Minimizing Risks in Start-Up Gaming Co's

I read a great article this morning (thanks, Google alerts)about Kalypso, a Baltimore start-up that just launched it's first game, Tropico 3. That's right, Tropico 3. How did Kalypso accomplish the amazing feat of creating the third game in a popular series as their first release? No, my friends, they did not rewrite the laws of physics.. they purchased the right to the series from Take Two, creators of GTA. You see, as the article points out, while the Tropico series has sold hundreds of thousands of copies worldwide (thanks in part, no doubt to both physical and downloadable sales on sites like Gametap & Yahoo! Games), it's still not profitable enough for Take Two to keep in its roster. Not when they have GTA (which sells millions of copies per release) and some of the best game developers in the biz; priorities = profit.

Now, that's not to say that Kalypso, who only opened their doors in June, don't have equally talented programmers and developers on their team. Quite to the contrary, I think this move was GENIUS for a start up, especially one in the cut-throat gaming industry. On the one hand, entrepreneurs "have no place to go but up," states Kalypso founder Deborah Tillet. But on the other hand, the risk of crashing and burning is higher, and of greater personal risk than it is with larger, established companies. So what better way to balance these interests than to purchase a more established IP? I touched on this topic a little while back, but it's certainly no secret that established IPs are an easier sell (and a better idea?) in this current economy. I applaude Kalypso for taking the leap and starting their own company @ a time when everyone is clinging to the known and the safe. I think purchasing the rights to an established title is a perfect & creative way to get on the map, and a chance for Kalypso to become truly innovative much quicker. Huzzah!

I Be Popular: Music Panel Discussion Tonight @ DART Boston

Hey entertainers! Wow, this month has been filled with speaking engagements - it's nutty! Tonight, I am excited to be on the panel @ "Pokin' Holes," a DART Boston event at Vlora in Copley. Tonight, we'll be discussing the Fary & Fiend, a French company that has invented a touch-pad guitar pedal. What's their plan to break into the US market? Will Americans love it or hate it? Come out tonight to find out.... see you there!

MySpace Tries to Get It's Brand Back... Good Luck.

I'm not going to lie; I jumped on the MySpace bandwagon when it was all the rage a few years ago. And as much as it kills me to admit it, I haven't deleted my account, and, to the best of my knowledge, MySpace hasn't either. There's something sacred in deleting a social network account or a blog.... I've got this mental block that it just seems "wrong." Either way, I log on every few months to get it another chance, and am constantly disappointed at the cess pool of social media laid out before mine eyes. MySpace is a complete disaster. It's covered in flashy, annoying ads that just scream "cheap!!!", and it's filled with unsavory characters. Tell me I'm wrong; I dare you. So how did MySpace get here? And can they fix it?

Apparently, they're going to try. According to that little blip, MySpace is attempting to get it's brand back my focusing more on music, videos and games.

I'm not really sure how this will help the brand recover. The issue wasn't necessarily content (although I've seen enough pics of people in their bathrooms trying to look sexy to last me a lifetime, thank you), but functionality and the AWFUL ads/spam. MySpace is still a place for music, and many bands and music professionals alike still swear you still need a MySpace page. I'm on the fence about this, because MySpace's search function is so band that it severs limited to ability of fans to FIND music that they might actually like. Instead, users are stuck fumbling around with random key words that MIGHT be the title of a band or song they like. For example, if I like metal, I should probably type in "Guitars of Death Steel," or "Apocalypse Babies" and hope for the best. There's no intuitive way to find music related to bands that you like. Sure, there are "genres," but how often do you look up a band you like and go "What the hell?? They're not [insert genre]!" Maybe I simply haven't played around with it enough to find the niche, but should I have to?

Moving on to videos and games, it's still going to be an uphill battle. YouTube has established itself as the top go-to for videos... what is MySpace's "hook" to top that? And what's the approach to gaming? Is is casual gaming a la Yahoo! Games? Or bigger, downloadable stuff a la Gametap? Either way, they're going to have to prove to users that not only have they cleaned up their brand (hurdle #1), but also that their services are BETTER than what's currently out there (hurdle #2). Can they do it? I'm not so sure, but I'm willing to hang on to m profile for a bit longer to find out.

Creative Commons is the New Way to License Music

Hellloooooo fellow creatives! I'm coming to you live on a rainy, cold day in Boston... but never fear. Creative Commons shall brighten the mood. For those of you that aren't aware, Creative Commons is a nonprofit organization that uses an easy icon system to allow music users and other music makers to license music without having to ask the copyright owner every time. The entire site is beyond user-friendly, and there's a perfect video to describe how the system works.

Personally, I think this is an amazing system to promote creativity and a wonderfully streamlined way for artists to show, with simple pictures, exactly how they want folks to be able to use their music. It's completely voluntary, and any content owner can amend or withdraw their license at any time.

So why am I going on and on about this? Because Creative Commons is a nonprofit, which means it can't exist without the support of the folks that believe in its mission. I would highly encourage you to take just 5 minutes to understand CC and its mission, and if it resonates with you like it does with me, please consider a nominal donation. Think of it as an investment in the future of music, not just for you, but for everyone (awww! moment!).

New Liberty Featured on Roadrunner Records Site!

Working with bands is hands-down my favorite part about being an entertainment attorney. I really admire the amazing stamina that band members show and the drive they have to succeed. And you know what? It's really freakin' difficult. It can be especially awful when you KNOW you and your bandmates have the will and the ability to succeed, and you just haven't been in the right place at the right time. Then, POOF! Someone recognizes your talent, and you're riding on a cloud to celebrate that accomplishment (as well you should!).

I am honored to represent a band by the name of New Liberty. To me, they have the whole package; not only is their music well put together and catchy, but their live performances are full of energy and personality. On top of that, they are some of the hardest working guys in the music business right now, and have the business-savvy and the determination that it takes to make it in this industry. They've been working tirelessly to attract the attention of labels and booking agents alike, and they're getting some great feedback. One of the best so far as has been an acknowledgment by Roadrunner Records, who have prominently featured New Liberty's song "Blue 42" on their A&R site. How do you get on their? Roadrunner reps have to dig your stuff - that's the ONLY way. So congrats, guys - and a huge shout out to Roadrunner for digging the music! Rock on.

Stroke of Genuis: UK Antitrust Body Say Ticketmaster/LiveNation Merger May Hurt Competition

In an announcement that surprises... um... NO ONE...The UK Antitrust Body announced today that the Ticketmaster/LiveNation merger would stifle competition in Europe's concert and ticket market, and suggested alternatives that basically force the two to work separately. Thank. The. LORD! my question is: why has this situation proceeded as far as this? Why is the FTC still wavering on this and debating??

I'm sorry, but this situation just makes me so angry. Anyone can look around their city and see that nearly ALL the venues are ruled by LiveNation, which means indie bands can only get into a handful of small venues, many of which are just bars with a stage. There's no branding or genre-specific indie venues, which means getting repeat customers is difficult. In this economy, people will only spend money on luxury items like concerts tickets if they know what they're going to get; do you think teens and 20-somethings are going to take a risk on a band they haven't heard if that venue serves every genre? But I digress.

The point is, the music industry is imploding from the inside out, and the only way it can carry only successfully to the next generation is too allow the next generation (i.e. new/baby/indie acts) to thrive. They need access to venues and they need people at shows. No money = no equipment, no play. It's not rocket science.

I'm Speaking on a Music Industry Panel - Sweet!

Attention all Boston Artists/Entertainers! I am honored to announce I will be speaking on a music industry panel on October 27th at Vlora Restaurant and Wine Bar in Copley Square on October 27th. The panel is being put on by the Boston Songwriting, Production and Performance Group, and will feature myself, music producer Evan Shapiro, and music industry marketing expert Scott Feldman. Topics will vary by expertise, and I will personally be addressing legal issues surrounding personal management agreements and music licensing/placement agreements. Details be found here:

http://www.meetup.com/The-Boston-Songwriting-Production-Performance-Group/calendar/11541024/

The event is FREE and is sure to be a good educational and networking opportunity. I hope you'll join me and help make this event a success.