News and announcements from That Authoring Group

[NightmareLyre]

Basically, what Oscarvarium said. But let me add some specifics. Contrary to popular belief, RBN isn't always a no-risk proposition. We've talked with bands who would have to spend over $1,000 just to get the isolated stems and get them into a RBN-suitable format. When, as a band, you're making 25 cents on the dollar (at most) for RBN downloads, and only getting 500-1000 downloads (if you're lucky), you really can't justify those costs from a purely financial standpoint.

But... don't TAG already have the Ascension stems? There was a preview video release a while back and stuff

[FairwoodStudios]

But... don't TAG already have the Ascension stems? There was a preview video release a while back and stuff

On top of all the rational and explainable reasons for opting out of participating in RBN, some bands/labels just plain don't want to. And sometimes a band that wants to signs onto a label that doesn't.

[machetemonkey]

On top of all the rational and explainable reasons for opting out of participating in RBN, some bands/labels just plain don't want to. And sometimes a band that wants to signs onto a label that doesn't.

You're correct. There have been a few times where we've had stems-in-hand and a FULL V1 ready to go into testing and the band will back out of the deal. We're not sure why. At that point in the system, it really is no-risk. Outside of marketing the track's release, the artist/label has put in all the effort they need to at that point. Really all that's left is getting paid. It confuses me.

[NightmareLyre]

Yep, as I said, labels can be silly and think to much of themselves.

[J-Roc-Drumz]

The money issue I can understand. It is kind of a hard move to make knowing you'll lose your money and have your songs get buried by all the other incoming songs. So that's a risk I can understand. To use money to get the STEMS, and not get it back. Or even half of it back.

But if all that is already available, and it cost pretty much nothing. Why not. What is there to lose.

[Catch-22]

The money issue I can understand. It is kind of a hard move to make knowing you'll lose your money and have your songs get buried by all the other incoming songs. So that's a risk I can understand. To use money to get the STEMS, and not get it back. Or even half of it back.

But if all that is already available, and it cost pretty much nothing. Why not. What is there to lose.

It still costs money for labels. Lawyers aren't free, lots of costs still exist that have nothing to do with stems.

[wafflerevolution]

some lawyers work pro-bono... maybe you can find a lawyer who supports RBN and get them to work free.

[Catch-22]

some lawyers work pro-bono... maybe you can find a lawyer who supports RBN and get them to work free.

That's not the issue, we have legal representation (mostly me) but labels don't want my legal opinion. Everything we give them to sign they review and potentially negotiate using independent council. The entire point of representation is to look out for only one person's interests in contract negotiations, pro bono work isn't sufficiently independent (add in geographical issues as jurisdictions for contracts vary, etc.)

[wafflerevolution]

beffy

[J-Roc-Drumz]

It still costs money for labels. Lawyers aren't free, lots of costs still exist that have nothing to do with stems.

Making more sense now. I see it's mainly a money thing.

I just wonder, cause sometimes I see songs and I go "Why would they even put that in RB?" (Though I'm thankful for anyone who decides to put stuff in to keep the RBN alive) And for them to put money into a song that will most likely fail to sell a lot, I didn't think it was too big of a risk for bands/labels to put songs up for authoring n all that.

But I've had lots of questions/details about it answered by yall. Thanks.