Negotiating In The Music Industy with Cappriccieo Scates

I would like to introduce the world to a man by the name of Cappriccieo Scates, Senior Director, Writer PublisherRelations at SESAC. He was recently given this position in the latter part of 2011, due to his years of experience and expertise. This brother has grown throughout the ranks of music industry and has grown to be one of the heavy hitters in the music publishing industry.

Prior to joining SESAC, Scates enjoyed a successful career in artist management, promotions and publishing working with artists such as Juvenile, New Edition, BlackStreet, Sounds of Blackness and Erykah Badu among many others. Just prior to joining SESAC, Scates held the position of Director Operations for PM Music Group Inc., and is the author of the book “10 Steps To Successfully Managing Recording Artists”.  Scates holds an Associate’s degree in Liberal Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Criminology/Sociology from St. Leo University and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Averett University. (SESAC, 2012)

Cappriccieo Scates and I sat down for a discussion on music publishing and negotiations at a time when I was a “green” musician. I was looking to get advice on music placements that I had acquired through working with a few well known producers. I was in a position where I had played on several songs that were to be placed on albums with well-known artists and producers. Some of these artists were Wiz Khalifa, Lil Jon, Marsha Ambrosius, Yelawolf, and Gucci Mane. Some producers that I was working with were Bangladesh, Drumma Boy, and Wyclef John. I was looking for guidance and Cappriccieo was kind enough to give me some of his time.

In our conversation, Cappriccieo advised me that I need to be more diplomatic in my negotiations when dealing with producers and artists. He was big on having objective criteria’s in place and most important mutual benefits for both parties. He also gave me a little insight on two ways my career could be headed based on how well I did in these negotiations. Based on how I did in these negotiations, I could be a working musician receiving publishing or a musician on the sidelines. This was because producers and artists seem to take advantage of musicians. Some never receive credits for their works nor receive publishing as well. He told me about the importance of a “split sheet” and how it keeps producers and artists from having amnesia. I was diligent in negotiating with these producers.

I must admit that the negotiations with one of the producers (Drumma Boy) worked out in my favor of the far as our arrangement was concerned. Even though we did agree that I would receive publishing for some of my works, I got it and here was the outcome. I was to receive publishing on a song for Young Jeezy’s new album named “HustlersAmbition. I played on a song with Young Jeezy and Eminiem. I received 5% publishing for the song, however the song was not released on the album. It was leaked on the Internet the day after I signed the contract. It has received many hits and no video. That is what happened on countless other songs that I have played on as well. The positive is that I have a discography of songs by Grammy winning artists and well-known musicians alike. I did receive a GrammyCertificate for playing on Usher’s Raymond vs. Raymond. These negotiations went well as the producer (Bangladesh) was very proactive in making sure we got paid for the session.

I would like to personally thank Cappriccieo Scates for his time and knowledge. That conversation has led me to many other negotiations that have worked out in my favor. Cappricceo Scates has a book for aspiring managers of the music industry. The name of his book is  “10 Steps to Successfully Managing Recording Artists: A Guide to EffectiveArtist Management”. 
 I advise all that are interested to pick this book up for your personal development.

References:

1.     (n.a.)(October 13, 2012). SESAC Promotes Cappriccieo Scates To Senior Director, Writer/Publisher Relations. Retrieved on March 18, 2012 from: http://www.sesac.com/News/News_Details.aspx?id=1618

2.     (J.Bachelor)(December, 20, 2011) Retrieved on March 18, 2012 from: http://www.sohh.com/2011/12/young_jeezy_tm103_hustlers_ambition.html

3.     (n.a)(n.d.).  Amazon. Retrieved on March 18, 2012 from: http://www.amazon.com/Steps-Successfully-Managing-Recording-Artists/dp/0595328512

4.     (D. Phillips)(n.d.). Darnell “TrumpetDude” Phillips. Retrieved on March 18, 2012  from: http://www.darnelltrumpetdudephillips.blogspot.com/
5. (Y, Little)(n.d.) Cappriccieo Scates of SESAC.  Retrieved on March 18, 2012  from:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_5F-Yw--B0