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In the latest episode of the Thriving Musician Podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Natalie Jacobs, a seasoned music industry executive and consultant. Her impressive background spans record labels, music publishers, and production music libraries. However, her true passion lies in the often-overlooked world of music metadata. Natalie is on a mission to empower artists, songwriters, and music industry professionals by educating them on the crucial role that metadata plays in the music business. Read on to gain invaluable insights from her journey and expertise.
The Importance of Metadata
Natalie’s journey into the music industry was somewhat accidental. Initially interested in film and television, she found her way into music through copyright administration with Warner Music Group, where she spent over two decades. Her work evolved from copyright and mechanical licensing to systems training and ultimately to the global data operations team. Through these roles, she recognized a significant industry-wide struggle with metadata operations.
Metadata, though often overlooked, is essential for ensuring that musicians are properly credited and paid. Natalie emphasizes the importance of thorough and accurate data entry at every stage of the music creation and distribution process. Whether you are a new entry-level worker at a music company or an established artist, understanding how to correctly input and manage metadata can greatly impact your career.
Financial Insight for Musicians
Natalie also touched on a topic very close to many musicians’ hearts: financial stability. Financial independence is crucial, especially in an industry known for its volatility. Natalie shared her personal financial journey, including positions lost and regained, and the steps she took to ensure financial preparedness.
One key piece of advice she offers is to maintain an emergency fund. She suggests having at least six months of income set aside. This buffer provides financial security and peace of mind, enabling you to survive periods of unemployment without having to make desperate career decisions. Natalie stresses the importance of this fund, as well as other critical financial considerations like healthcare, additional training, and exploring temporary contract work as a bridge between full-time positions and freelance gigs.
Becoming an Entrepreneur
Natalie’s leap into entrepreneurship brought with it numerous financial adjustments and learning experiences. From setting up separate business accounts and managing invoices to navigating the inconsistent income of freelancing, she underscores the importance of organization and financial planning. Her tips include setting clear payment terms, keeping track of expenses, and ensuring a proper support system.
She also highlights the emotional and mental shifts required to succeed as an entrepreneur. Leaving the corporate world provided her with newfound freedom to have more varied and meaningful conversations within the music industry, expanding her network and perspective.
The Future of Music Metadata
Natalie is excited about the future and the ongoing evolution of the music industry. With digital advancements, almost anyone can release music globally with just a few clicks. However, this democratization of music distribution makes understanding and managing metadata even more critical.
Metadata includes various data points such as song titles, artists, songwriters, associated publishers, and identifiers like ISRC codes. Accurate metadata is essential not only for crediting but also for monetizing music. Incomplete or incorrect metadata can delay or prevent payment, leaving artists and songwriters without the compensation they deserve.
Conclusion
Natalie Jacobs’ expertise shines a light on the often misunderstood yet fundamental aspects of the music industry. From mastering the intricacies of metadata to ensuring financial readiness, her insights are invaluable for anyone looking to thrive in today’s fast-evolving music landscape.
Through her work, Natalie continues to empower artists and music professionals, helping them secure the recognition and revenue they deserve. If you’re involved in the music industry, whether a budding artist or a seasoned professional, understanding metadata and managing your finances effectively are key steps toward long-term success.
Connect with Natalie Jacobs
To learn more about Natalie and her consultancy, you can visit her website at Equalizer Consulting, or connect with her on Instagram at @equalizerconsulting and on LinkedIn.
Thanks for listening and keep thriving!
