Hex Music: Record Deal? No Thanks!

Renegade French group bypasses record deal, taps TV/film business

PARIS (PRWEB) July 11, 2003 -- What do Sex & The City" and obscure French indie group Hex" have in common? More than you think.

Lead singer/lyricist [9]" readily admits that shes a Jane-of-all-trades. Shes worked as a writer/producer with CNNfn, as a clubbing correspondent in Greece, with Time Out" magazine, and in Paris, with Gene Simmons Tongue", and as a freelance copywriter with several NYC ad agencies.

So, settling in to record an album in Paris edgy 20th arr. -- home to the citys best underground artists, musicians, and slam poets -- was just another project for the Renaissance woman.

Unlike hundreds of singers that play live dates, though, [9] is notoriously reclusive. Shes also taking French/American group Hex" in a completely unexpected direction.

Were not interested in a Big Label record deal," says the singer. Ive worked out the economics, and they dont impress me." Depending on the deal, indie groups can actually wind up owing money to the company that signed them.

Instead, the group targets TV production companies and filmmakers who need solid music tracks at reasonable prices.

"Producers have to keep an eye on budget -- theyre paying for acting talent, production resources, location usage -- these costs add up. Next time you watch a show, keep an ear out for the background music -- production companies use thousands of music tracks."

[9] investigated the market, and realized that the group was in a position to provide a truly win-win proposal to producers, music supervisors and filmmakers.

When you look at the cost of usage - lets say youd like to use a song by a well-known artist. Any big name, really.How much is that license going to cost you? Thousands? Closer to millions, depending on the group. If you really want to use a particular song, then you find a way to include the licensing fees in your budget. End of story.

But," she says, "sometimes the fees are completely prohibitive. Compare that to the cost of licensing one of our tracks -- people are getting phenomenal, cutting edge music in exchange for a moderate licensing fee that won't sink their budget. All we did was identify a need and invite people to hear what we had to offer. Word-of-mouth did the rest."

Hex then set up shop as a music publisher and indie label -- that means that TV and film producers or music supervisors who need music clear both master use and synch rights directly through the group. The group also provides tracks to ad agencies that need background music for TV spots.

The group maintains complete client confidentiality, and wont release the names of companies that have requested the service, but does say the majority are household names.

[9] does note that primary research revealed that Sex & The City", CSI" and Scrubs" have all used the hottest, best indie music available. For instance, indie artist Princess Superstars track Wet Wet Wet" was used in a recent Sex & The City" episode.

Its a solution that works for everyone,"[9] says. We continue to make the music we love, and provide a great alternative to producers who are excited about about finding great tracks for their shows."

Its not always easy juggling the vastly different roles of songwriter, music publisher, and indie label co-producer, but she says a grueling work schedule is the price you pay for turning dreams into reality; theres this great Latin proverb, 'Aut viam inveniam aut faciam. It means 'I will either find a way or I will make one.

Daydreaming is fun, but things only happen if you make them happen. So I guess you could say were just trying to make our way."

Is it a trend? She laughs. "I hope were not trendy. We just love what we do, and want to keep on doing it."

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Music library: http://hexmusic.free.fr
Courtesy CD/licensing requests: lyrika@voila.fr
Buy the CD: http://www.cdbaby.com
Interviews: lyrika@voila.fr