Milan Records
Burbank, CA 91505 - http://www.milanrecords.com
Interview
with Jean-Christophe Chamboredon, of MilanRecords.
By: Dennis M. Kelly
Getting signed with Milan Records… What they’re looking for.
First off, we are looking for good music. We are not genre specific and are open to all kinds of music. We search for music that we love, believe in and feel capable of promoting. Secondly, we are looking to work with bands who are hard working, creative and authentic people who recognize the value of their hard work.
Tell me a little bit about Milan’s niche in the industry, how did you come to work with film and music?
Milan Records started in France thirty years ago as a two-person operation at a time where not that many labels were putting resources into releasing soundtracks. Milan released the soundtrack to Jean-Jacques Beinex’s film, Diva. This was a big hit and it opened many doors in the USA and in Europe and also helped gradually secure worldwide distribution with BMG (with whom we remained for more than 15 years)
What is Milan’s background, how long in business, etc.?
Milan Records was created by Emmanuel Chamboredon in Paris in 1976.
He is still the owner of the label, which to this day is still
100% Independently owned. The strategy was to remain free while
benefiting from distribution through major companies.
How does your music submission process work?
It is pretty easy, just drop a CD in the mail to my attention (Milan
Records c/o JC Chamboredon) or drop me an email with some mp3s.
We don’t have a strict submission policy. We encourage people
to get in touch with us and send us music. You don’t need to
have the album mastered or send any kind of fancy artwork along.
The first step is the music. If we feel the material could be
a good fit for Milan, then we address all the other questions
with the artist in due time. But it simply starts with the music.
So, don’t spend too much time on preparing the best package,
instead work on another song and send me a crappy CD-R. It’ll be just
fine
What do you look for when receiving a press kit from an artist?
I’m looking for surprise and excitement. This is really on that side of the business what makes us go to work every morning. Knowing that you are going to receive original and good music. I m repeating myself but this is the most important. Obviously, an artist who is committed to his music and understands the hard work that needs to be done (not only from the label side but also from the artist side) is important.
What are some things that you don’t like seeing from artists with their submissions?
I have always been suspicious of people who are trying to impress
you too much with too much information right off the bat. I
actually don’t like receiving too much material on one project
during the submission phase. Obviously, it is important communicate
key information.
I also dislike artists who check every other day if you have
listened to their music. We listen to everything we receive
and get back to most people with an answer. But it takes time
and there are of course priorities. I listen to all the material
sent to me. Sending a reminder is fine but checking three times
a week is unnecessary. If somebody has listened to your CD is
not the best way to show your commitment. It has a reverse effect.
What are the key elements you look for in an artist?
Every artist is different. There is not really a checklist of
the perfect artist. We have worked with artists who have no
touring history for instance, but their music is so good, that
you wish to share it with the world.
In today’s atmosphere, the most important thing for me is to
work with an artist who is ready to be fully committed to his
passion. Today’s musician needs to be a hustler. The days of
people behind desks shaping an artist’s future are over. Unfortunately
many musicians have not anticipated that. There is also a lot
of good music out there. A musician today if he wants to make
a living through his passion needs to work hard, hustle, get
on the road and be available for all promotional opportunities.
Do you have any preferences on genres of music for submissions?
We have released electronica, bluegrass, pop, rock, jazz, world
music,
Video game, film and TV shows soundtracks, sacred music and
Gregorian chants…We are looking also now at our first punk signature.
We have a staff with very different tastes and our roaster is
becoming the result of the personalities working here.
How long would you say it would take from receiving a press kit to deciding to take on that artists’ work?
It is usually a three to four month process. Sometimes, it is faster when you have to jump on something. But I have also been talking to an artist now for more than year. Usually when you are excited by a submission and start having a good relationship with the artist, things tend to do move fast.
Once it has been decided to sign a particular artist, what are the next steps for you and the artist?
Get the deal done!
How does Milan work with the artist; what is the relationship like?
The relationship is a collaboration.
We don’t pretend to create a success in two weeks. These days are
over, and in this difficult climate, real indie labels and motivated
musicians can benefit from that state of mind. We usually offer
license deals where the artists don’t sign away their lives.
We work the usual aspects of the record (publicity, marketing,
radio…) but we also help on a personal basis artists with video
production, introducing them to booking agents…this is really
the case with bands that are at the beginning of their careers.
We help them booking local shows, selling cds at their gigs,
producing video content for online marketing.
We also have a department specialized in licencing our catalogue
for film and Television and we can also administer your publishing
on an artist’s behalf.
How is distribution handled? We are distributed by Ryko/WEA in the USA, Universal in France, JVC in Japan and Warner Music in the rest of the world.
Do you have any suggestions/advise for young artists considering submitting material to you?
Start with the music and play out as much as you can, even if your
first shows are in front of your parents and your friends.
Produce music that you are proud of and play as much as you
can. This is where it all starts in my opinion.
Don’t feel you have to use tricks to get a label attention.
Serious label people will and should listen to what they receive.
Do you have any additional comments you’d like to share with our readers?
I'm looking forward to hearing from your Chicago readers and listening to their work.
Thank you very much for your time today!
Jean-Christophe Chamboredon
jc.chamboredon@milanrecords.com
For more information on Milan Records, please visit their official site at: http://www.milanrecords.com