How Not to Get Screwed as an Artist

[jclay12345]

First off, I did a search and did not find anything so forgive me if this was already covered in a past thread. If it was, please kindly point me in the right direction.

If you are getting a deal as an artist, what types of things would you negotiate contract wise? I'm talking the number of albums within that contract, music rights, how much you get paid, everything. Pretty much I want to know how not to get screwed as an artist.

 

[shadeed]

First off, I did a search and did not find anything so forgive me if this was already covered in a past thread. If it was, please kindly point me in the right direction.

If you are getting a deal as an artist, what types of things would you negotiate contract wise? I'm talking the number of albums within that contract, music rights, how much you get paid, everything. Pretty much I want to know how not to get screwed as an artist.

To cover all that clay, would take a couple pages to type. I suggest that you read Donald Passman's books and Moses Avalon's titles as well. These won't teach you everything, (as things change rapidly) but it will give you a good overview on basic music biz terminology.

Question: Would you open up a Walmart, if you had no idea how a retail franchise is operated??? The answer is no, and the point I'm trying to make here is that music IS a business, so if I were you, I wouldn't sign ANY agreement, contract unless I know exactly what I'm getting into, which includes hiring the right people to represent you.

A common misconception most people have is that you can get signed overnight, naaah bro, there's a lotta meetings that go into signing an artist.

One thing I suggest is build a buzz, the more sales (UPC barcoded sales, not "hand-to-hand) you can account for, the more leverage you will have going into a negotiation with a label, I'm speaking in general terms here, but you won't get a deal these days if you're not making any noise and doing shows. You can find a million articles on google, do the research and read the books mentioned and you'll be straight!

 

[jclay12345]

To cover all that clay, would take a couple pages to type. I suggest that you read Donald Passman's books and Moses Avalon's titles as well. These won't teach you everything, (as things change rapidly) but it will give you a good overview on basic music biz terminology.

Question: Would you open up a Walmart, if you had no idea how a retail franchise is operated??? The answer is no, and the point I'm trying to make here is that music IS a business, so if I were you, I wouldn't sign ANY agreement, contract unless I know exactly what I'm getting into, which includes hiring the right people to represent you.

A common misconception most people have is that you can get signed overnight, naaah bro, there's a lotta meetings that go into signing an artist.

One thing I suggest is build a buzz, the more sales (UPC barcoded sales, not "hand-to-hand) you can account for, the more leverage you will have going into a negotiation with a label, I'm speaking in general terms here, but you won't get a deal these days if you're not making any noise and doing shows. You can find a million articles on google, do the research and read the books mentioned and you'll be straight!

Preciate it, I will check out that book.

I know you can't get signed overnight. I'm not one of these anxious, sign the first deal I see people. Not to brag or anything, but buzz, sales, and good music is not a problem. We are in talks with a major label. But when we meet with them, I want to make sure we have all of our stuff together and that we know what we want first and foremost before we talk with them. If the deal is not what me and my group members want, we are not going to sign.

I already have some ideas of what I want as an artist, but I wanted to make sure that I didn't overlook anything that may be important.

The way I look at it is this, we are going to do music anyway. If one label wants us, somewhere down the line others will too. If not, it is cool cuz we will continue to push under our label. It has gotten us this far and we can't do anything but grow.

Oh and about someone representing me, I know a lot of ya'll look down on this, but I don't think anyone can represent me as well as I can.

 

[shadeed]

The way I look at it is this, we are going to do music anyway. If one label wants us, somewhere down the line others will too. If not, it is cool cuz we will continue to push under our label. It has gotten us this far and we can't do anything but grow

That's the best approach, because these labels are definitely like scandalous chicks, if you are shining they will all want you, and if a pretty chick want you, then all the other pretty ones will start boppin on you too.

I viewed your site and you guys are pushin product so that's cool, just make sure you got proper representation (entertainment lawyer, not some injury attorney from tv) in your corner, read and highlight the books I've suggested many times and you'll be fine.

Your deal will be based on your buzz, so get it poppin down in the TX!!

 

[Equality 7-2521]

despite there being simple guidlines for what should and shouldnt be in a contract, this shit is technical and therefor you should hire a lawyer with knowledge in the music field before you sign on the dotted line. they will read the technical language and explain it to you in simple terms and make sure you arnt about to get fucked. and ofcourse they can also negotiate for you to get you way better deals. lawyers cost money, but hiring onein this situation pays.

 

[jclay12345]

thanks again shadeed. I'm going to go check out the secrets of Negotiating a Record Contract book during lunch.

despite there being simple guidlines for what should and shouldnt be in a contract, this shit is technical and therefor you should hire a lawyer with knowledge in the music field before you sign on the dotted line. they will read the technical language and explain it to you in simple terms and make sure you arnt about to get fucked. and ofcourse they can also negotiate for you to get you way better deals. lawyers cost money, but hiring onein this situation pays.

Equality 7-2521, no, I disagree. Like you said, lawyers cost money. That's money we can use to invest in more product to sale and make more money. It's no guarantee that getting a lawyer will get us a good deal. Trust me, I am not signing anything until I read and understand everything on that contract. I'm a pretty smart person, but for some of the things I may not understand, that is where my college friends of other expertice come in to play. One of my business partner's uncle is an entertainment lawyer too. He has agreed to help us when needed. But again, I don't think anyone can represent me better than I can. I want to have control of my future. That's too much responsibility to give to someone I am hiring. I agree, I will need a lawyer in the future. But not for this.