episode 16: George Gilbert part 2 – How the Deals Go Down

Stepping away from radio promotion to attend law school, George Gilbert began a record label with the intent of licensing out-of-print R&B titles from Atlantic Records. When financing fell through, George began working on the musical reunion of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman that would eventually result in the release of the multi-platinum ‘Bat Out of Hell 2′.

Listen to part two of Gilbert’s interview as he explains how he convinced label executives that despite having four consecutive flops, Meat Loaf was still as popular as ever. He also tells of how the key man clause in Whitney Houston’s contract lead to the creation of J Records; why musicians are often afraid to audit their record labels; and how the upcoming battle over copyright termination rights is going to be one fierce fight. Hear this and more, exclusively on Between the Liner Notes.

Correction: The copyright act referred to in this interview went into effect in 1978 not 1979. Also, Meat Loaf was signed to Cleveland International not Philadelphia International.

episode 5: Jeff Rabhan – Chair of NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music

When a fateful timeshare tour in Sedona Arizona lead to a chance meeting with the then-unknown singer/songwriter Michelle Branch, Jeff Rabhan became her manager and helmed Branch’s meteoric rise to stardom. Michelle’s success launched Jeff’s career as one of the top artist managers in the world, with a client roster soon including artists such as Kelly Clarkson, Everlast, and Kelis. Rabhan’s company Three Ring Projects released Elliott Yamin’s debut album independently and broke the record for most units sold by an independent artist.

Currently, Jeff serves as Chair of NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music and uses his experience to guide students through the treacherous and ever-changing waters of the music industry.  Listen to Jeff Rabhan share his stories and hard fought wisdom exclusively on Between the Liner Notes.