The National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM)

What is NARM?

The National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) is the trade association for the business of music, providing the central platform for the discussion of industry-wide concerns and spearheading the implementation of initiatives to advance the business. While primarily focused on physical formats for music for much of its history, NARM has expanded its mission in the past ten years to include all facets of music commerce. This includes physical, digital and mobile outlets as well as gaming, applications, merchandise, video and other ways music is monetized.

Some current NARM programs available include:

• Revitalization of the music industry-wide Give The Gift of Music Downloads  campaign
• The NARM Entertainment and Technology Law Conference Series
• The 2011 NARM Music Business Convention 

The Give The Gift of Music Downloads campaign started over 30 years ago to communicate on simple message, that music is a means of personal expression, thoughtfulness and consideration when given as a gift to a friend or a loved on. 

The NARM Entertainment and Technology Law Conference Series, covers the most update issues dealing with entertainment and law. The most recent conference on November 3, 2011 covered topics of:

• Cloud Media Law: MP3 Tunes, Amazon Cloud Music and Cartoon Network v. Cablevision

Are online services in the clear when providing cloud-based locker services? Are creators cheated by unlicensed cloud-based services? Is it time for Congress to revisit the DMCA safe harbor for user-uploaded content?

• Cloud Media Deals: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly? Or All the Same?

Spotify, Amazon Cloud Player, Apple iTunes Music Store ...So many opportunities, most are fundamentally different. How do you evaluate which deals are good? What are the difference between the models? What are the licensing issues? If regulatory and case law is primarily reactive, then it follows the cutting of music law is contract and how exactly the above questions are answered.

• Creators vs. Corporations: Copyright Termination and Royalty Accounting After the Eminem Case

For decades, there have been issues between creators and their corporate sponsors — record companies and publishers. One issue recently exploded when Eminem successfully sued Universal Music regarding rights and royalties associated with iTunes downloads. Another issue is the 2013 opportunity for artists and songwriters to reclaim assignments of copyright. Is this the dawn of a new day for songwriters and recording artists, or just a bit of turbulence that will be over before we notice?

The Music Start Up Academy is a series of six sessions designed to reduce barriers to entry into the music business for entrepreneurs. The coursework will provide a clear roadmap to success by offering insights in the core structure, legal framework, content deals, business models, and the "nuts and bolts" of getting things done to build a legal, streamlined, and competitive music property. 

The future of the music business is dependent upon technological innovation, but there are very few opportunities that provide the fundamentals of the industry for music entrepreneurs. Whether you are an artist, producer, songwriter, or composer, these are issues that those making music need to be aware of. Artists, producers, and songwriters get so caught up in the creative side, that they forget that this is the music business and the business is just as important as the music. NARM is doing their part in making sure that they provide the resources and materials for artist, producers and songwriters to take care of their hard work.