"This book gets right down to the heart of the matter! Straight to the point insights from someone who has seen it! Highly recommended!"
-Rich Redmond Drummer (Jason Aldean), Speaker, Author, Host, Emcee, Actor www.richredmond.com
"This is so awesome! Couldn't have come at a better time as I have been researching all of these topics recently. Also, it is good to know that it is sound advice coming from some experienced legends
Very Respectfully Jackson Perkins First Lieutenant, USMC
About the author
Keith “KO” Roberts in an American businessman and entrepreneur. He grew up as one of five children in eastern Kentucky. He developed a love for music at an early age after receiving a toy guitar for Christmas. As a teen he dreamed of traveling the world playing music. In high school he began playing drums in the school marching band. After high school, he attended Eastern Kentucky University initially enrolling as a Music Education major. He later changed his major to Police Administration and began pursuing a career in law enforcement.
Roberts' new career goal was to be a Kentucky State Trooper. As part of his pursuit, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served as a Military Police Officer. He served on active and reserve duty. In 1990 he landed his dream job as a Kentucky State Trooper and completed 22 weeks training at the Kentucky State Police Academy. Also in 1990, he was recalled to active duty with the USMC to serve during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
For years, any musical aspirations from his childhood seemed to have faded away. When he turned 40, Roberts decided to explore opportunities within the music business. With age came the realization that life on tour wasn’t for him but working behind the scenes in support of musicians was appealing. He began volunteering at a small record label in order to learn the business of music and was soon heading the A&R department. Roberts initially worked with Alternative Rock, Country, and Christian artists.
Over the last 20 years he's worked with numerous artists as a manager and/or consultant. He studied the Legal Aspects of the Music Business at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. He is a professional member of the Academy of Country Music as well as the Country Music Association.
In 2013, he began working with a startup technology company now known as MAJiiK Interactive Media in Nashville. With MAJiiK, Roberts has helped develop and oversee projects for some of the biggest entertainers on the planet. Clients like Carrie Underwood, Steven Tyler, Foreigner, Rascal Flatts and many more.
Roberts decided to release this guide in an effort to focus entertainers on the business side of their career and not just the creative side. He's seen time and time again, an artist who fails to run their career like a business is doomed to fail.
From the author- "I hope you find this guide helpful and something you can use as a reference as your career grows. If I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to reach out to me at ko@ruralrouteentertainment.com".
Table of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1 Laying the Foundation - Business Organization - Business Checking Account - Accounting - Income - Expenses - IRS Form 1099
Chapter 2 Career Goals and Skills - Setting goals - How to reach your goals - Learning new skills
Chapter 3 The Business Plan
Chapter 4 It All Begins With a Song - Not True. It All Begins With A Songwriter - Publishing - US Copyright office - Composition - Sound Recording - Rights - Royalties - Performance Rights Organizations - Harry Fox Agency - Mechanical License Collective - SoundExchange
Chapter 5 Distribution and Streaming - The past - The Present - Be where the fans are - Releasing music digitally - Metadata
Chapter 6 Website - Bandzoogle - Electronic Press Kit
Chapter 7 Social Media
Chapter 8 Fan Club and Exclusive Content - Exclusive content - Monetized meet and greets
Chapter 9 Insurance for Professional Musicians - Homeowners - Renters - Inland Marine
Chapter 10 Wrap – Advice From An Old Man
Copyright © 2023 by KO Roberts All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher.
Printed in the United States of America