SESSION MUSICIANS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
Session musicians are skilled in a particular instrument(s) and, on such basis, are hired for recording sessions or live performances for a specific event or session. They typically are not permanent members of the groups or artistes they play for, hence the word “session” in describing them. They mainly offer their services for a particular recording session or song. The session musicians are usually proficient and highly skilled in their chosen instrument(s), e.g., drums, guitars, keyboards, etc.
When the recording industry began to grow in the early 1900s, record labels had instrumentalists or studio bands employed by the label to play with the artistes as they produced songs. Studio bands and session musicians were in high demand in the mid-1900s, as they were primarily responsible for backing tracks used in productions. In the 1950s and 1960s, multi-tracking was not quite common and not as advanced as we have today.
Due to the rise of the recording industry, the studios were fully booked, and there was little time available for artistes and their bands to record their music. As such, the session musicians had to be highly skilled, with the ability to deliver at such short notice, with minimal takes. This led to them being quite pricey and in high demand. Their role was, however, crucial as they provided the producers with the hits they required through their interpretation of the record via their various instruments. Also, as they were pretty adept in musical knowledge, they could contribute to perfecting the track and making it better.
Whilst advancement in technology has meant that the reliance on session musicians has greatly reduced (at least with regards to recording/production of music), the musicians are still needed for live performances, and some producers and artistes also require them to perform on the record. For example, one of the more popular session musicians in Nigeria is Fiokee, a guitarist who often solos on records. He has played with high-profile artistes, including Davido. Furthermore, in Wizkid’s Blessed (from the Made In Lagos album), the saxophone was played by Malik Venner, who is now a Grammy nominee through his contributions to various records.
The session musicians are also needed for live performances when the artiste goes on tours or has live shows. This is important as, in Africa, live performance is the most prominent source of revenue for artistes. As such, artistes have to ensure that they deliver memorable performances to justify their fees and always get gigs. This has led to many artistes looking for ways to make their performance great, including using dancers and playing live, as opposed to with a DJ. Artistes like Burna Boy, Angelique Kidjo, etc., usually perform with a live band. This live band comprises session musicians who support the artiste while performing.
Even with advanced technology, some sounds are better with a live instrument than using technology. Also, the producer may not just have the skill to come up with the perfect hook, progression or solo needed and may need to get a session musician to do that instead. Furthermore, some sounds may not be available on certain production kits, such as talking drums or local instruments. Thus, where the song needs one, the artiste or producer will have to get a session musician who is skilled in that instrument to play.
In exchange for their services, the session musicians are paid a fee, depending on their rate card, skill, and popularity. The payment can vary from a one-time fee, often the case, to a fee and royalties in the sound recording or publishing (which is not usually common), etc. Overall, it depends on what the parties negotiate. In practise, however, the session musician’s contribution is often seen as a work-for-hire, and all rights are assigned to the artiste, meaning that the session musician does not get any further payment or royalties from the song.
To effect this, the session musician must sign a release form/agreement, where they transfer and assign all the rights in their contribution/performance to the artiste. Where this is not done, they will be deemed as co-contributors/owners of the work. Therefore, artistes must ensure that they sign a release agreement with session musicians whenever they engage one to contribute to their record.
The same also applies in live performances, where the session musician is playing alongside the artiste. The session musicians will co-own the copyright in the sound recording for their live performance. To avoid this, the artiste has to ensure the session musicians sign a release form, where they transfer/assign their rights to the artiste before performing.
In conclusion, whether you are an artiste or session musician, engage an entertainment lawyer before providing your services, or engaging services, to ensure you and your interests are well protected.
SESSION MUSICIANS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
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