Chasing cash has become an increasing issue for emerging musical talent, but a new guide to funding projects could help, reports Robert Plummer.
With digital downloads, falling album sales and rampant piracy, what's it like trying to establish yourself as a new performer in today's troubled music industry?
Well, in the words of one UK music business professional: "It's like trying to create a hurricane by running around a field in circles."
Tom Quillfeldt tried his hand at being a manager, looking after a friend's career, before moving full-time into music PR.
It's not an experience he's inclined to repeat in a hurry. "You feel like it's you versus a billion other people," he says. "It's so difficult to get exposure and any kind of recognition."
One of the biggest problems facing new acts and their management on both sides of the Atlantic is how to find the funding they need to make an album or finance a tour.
Tom Quillfeldt knows how hard it is to kick-start a music career
"The music industry is about multiple overlapping projects, which create very spiky funding needs," says Mr Quillfeldt.
"You need the money up front long before you see the return from the project. It's very difficult to build a financial model around your business."
With digital downloads, falling album sales and rampant piracy, what's it like trying to establish yourself as a new performer in today's troubled music industry?
Well, in the words of one UK music business professional: "It's like trying to create a hurricane by running around a field in circles."
Tom Quillfeldt tried his hand at being a manager, looking after a friend's career, before moving full-time into music PR.
It's not an experience he's inclined to repeat in a hurry. "You feel like it's you versus a billion other people," he says. "It's so difficult to get exposure and any kind of recognition."
One of the biggest problems facing new acts and their management on both sides of the Atlantic is how to find the funding they need to make an album or finance a tour.
Tom Quillfeldt knows how hard it is to kick-start a music career
"The music industry is about multiple overlapping projects, which create very spiky funding needs," says Mr Quillfeldt.
"You need the money up front long before you see the return from the project. It's very difficult to build a financial model around your business."