RECORD COMPANY
Licensing And Business Affairs
JOB DESCRIPTION
The licensing and business affairs office handles licensing of label-owned master recordings for exploitation, primarily through repackaging and synchronization. At Sony Music Special Products, Vinny Tabone clears master recordings of albums the label group manufactures, including compilations, premiums, CDs, boxed sets, and reissues. He is responsible for both the products released by Sony, or those licensed to another company. He researches Sony artist contracts for marketing restrictions, negotiates fees for off-label cuts, and obtains other related permissions. Tabone is also responsible for licensing Sony master recordings for CD-ROM, Internet, and new technology use. He handles licensing of Sony Music Special Product masters for worldwide synchronization rights to television, film, and home video. He negotiates fees with motion picture studios, independent music supervisors, advertising agencies, and various other licensees.
PREREQUISITES
CAREER TIPS
“Keep up on current events, because the conversations around the water cooler are very important to forming solid working and personal relationships. Reading the newspaper every day can help you start conversations with people so you have some kind of relationship with them. It gives a whole different perspective on how you're viewed by people.”
“Showing up to work on time is very important. It tells people that you're interested in your job and that you want to be there. If you constantly show up late or call in sick, it's a bad reflection on your work ethic. If you're not happy with your job, you should leave and find something you really enjoy.”
“Don't be afraid to ask questions. No one knows everything. Everyone has their little niche of knowledge, from the top person of a company to the bottom rung on the ladder; they each have their specialty.”
To succeed, you should have computer proficiency, interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to multi-task. You should be self-motivated with good organization skills, inquisitiveness, flexibility, and an understanding of master licensing.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Much of the day, Tabone is in his Sony office sitting at the computer, researching details for various projects, responding to e-mail requests for quotes or other information, preparing quotes, and completing other tasks. Throughout the day he works on multiple projects with attorneys, visors, film studio executives, advertising agencies, and other employees, to bring them to completion.
POINTERS FOR THE JOB SEARCH
“Go to the library and research your area of interest to become familiar with every aspect of the area you want to work in. Remember that old saying: ‘information is power'? Information is power, especially in this business.”
VINNY TABONE, DIRECTOR OF LICENSING AND BUSINESS AFFAIRS, SONY/BMG MUSIC SPECIAL PRODUCTS
While gazing longingly at drum kits in the Sears catalog, six-year-old Vinny Tabone was bitten by the music bug. “I knew from an early age that music was going to play a big part in my life.” He spent 22 years as a working rock musician, recording and touring with a number of New York City area bands. During eight leaner years, he supplemented his income working in retail music outlets and then decided to look into the business side of the industry. With a two-year college degree already under his belt, he enrolled at the State University of New York at Oneonta. Counseled by his father to make industry connections while still in school, Tabone attended a guest lecture and met music veteran Ann Ruckert, who ran an industry referral service.
THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT THIS JOB:
“The work load can become pretty overwhelming at times.”
THE BEST THING ABOUT THIS JOB:
“The daily interaction with other lovers of music. Every day we're constantly talking about music, in the hall, at lunch, or working on specific projects. All aspects of the business, from songwriting to artist agreements to manufacturing and distribution, we cover it all. I feel very lucky to be surrounded by such terrific people. I love getting up in the morning and coming to work.”
Upon graduating with a BA in music business, Tabone met with Ruckert, who led him to a job as a contract administrator with Diamond Time. At Diamond Time, Tabone cleared rights and permissions from artists and record labels for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a monumental Time-Life Music project entitled The History of Rock and Roll, and several educational projects for Sony Music.
In 1996, following two years of building a relationship with Sony Music, Tabone was offered the position of associate director of licensing and business affairs for Sony Music Special Products. He was later promoted to director of licensing for Sony/BMG Special Products.
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