services - particularly to players just starting out.
Being a member entitles you to legal and contract advice, information on a whole range of matters - obligations of managers, agents and employers, health and safety and award rates. They can also assist you in recovering money owed to you by venue owners or promoters who refuse to pay for work performed. This is a great service when a lawyers fee would be out of the question.
APRA
The Australasian Performing Right Association is a non-profit body which collects royalties from the broadcast and public performance of a member's musical works.
A music user (radio station, concert promoter, hotel owner, theatre, aerobics club, school or church etc.), pays for the right to use music. APRA collects this money and distributes it to their members copyright owners.
You can join APRA if:
1. You are the original creator of a musical work
2. The musical work is being broadcast or publicly performed
3. You are an Australian, New Zealand or Fijian national or permanent resident
AUSMUSIC
The Australian Contemporary Music Development Company lists its purpose as "the creation of educational and training opportunities for young people in all aspects of production and performance of contemporary music".
AUSMUSIC is involved in a great number of projects and activities to achieve its aim. Of particular value to young musicians have been the 'Fresh Tracks' national demo distribution programme, the school-based 'Roll Over Beethoven' program (introduction to the music industry through concerts and seminars), and the central role in the development of a national scheme of secondary, TAFE and tertiary courses in all aspects of contemporary music. More information from AUSMUSIC or WAM.
EMA
Export Music Australia is an industry owned music promotional and marketing service. it assists the sale of Australian music overseas by organising trade missions, seminars, expos, marketing guides and promotional showcases.
It can provide lists of contacts of overseas buyers interested in the Australian music industry and its product.
AMCOS
The Australasian Copyright Owners Association collects publishing royalties from record companies, passes them on to the publishing companies who then pass them on to you. AMCOS works closely with APRA - this is important. If someone has recorded a song of yours and you don't have a publishing deal, APRA can collect your royalties from AMCOS on your behalf. They charge a small percentage.
ACC
The Australian Copyright Council is a non-profit company which provides the arts and copyright industries with a range of legal services. Almost all of these services are free. A great source of information and free assistance for writers.
Australasian Music Industry Directory (AMID)
The industry 'BIBLE'. A comprehensive listing of nearly everybody and everything in the contemporary music industry. Record companies, Publishers, Media. Managers, Agents, Artists, Promoters, Publicists, Production companies, Insurance Brokers - they're all there. Available from WAM for just a few dollars, it's essential reading for young players and established professionals alike.
Austrade
The Australian Trade Commission offers advice and support to businesses (any size) concerned with exporting their goods and services overseas.
In recent years they have been increasingly involved in music and there are a number of things that they can do to help Australian musicians and bands. Where appropriate, financial assistance is available.
Make the Contact!
All of these organisations are there to help you, that is why they exist. If you feel that they can be of assistance with your music, then call them and ask for an appointment to see one of their officers. They will be able to provide you with a wealth of information in their area of expertise, and most of them have publications that are either free, inexpensive, or at least that you can have a look at and take notes from.
Information will be your greatest weapon in this battle to "make it", so never be afraid to ask. The WAM office is a central point for information about the music industry in Western Australia, so maybe they can be your first step to learning all you can about your intended career.