P.A.D.
(Play Artist Development)

We have all seen the changes that have taken place within the music industry let alone the entire entertainment industry over the last 10 years.  These changes have occurred not in the arena of outstanding artists or great marketing practices, but more in the downsizing of major labels and music publishers alike.  Thus, leaving the creative outlets for artists, bands, and songwriters to what may seem to be a bleak future.  There are a few theories on this non-phenomenon.  Most blame it on the ‘failing sales’ at retail due to ‘file sharing’.  But in order to have a result such as ‘failing sales’, there has to be a few elements in place that contribute to the ‘failing sales’ which inevitably points the finger at the music industry, itself.  It is a music industry’s job to promote sales and economic growth.  And if an album sells… the music industry takes the all the credit.  But if it fails… they point the finger at such things like file sharing, economic woes, etc., failing to assume any responsibility for its own demise. Then some blame it on the financially over-extended marketing budgets that labels spend on new and existing artists whom never reach the ‘over-projected’ return in sales. Some blame it on the state of radio and the people and communication companies who have been accused of creating a legal ‘pay to play’ scenario encompassing most of the commercial stations in all formats.  The negative trickle down effect of all of the combined reasons above go very deep and results in major labels and well financed ‘indie’ labels not only drastically cutting back on the amount of artists or songwriters being signed each year but also cuts off a lot of opportunity to great new and emerging artists and songwriters.  Thus, making it very difficult for new and emerging artists to feel like they can breakthrough the ‘system’ or even simply make a good living at what they love to do… play and perform music.  Whatever the reason is, there is a solution.

P.A.D, a division of Play Records, LLC, provides multi-faceted marketing solutions and was created with the indie artist, band, label or songwriter in mind. Specializing in innovative forms of artist development that include tour marketing, press, radio, retail, online/offline viral, innovative lifestyle marketing, or all types of media buys, P.A.D. brings forth cost effective brand awareness by intertwining traditional music marketing practices with a truly alternative train of thought and approach. Resulting? In a creative solution that minimizes costs and provides for great brand awareness. By sitting down with each artist and/or label and discussing in depth an artists history, present situation, and future desires and goals, P.A.D. will plan out a cost effective artist development solution that best suits the project or task at hand.

We do not believe in leading anyone on a path leading into unrealistic expectations, where we paint a scenario of an artist selling millions downloads or full albums if we do not think it is possible. We will be quite honest with our thoughts as we want to work with artists, bands, and labels that we enjoy.  There’s more to happiness than misguiding an artist, label, or anyone for that matter, just to make money.  We here at Play Records have all worked for companies that have not only misguided artists but have misguided us and that is why we are here.

Each artists needs are different therefore fee’s are based upon the individual needs of each artist, label, manager, or songwriter, which are discussed in length prior to figuring out what a fee schedule or structure.