Cee Lo Green has inked with N.Y.-based Family Tree/Primary Wave Talent Management, the company helmed by veteran artist manager Michael “Blue” Williams. The full-service marketing division will play a key role in all future Green ventures, including the release of his upcoming solo album, The Lady Killer, in stores Nov. 9 on Atlantic Records. The album features the current hit single and viral phenomenon, “F*ck You,” which has garnered over 13 million plays on YouTube, racking up #1 chart positions across Europe. Williams has worked with such acts as Outkast, Macy Gray, Donnell Jones and Monica. Family Tree/Primary Wave Talent Management’s roster includes Cody Simpson, Kanye West discovery Big Sean and the Trio Lords and Lady.
In more new label venture news, Sha Money XL inks a deal with digital enterprise The Orchard. Stat Quo's long awaited 'Statlanta' will finally surface through Sha's Dream Big Ventures.
Sha Money XL, former president of G-Unit Records, recently signed a multi-million dollar music and film distribution deal with The Orchard, launching Dream Big Ventures.
As it’s first project the new brand will debut the album Stantlanta from rapper Stat Quo. The first single for the project, “Freaky Girl,” was released today. They’re also working with DJ Whoo Kid and New Orleans’ Kidd Kidd.
“The first three projects coming out of Dream Big are very realistic reflections of the three stages an artist can find themselves in,” Sha Money explained in a statement, “established and successful, in-between labels or ready to take your career to the next level.”
Their Web site, Dream Big Ventures is also expected to service the music industry by acting as a Craigs List for up and coming artists.
Sha Money recently worked as associate producer on 50 Cent’s Before I Self-Destruct album and continues to co-manage Reflection Eternal who are expected to release an album early 2010. (source)
In this day and age, stars are not necessarily born. The ones who have the talent, drive, crafty viral campaigns, songwriting abilities, exude "Star Quality", a little luck and of course making good music, have a chance to make it as an artist in the music business. Devyne Stephens is one person who recognizes all these qualities and understands how each artist he works with fits in today's music market place. As CEO of Upfront Megatainment management company and Vice President of Konvict Music, Devyne Stephens currently works with the likes of Akon, T-Pain and Lady Gaga and earlier in his career at LaFace Records helped guide the careers of Usher and TLC.
Also a recent BallerStatus interview with Devyne Stephens:
BallerStatus.com: I know that you have been a big part of Akon's career. Tell me a little bit about your relationship with him?
Devyne Stephens: Me and Akon started out as friends and I would advise him on his career before we even got into the business. Before I actually signed him to my production company, I took him through the whole regimen of artist development. His development took a little bit longer because he had a very unique and diverse sound. It took a minute for people to gravitate to his style of writing and his sound. We became partners after the success and here we are.
BallerStatus.com: What is that you look for to develop an artist into a megastar like Akon or T-Pain? What does that process look like?
Devyne Stephens: Actually it's not just developing the art, but developing the human being. [We teach] them about life and different things, not just style and imaging and A&R and how to make records, but the overall makeover. Just really look for their drive and passion.
So you're an artist or band making a name for yourself in your town, city or region and you start getting approached by managers wanting to handle your business affairs.
What do you do?
TheNational Association of Record Industry Professionals can help. NARIP is scheduling a seminar/lecture to learn the information you need to know in signing with a manager. If you are an up and coming artist or just new to the music business, this is an excellent way to learn more about the "What Happens Before You $ign on the Dotted Line?".
The National Association of Record Industry Professionals presents:
Art of the Music Deal: What Happens Before You $ign on the Dotted Line? THE MANAGEMENT DEAL
Top music attorney Al Schlesinger and artist manager Bill Leopold face off in a live negotiation of key deal points and contractual issues in a management agreement.
WHEN: Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 6:30-9:30 pm,
WHERE: SAE Institute, 6565 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028.
YOU WILL LEARN: When it's the right time to make a deal
Major areas of negotiation, including:
* Terms * Options * Commissions and how they're paid * Sunset clauses * Deliverables * Selecting a business manager * Making the most of the artist-manager agreement
