Al McWilliams: Filtering and Monetizing Music

Al McWilliams is reconciled to the fact that the music industry can no longer support itself through the sale of CDs. He is currently experimenting with different business models that recognize this fact.

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In this 10 minute podcast (download iPod compatible, 51MB), Al McWilliams describes Quack Media's role in the multilayer filtering system that brings musical acts to the public's attention. Currently, Quack plays the role of an indie label, discovering local bands and then signing them to recording contracts where Quack pays a royalty on record sales.

A central issue in the music industry is that it has become harder to make money. In part, large record labels may have lost touch with their public and no longer provide music the public wants. In part, the rise of the mp3 (a free digital music format) may have taken the bottom out of prices in the music business. At any rate, Al feels that the classical model of monetizing music through record sales no longer works.

Al is currently experimenting with something he calls a music partnership and has signed a prominent local band, The Hard Lessons, to one such contract. At the time of the interview, Al would not go into details because the contract was still pending. Based on a read of Quack's website, the contract seems to be based on a fuller promotional package oriented toward events.

4 Comments

Shawn Nester on November 10, 2008 8:34 PM

Great interview! It's nice to see someone from around here who's actually done something innovative that seems fun to me. It seems like most people just settle for whatever they fall into but not this Al McWilliams fellow. It sounds like Quack media would be a fun place to work with something to look forward to everyday. I definetly agree with his views on the music industry and how latley the "filters" for the mass media have been doing a pathetic job of well, ..their job. While they piss and moan about piracy and how it hurts sales they still manage to release the exact same clone, pop, rust for music and then shortly after that clone is seen on celebrity rehab. Anyways, im looking forward to seeing what else happens with Quack media and I hope that they continue to set a new standard in the way people look at the music industry nowadays. I recently listened to Tally Hall, their pretty creative and definetly a change to everything else I've heard latley. I also saw the interview on the Late show which was pretty hilarious. Well, I'm done ranting and raving but this company seems pretty cool and relaxed I hope you guys go far. By the way, what are some of the local bands your going to be promoting soon? thanks, Shawn

Sarah Butler on November 16, 2008 2:04 PM

I found Al to be a little unconventional from the normal entrepreneur and I loved it. I enjoyed hearing how the company has changed over time from where it started. I believe as entrepreneurs that we have to keep a wide span of views on the vision of our company and realize it could become than we initial planned for. Al also utilized great point about making small but important changes, a move from 1 to 2 title at a time may not seem huge but growth in moderation is vital. I think companies often expand too quickly, biting off more than they can chew. He spoke about his "board" which in my mind is a constant visual reminder of what the company has to do and where they are going. All in all, I loved this interview. Establishing themselves as a business and watching them grow should be entertaining, no matter what industry they end in ;-)

William Larkins on November 18, 2008 11:19 AM

I think this is a great innovation to a market that has already established itself. Kind of "off the wall" but brilliant in my mind. I see you doing well in the future because of the constant changes in technology and the market. I see a lot of companies turning to your approach to the market in the near future. It’s a good idea and I like that you’re going forward with it. 4 years and you seem to be enjoying yourself and your company. I was wondering about the hours you put in. Since it is a website do you find hours to be more demanding or less? Do you find yourself up till 3 even morning editing and making new material for your business? One last thing before I go. DON'T CHANGE AND DO PORN. PORN is bad. Thanks for the interesting interview.

Mark Meyer on March 30, 2010 10:42 AM

Hello Al McWilliams, I am a student in the college of business at Eastern Michigan University and I was intrigued and impressed by your innovative business idea. In a seemingly difficult industry to make a name, it appears you have done just that. I am curious to know what all you investment you needed to start Quack Media. Did you need a large amount of money to initially equip yourself sufficiently to begin your productions? You mention in the video that you have two shows currently on air. How did you go about getting your work seen by Network/Cable representatives? What kind of shows do you produce; cartoons, dramas, sitcoms? I see that you attended Eastern Michigan University as well. Did you get a degree in business; electronic media and film? Did you start Quack Media right out of college, or was it already up and running? I imagine it could be hard to manage television, live performance music/bands, and print medias simultaneously. Also, if you had one suggestion or piece of advice to pass along to an entrepreneur what would it be? It is really refreshing and motivating to see a successful entrepreneur making things happen, especially with the way the economy has been and is today. You mentioned you would like to see an additional show being produced or essentially some growth in all areas of business. How do you plan to initiate that goal? Are all of the necessary elements already in place and therefore, it’s just a matter of time? Great interview and a fantastic business idea! Thanks, Mark Meyer

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