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This week we catch up with Ric Yerbury, Founder & Chairman at new music technology business SHOUT4. SHOUT4 offers a deal-making and contracting platform for independent musicians, producers, managers and labels looking to finance projects by sharing future income.

Firstly please tell us a little bit about who you are, what you do at SHOUT4 and how you work with music managers and their clients.

As founder and Chairman, my main focus is developing the shared revenue model and driving forward SHOUT4’s strategic plans. Key to all of this is our desire to deliver a solution for managers, artists and labels that enables them to get artists and their projects funded secured through legally binding agreements at a fraction of the normal cost. Having been a manager for many years and listening to other managers and artists we believe we have a clear understanding on how and where we can make a difference

What new music releases are you enjoying currently?

Mumble Tide “Sucker” , Scott Lavene “ Lord Of Citrus” Max Richter “Voices”

What was the last gig you went to before Covid hit in March last year?

Make Friends.

Has has launching a business during a pandemic been for you?

Challenging to not be able to sit down with people but technology has helped. We have found that our model and platform have become even more relevant as the economic pressures resulting from the pandemic on our industry have grown. The loss of live music for at least 18 months is a serious loss of revenue for all parts of the industry which have not been replaced by the growth in streaming sales.

At what stage do you think it makes sense for artists/managers to look at SHOUT4 for contracting and financing solutions?

As soon as possible really. Understanding the opportunity that shared revenue agreements represents is important as they represent a good way of doing business for all parties. To get some early discussions going with potential producers, PR agencies etc would be a smart thing to do. Once they understand the value of these agreements, it takes a matter of minutes to complete them.

Do you think there are any positive opportunities or changes in the music industry you believe we will see once we’re through the other side of all this (Covid)?

I do think people increasingly believe that the artists should be retaining their rights and avoid assignment. They are proving resilient in their ability to make their music even through lockdown. The impact of the digital revolution across the industry points only one way which is for the artists and their managers to take far greater control of their destiny . Managers equally are far more aware of the wider opportunities and while the classic 20% on a big advance from a major may still be the dream for some, most are a) respectful of the artists and the benefit of retaining rights and b) very aware of the economic challenges their artists face.

Is there anything you would like to say to managers who are considering using SHOUT4 but are unfamiliar and not quite sure how the platform will fit into their workflow?

First and foremost, jump on the platform and have a play with it. You will rapidly see how simple the process is. Equally we are a new product and of course keen to learn from your experience in using our platform. We have been very fortunate already in having some fantastic feedback. So please feel free to let us know how you get on. We are here to be part of a revolution with you.

Thanks Ric and SHOUT4! MMF Members can benefit from SHOUT4 by visiting shout4.tech/mmf