The music business is changing everyday. The digital age has brought so many more avenues to get your music out there to the masses. This can be overwhelming & confusing for some but that is why we have Gene Foley of Foley Entertainment here to help you navigate. Join us today as Gene offers valuable insight and go a step further to take advantage of your free, written music evaluation with the man himself. Success in any industry is attainable but you have to get up & get it!
Skope: Gene, great to interview you for Skope. I know you’re among the most well know artist advocates, agents and music industry career gurus out there, but please tell us a little more about Foley Entertainment.
Gene Foley: Thanks, I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and Skope’s readers. I founded Foley Entertainment in 1989 – nearly 30 years ago. We represent songwriters, artists, bands, producers, engineers, indie labels, management firms and other music industry participants. Our services include career guidance, artist development, publicity, marketing, TV/Film placement, festivals, shopping and other services along those lines. Clients have earned nearly 40 Gold & Platinum Records and three Grammy Awards. I’ve won a few “Best In The Biz” Awards from N.A.R.I.P. as one of the industry’s top Consultants & Strategists. We’ve had an A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau for over 20 years and we’re licensed by the State of New Jersey.
Skope: Speaking of Artist Development, you literally wrote the book about that subject. How did that come about?
GF: I speak with songwriters and musician from all over the world and I saw the areas of the music business that they were struggling with. Talented, hard working people spinning their wheels, making the same mistakes over and over again and nobody telling them the right way to navigate their career according to the new rules of engagement. The industry has changed so much over the last few years, it’s easy to become lost when someone is trying to map out their career. The book covers important topics that up & coming songwriters, artists, manager and indie label owners need to know. Topics include developing the songs and marketing materials, building a team, publicity and marketing in today’s music biz, dealing with managers, booking agents, music publishers and record companies, touring, merchandising, videos and other important subjects people must understand if they want to successfully compete in this industry. I’m very happy that the book has helped so many people.
Skope: I often hear people say the music business is dead and that unknown artists have no chance to succeed these days. What’s your take on that?
GF: Clearly, the music industry has changed a great deal over the years. The major label business model that made labels a ton of money back in the day no longer works. The record companies had to evolve and the artists must evolve as well. I feel there’s never been a better time to be an artist. If someone has great songs and someone on their team can open up doors, their music can be played on radio and television, in movies and TV commercials and featured in popular online magazines, daily newspapers and blogs. Fans can purchase music from unsigned and independent label artists just as easily as buying a song or a CD from a major label star. Today, a band from Massachusetts can be in a blog based in London and someone in Brazil can read the article and buy a few songs on the spot. That’s fantastic! Fans from all over the world can follow their beloved artists and discover new ones just by surfing the Internet and visiting social media. In my opinion, this is a great time to be an artist. You can do so much without the backing of a record company. Recording costs are down and there are so many opportunities for talented songwriters and artists.
Skope: I read on your Web site that you offer a free music evaluation and phone consultation to songwriters and artists. Since so many songwriters and musicians visit Skope’s site each week, I’m interested in learning more about that opportunity.
GF: For over 20 years, I’ve provided a free, written music evaluation to anyone who sent me a CD. These days, 99% of the submissions are conducted online, with the person sending me links to their songs on sites such as SoundCloud or ReverbNation. I listen to the songs, send them back some written feedback and I encourage those folks to call me to discuss the evaluation. During the 15 to 20 minute phone conversations, I also provide some career guidance. I really enjoy speaking with people and pointing them in the right direction. Anyone interested in the free evaluation can contact me through my Web site. A signed copy of my book can also be purchased on the Foley Entertainment site.
Skope: Thanks Gene. Where can you be reached online?
GF: http://www.FoleyEntertainment.com
Email: eugenefoleymusic@aol.com
I look forward to hearing from Skope readers! Thanks Skope.
