As most of you know, I am a pretty big fan of Nettwerk Records. Nettwerk manages the careers of the Bare Naked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, Sum 41, Stereophonics, Gob, Swollen Members, Avril Lavigne, Dido, Tara MacLean, Hem, Sixpence None the Richer, Chantal Kreviazuk and loads more. Nettwerk refuses to support the RIAA in suing fans, they embrace technology opportunities, and they make their entire library available on-line. In short they see the future of the music indusrtry without fear.

So seeing that they are only 15 minutes away from our office, I drove down and spoke with Erin Kinghorn, Director of Sales and Marketing to talk about Project Opus and what's going on in the music industry as far as Nettwerk is concerned. It was just a discussion, not an interview, so I do not feel at liberty to disclose everything we discussed but I can sum up a few things.
First about Erin
a. Erin is drop down on the floor funny
b. She speaks her mind
c. She is smart (goes without saying in most industries considering her position, but as this is the music industry I thought I should mention it.)
d. Can't wait to see "Snakes On A Plane"

Second About Nettwerk
a. They don't really view themselves as a record company, but rather more of a management agency.
b. They do a SIGNIFICANT amount of their music sales on-line. Vastly above the industry average.
c. They are about building careers not celebrity for their artists.
d. They love music. (at no point during our talk did she mention lawyers or accountants)
e. The culture at Nettwerk is a direct result of the values of Terry McBride CEO. The gospel of Terry, I think she said. :)

About the Music Industry
a. The recording business is in trouble not the music industry
b. The Internet is great for artists and companies who are wiling to embrace it.
c. The 90s are gone. Get over it.
d. There is no majoer label A&R. Can anyone remember the last time a major label broke a band?

About today's musicians:
a. Musicians today DO NOT need a record label. If given the opportunity, 99% of bands should not sign with a label. You will not make money, which is bad because your career will be over if you don't make money for the label right out of the gate.
b. Musicians will not have a career just selling CDs. Nope. Not going to happen. Get over it.
c. DO NOT duplicate CDs for press, labels or as promotional give aways. They are expensive and do little to help your business. Rather than spend $2,000 or even $500 on a CD run, use the money for t-shirts, street teams, stickers, sound equipment, touring, anything that will help you grow your audience. It will not grow by giving anyone a CD. Burn CDs from your computer to sell after a show.
d. Do not fear the Internet get your music out there and play live.

Finally.
DO NOT send her your CD. Just don't do it. In fact don't send ANY label your CD you are wasting money, time, and postage.

For a real interview with Erin check out Beyond Madison Avenue.