industry
The music world is characterized by a blend of constants and continuous change; Beat examines the inside of the industry from recording studios to record labels, live performances, music streaming technology and beyond.
Mariah Carey Awarded $92,000 From Dismissed ‘All I Want For Christmas’ Lawsuit
Mariah Carey just pocketed over $92,000. This seems literal as she probably has this amount in her pocket book. In a decision by a judge that made sure Miss Carey would not just get the cash but also keep her reputation intact.
By Skyler Saunders19 days ago in Beat
What Does a Music Publisher Actually Do? Services Explained
Music publishers are often talked about in vague, almost mythical terms. Some artists think publishers “get you placements.” Others think they just take money. The truth is less dramatic—and far more strategic. A music publisher is not a label, not a distributor, and not a manager. A publisher’s job is to protect, administer, and monetize songs (the compositions), not recordings.
By FOF Records20 days ago in Beat
Mechanical Royalties vs Performance Royalties: Simple Breakdown
If you write music, you earn royalties. If your music is played publicly or streamed digitally, you earn different kinds of royalties—often at the same time. This is where many independent artists get tripped up. Mechanical royalties and performance royalties sound similar, but they come from different uses of your song, are collected by different organizations, and can be missed entirely if you don’t register correctly.
By FOF Records20 days ago in Beat
What is Music Publishing? Everything Independent Artists Need to Know
Music publishing is one of those music-industry concepts that quietly controls the money, the leverage, and the long-term value of your catalog—yet many independent artists don’t truly understand it until they’ve already left money on the table. Publishing isn’t about fame or playlists. It’s about ownership of songs themselves, not recordings. If you write music, publishing applies to you whether you acknowledge it or not.
By FOF Records20 days ago in Beat
Avatar Movies Box Office: Why Blue Worlds Still Draw Crowds
When the first Avatar movie arrived, many people were unsure what to expect. Blue-skinned characters, an unfamiliar planet, and a long runtime felt risky. Yet something unexpected happened. Audiences did not just watch the film. They returned. They talked about it for years. Box office numbers kept climbing long after opening weekend. More than a movie, Avatar became an experience people remembered emotionally.
By Muqadas khan21 days ago in Beat
FOF Records: Complete Guide to Columbia SC’s Premier Independent Hip-Hop Label
South Carolina has always been rich with musical storytelling—gospel, soul, blues, and street anthems filling barbershops, backroads, and block parties—but until recently, the state lacked a clear, modern hip-hop label capable of competing with regional giants in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Miami. In 2025, that reality changed. FOF Records emerged as Columbia, SC’s most strategic, ambitious, and digitally savvy independent hip-hop label, built not from industry privilege, but from grind, entrepreneurship, and a belief in artist ownership above everything.
By FOF Records22 days ago in Beat
What Independent Record Labels Look for in Artists: FOF Records A&R Insights
For independent artists dreaming about getting signed, the biggest mystery is often the A&R process. What do record labels actually want? Is it streams, social media followers, raw talent, or something else entirely? In 2025, independent labels—especially ownership-driven labels like FOF Records in Columbia, SC—use a different evaluation system than major labels did a decade ago. It’s no longer just about a “hit.” It’s about long-term potential, discipline, and the ability to build momentum without relying on a label to do all the work.
By FOF Records22 days ago in Beat
Independent Record Labels in Columbia SC: Complete 2025 Directory
Columbia, South Carolina has quietly transformed into one of the Southeast’s most underestimated music hubs. While Atlanta and Charlotte often dominate the regional conversation, the capital city has cultivated a growing ecosystem of independent record labels—each contributing to a diverse landscape of hip-hop, indie rock, R&B, electronic, and experimental music.
By FOF Records22 days ago in Beat
How to Submit Your Demo to FOF Records (2025 Submission Guide)
If you’re an independent artist looking for a hip-hop label in Columbia, South Carolina that values ownership, strategy, and long-term growth, FOF Records stands out as one of the most selective and modern options in the region. Built around a philosophy of catalog ownership, data-driven releases, and content-led marketing, FOF Records approaches artist submissions differently from traditional labels. This guide explains exactly how to submit your demo in 2025, what FOF is looking for, and how to prepare a professional pitch that increases your chances of getting noticed.
By FOF Records22 days ago in Beat
Independent Record Label Artist Development in 2025
The way artists grow today looks nothing like it did even ten years ago. Back when major labels had near-exclusive access to radio payola, expensive studio time, and rigid release windows, development meant long periods of being “in the lab” before the rest of the world heard a note. In 2025, independent record labels have flipped that script entirely: they develop artists with the audience, not behind closed doors.
By FOF Records22 days ago in Beat
What Do A&R Reps Look for in Artists? (From a Real Label Executive)
Most artists imagine an A&R rep sitting behind a desk listening to demos all day, waiting for the perfect song to fall into their inbox. The reality is far more strategic. In 2025, A&R isn’t just about discovering talent—it’s about identifying artists who already show signs of market potential, audience engagement, and strong artistic identity. Whether you’re an aspiring rapper, singer, band, or producer, understanding what attracts A&R attention can change how you approach your career. This guide breaks down what label executives actually look for when considering whether to sign an artist, based on modern industry expectations.
By FOF Records22 days ago in Beat
