Buzzpreneur: Katey Laurel, One Way Music Services
by Angela Kerr
Hanging at my new favorite coffee shop and music venue the Java Jam Cafe, I had an opportunity to get to know Katey Laurel a little better. I first met Katey at the Own it Music Mastermind Series hosted by CREATE MSU Denver, a business incubator for the arts. Speaking to her involvement in the series Katey
firmly communicates: “I think it is very important to educate yourself as an artist. I can’t stress enough how important it is to be educated on the business side of what you do.” Katey also feels that attending conferences are one of the best ways to connect with industry professionals without having the expense of traveling and trying to knock on doors. “At conferences, industry professionals come to you,” she explains. According to Katey, industry professionals who attend include: Publishers, some managers, music supervisors who place music for film and television and occasionally record label A&R’s as well. She stated that there are limits to songwriters and industry attendees so there is usually a good ratio of artist to industry professional. Katey also suggests that there are many artist development courses available online such as ones offered by Cari Cole of Cari Cole Music out of New York and Rick Barker out of Nashville.
As a Master Representative for licensing music, Katey’s One Way Music Services represents nine different artists where she has focused on her passion of pitching music to film, television and advertising. In this role, she is working freelance to place the work of the artists she represents on a non-exclusive, up-front commission basis. Katey believes strongly in leaving the back end commission on a placement to the artists she represents because “this income stream helps to build their future.” Katey shared, “I am not in this to hold anyone hostage, for me it is all about sharing opportunities.” Katey believes that as she builds contacts for herself, she is able to share them with others. She also considers this pursuit a viable way to achieve financial sustainability so she can continue to create her art. “It is so rewarding to see the music work for you in a financial capacity.” Katey’s portfolio includes such acts as Rachel and the Kings, Jessica Sonner and Dan Craig. She has placed several songs for her artists, primarily in advertising.
When asked about her process, her response is immediately “selective.” “If I like something you are doing, I will find you.” I further questioned Katey about what makes a song licensable. Her response: “What they are looking for is a commercial, recognizable sound, with certain themes such as (1) universally accessible themes (2) catchy, upbeat or reflective depending on the mood of the scene or spot (3) non-specific lyrics. Katey continues with: “In addition, your lyrical content must be more focused on creating a feeling rather than telling a concrete story. This is why certain genres such as country or rap are not utilized as much as others. Write about themes that are universal and would appeal to a broad audience. You can just observe what people are using in ads, TV and movies to get your finger on the pulse of what people are using.” Katey also suggested that a big interest is in songs about love that are NOT romantic….so get your writing utensils out everyone and create a great song about generic love!
Granted a scholarship to Huntington University in Indiana, graduating with a degree in music performance with a focus on the Classical French Horn, Katey understands the significance of multiple income streams as an artist. In addition to her licensing pursuits Katey is a singer/songwriter and a talented marketing mind who participates in enhancing trade shows and events utilizing her skill sets.
Katey closed with some great advice: “Take courses, read books, and attend conferences. Don’t become discouraged; many times the reason why opportunities don’t come in the beginning is because you are not ready yet. Things happen in the right time in the music business, when you are ready to experience it. It takes time to develop your craft. You are not building an app to sell. You are building an art form and that takes time. Don’t rush the process.”
A decade ago in July, Katey established her own recording label – Roaring Twenties Records and considers herself a motivated DIY artist. You can hear Katey speak at the Own It Music Mastermind Series on September 9, 2014. She will be joined by a guest panelist with a focus on Licensing and Publishing. Find more information about the series at: www.CREATEmsudenver.com
Discography
2008 Upstairs Downstairs (Collaborated with: Paul Andrews / Longmont)
2011 From Here (Collaborated with Nielson Hubbard / Nashville)
2014 Periscope (Collaborated with Warren Huart / Los Angeles)
Katey’s suggested events for artists:
07/14/2014 Durango Songwriters Meet and Greet – Walnut Room 6:30 pm
10/2 through 10/4 2014 Durango Songwriters Expo – Denver/Boulder/Broomfield
Katey’s suggested reading:
Donald S. Passman All You Need to Know About the Music Business
Todd and Jeffrey Brabec Music Money and Success
Category: Buzzworthy
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
 |
 |
