Warner Music Sold in 2011

Warner Music Sold

According to the New York Times arts blog, Warner music was sold for 3.3 Billion dollars. This label owns bands such as Madonna, Bruno mars, Green Day and many others. In the “Pop cast” played, Bruce Hedlem interviews New York Times music writer Ben Sisscario for his views on the sale.

Sisscario claims that most labels sold like this, are sold for two reasons.

The first, the investor believes that the music industry has “hit rock bottom.” With the advancement of ITunes and piracy, most investors are working on stabilizing the music community. These investors can step in and help make money off of the label. The second reason Ben Sisscario claimed was buying the label for vanity’s sake. Many wealthy people like to purchase record labels, so they can hang out and have their pictures taken with celebrities. The two reasons were discussed, but a conclusive answer was not reached, as to why this Warner music was purchased.

            A Russian gentlemen, by the name of Len Balvotonic, purchased Warner Music. He became wealthy the old fashioned way through oil and aluminum. With this type of background, many are wandering what the plan is for Warner Music. Most know that Balvotonic was friends with the CEO of Warner for many years and was also one of the investors on the board sense 2004. People claim that his next move is to buy EMI. The very small music label that took a big hit with the economy. If he purchases both labels and merges the two it could mean big things for the industry.

In the interview, Ben Sisscario also discussed the post label era. With a merger of EMI and Warner music, many small bands could take a hit by losing their record label. Now days with so many ways of getting music out, such as ITunes and Facebook there are ways for small bands to keep going in the industry.

The goal of Warner is also to continue making money in a “post label era.” Warner had signed 360 contracts with Madonna and Jay Z. Now involving  the name in more than just a label. They will also be involved with music sales, concert tours, and more in the lives of the artist. The goal is for the label to stay in the game of the advancing music industry and to see what new ways these investors can generate income.

To find out more go to:

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/19/popcast-the-sale-of-warner-music-lady-gaga-and-more/

            

Survey Says, Arts degree?????

The Career of an Artist

            Is obtaining a degree in the arts the best move? Growing up with a passion for the arts can be tricky. Most people, who love this industry, will spend years in a studio. Once grown, some decide to move to a local arts town, New York, Los Angeles, and try their luck at auditioning, while others will decided to continue on an educational path. Many will go to college and end with an arts degree. Is one move smarter than the other?

             Arts Beat, the New York Times blog, shows the results of a national survey.  The Strategic National Arts Alumni Project is the survey performed by Indiana University. It shows relevant data of

 graduate artist with degrees. The conclusions were not shocking with the economy at the present moment. According to the 2010 online survey,

92 percent of alumni who want to work are doing so (the unemployment rate for April in the United States was 9 percent), while two-thirds said their first job was a close match for the kind of work they desired. Fifty-seven percent are working as professional artists, but don’t be surprised if your bedroom doubles as your office. More than 6 in 10 were self-employed since graduation. Working or not, 9 out of 10 reported they were pleased with their art training, and three out of four would attend the same institution again (Cohen 2).

This survey was not the biggest random sample but it included all artists of all different ages. It can show many things. First of all the economy right now plays a big role in all job types for those right out of college. Weather the degree was in business, political science, or the arts job markets right now are only employing those with experience.  And 22-25 year olds right out of college have the skills but not the current experience that professionals are looking for.

It also shows that a job in the arts can be limited. Most artists know this.  It takes a lot to inspire others with creativity that comes from the inside. It can be done. Many choose the field of entertainment. Opening up doors for a job with securities and income. Along side the choices it is a possibility for education to continue with an arts degree, merging an artist into the business world. This can open up many doors to, as long as people are willing to keep an open mind.

With personal experience I have found it is possible to have a job in the arts. Is it a dream job, not at the present moment. With time, hard work and imagination any job can become a dream job. The survey shows facts but not what inspiration and hard work can do. An education is always a step ahead in the long run. With an education even if a person starts with an office as his or her bedroom, they can end up as the next Bill Gates.