house concerts and 21st century touring

Part One: Important things to do:

1. Attend a house concert if at all possible - there’s no better education.

2. Become excellent at what you do. It’s amazing how many people delude themselves. (want proof? American Idol)

3. Be personal. Show that you’ve done your research, and that you regard the host as a valuable human being who is doing a wonderful thing for the arts - even if they won’t book you.

4. Be humble. Understand that no matter how good you are, there will always be people who aren’t turned on by your music.

5. Be reasonable. Understand that hosts have limited schedules - and will never be able to book every act they like.

6. Be consistent. People are busy, and sometimes messages don’t get returned. If that hurts your feelings, you are doomed. Every host is different, but it is wise to follow up (no more than once or twice a month) until you get at least a “we received your package.” After that, back off. An occasional polite reminder (”I’m touring in your area in November…”) no more than once a quarter should keep you from wearing out your welcome. If you get a “no, thank you” or no response for a year - be respectful and move on.

7. Be generous. Consider hosting a house concert for an artist you admire. Think of it as a Karma deposit.

8. Be pro-active. There’s no quicker way to get house concert bookings than to educate your fans - consistently. Emails, website links, and announcements from the stage!

9. Be accommodating. Each house concert host has different needs and concerns. Learn them. Honor them. And make sure they understand your needs.

10. Be cool. You’re an artist for Pete’s sake! You CAN be professional without being corporate.

1 Comment »

Can house concerts be considered a “public performance?” And if so, are they subject to licensing fees from ASCAP or BMI?

Citing current copyright laws, Vincent Candilora (Vice President of Licensing at ASCAP) recently spoke with members of Folk Alliance about what is considered “public performance” (i.e. what house concerts should avoid doing). Here is what his words were:

“…To perform or display a work “publicly” means - to perform or display it at a place open to the public or at any place where a substantial number of persons outside of a normal circle of a family and its social acquaintances is gathered;

The key words here are “persons outside of a normal circle of a family and its social acquaintances”. That is why you should make house concerts by invitation only — thereby keeping it a gathering of a family’s social aquaintances…

See also: House Concerts and PRO Fees

No Comments »

Can house concerts be subject to fees from ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC?

This information is edited from a statement negotiated by the Folk Alliance Advocacy Committee, which met with ASCAP & BMI at the National Folk Alliance Conference in February of 2007.

The goals were:
1) To make sure House Concerts are not subject to PRO licensing fees
2) Define what is a House Concert for the purpose above. 
(PRO stands for Performance Rights Organizations, i.e. ASCAP/BMI/etc.)

This discussion hinges on “Public performance” vs. “Private party”. Since the PRO’s have come up with what is a Private Party (basically following Copyright Laws), if house concerts meet these criteria, they can be assured of being considered private for their purposes, and hence no worries of being asked to pay licensing fees. The official wording of what was negotiated and discussed is below. But, basically, it isn’t about whether a presenter has a website, or advertises, etc., but more about HOW you word that website, and your advertising (free advertising in public service announcements is fine, paid is probably not, etc. ).

The PROs indicated that if the following criteria are met, the performance will be considered private and not subject to any public performance license:

1) The event must be held in or on the grounds of a private residence, or at a public venue by invitation only. An example given at the meeting was a wedding or private party held at hotel, which is an establishment that is open to the public, however the event where music is performed is private and only invited guests may attend.
 
2) Any and all advertising should contain language indicating that the event is private and not open to the public.  One example would be to use words such as “by invitation only,” or other words to the same effect.

3) No advance tickets or reservations may be sold.

A house concert presenter who follows these guidelines will be deemed to be presenting private performances in her/his home, and will not run afoul of the PROs.”

If you have additional questions, you may contact Rene at bodiehouse_at_aol.com, or visit Folk.org

No Comments »