First Time Deals- Are They Always Trying To Catch You Out?

[elliot1981]

First Time Deals- Are They Always Trying To Catch You Out?

Recent news stories have re-ignited the belief that the music business is still an unfair world that heavily favours label bosses and executives. Despite a resurgence in the mid nineties and a record high in new bands being offered deals it seems that we are back to the “good old days “ of the eighties when bands were being exploited without even realising it. It all boils down to profits. When labels are making lots of money they will offer more deals that are considerably fairer with long term benefits. When less money is being made, labels will offer fewer deals that are far less credible. So even if you are offered a deal it is likely to contain terms that are hugely different to those offered during a more prosperous time.

The current pattern of the industry means that things will change but it is so important now to make sure a deal offered does give the band a chance of success. Bands must be aware of the clauses to look out for even before they get proper advice from a lawyer.

A first time deal is likely to be the most important of any band’s career. It will hopefully give them a platform to prolonged success. Many labels nowadays are simply looking for a short-term fix due to the changing nature and development of record sales. They may not necessarily be looking to catch you out but will always be aware of their own interests and may well hide this within the terms of a contract.

[Velvett Fogg]

Hi elliot1981,

First of all

WELCOME to the Forum,

the best one of it's kind.

Thanks for your advice, and advice, that should be taken in, by all musicans.
Back in the good, 'bad' old days, we were all, (myself included,)
taken in by 'dodgy' deals.

However all is not lost in the business,
I trusted a record company, that came onto
my web-site, offered me a recording contract,
and everyting turned out brilliantly,
with an album release in the next two weeks.
They paid an advance many months up front,
and everything has been above board.

So, there is hope for the business,
but beware, the rogues are still out there!

[Stereo Junkie]

I myself have signed several contracts for various things, usually for one song at a time, it is easy to get caught out and once you've signed something... you could be seriously tied into something that is extremely prohibitive musically, so if you do need to sign a contract then it is worth spending some time checking over any paperwork and basically, if there is anything that looks dodgy or you don't understand then seek professional advice.

Many bands have fallen foul of bad contracts. And if you are worth your salt, the chances are that the record company might know this from the off and look out for their own interests more than you may imagine despite all the bullsh1t talk.

[elliot1981]

I myself have signed several contracts for various things, usually for one song at a time, it is easy to get caught out and once you've signed something... you could be seriously tied into something that is extremely prohibitive musically, so if you do need to sign a contract then it is worth spending some time checking over any paperwork and basically, if there is anything that looks dodgy or you don't understand then seek professional advice.

Many bands have fallen foul of bad contracts. And if you are worth your salt, the chances are that the record company might know this from the off and look out for their own interests more than you may imagine despite all the bullsh1t talk.


Great advice-I couldn't have put it better myself!

I am seeing an increasing number of offers to Uk bands from U.S based labels. It is vital that you have these contracts analysed professionally as they are often incredibly long winded and may have sections that simply do not apply to you.

[Dave Scotford]

Hi there!

As I'm running my own label myself I'd like to throw in my 2 cents if i may!

I know that there are rogues out there that try and tie people into horrible contracts that are really unfair on the artist - and unfortunately, the industry in terms of labels isn't that well looked after. Other than help from the PPL (and even they only represent members in terms of collecting royalties!) and other groups like that, then there isn't much regulation - maybe its time there was some sort of governing body?

Too often there are horror stories about labels forcing unneeded and unfair terms on the artist. Why should the label be allowed to do this when at the end of the day - it's the artists music and the label should be there to help and not just to profiteer.

That's why with every contract that we have done we've had informal meetings with the artist to talk about what they want included, the contracts are written in plain English with very little, or sometimes no 'Legal Mumbo-Jumbo in there, and the contract can be emailed between the label and the artist unlimited times with the artist free to negotiate and edit the contract and send it back to me. After all, the artist should be in control of their own music's destiny!

If the label really, and I mean really, wants the artist that badly, then they will be willing to negotiate on terms in contracts, and willing to make compromises where needed to. There are a lot of labels out there, I'd advise not jumping into a contract just because a label has shown an interest when you'll have to accept terms you really don't like.

I'd always recommend speaking to someone with specialist industry know-how when you've been offered a contract, like music lawyer, just to check everything over and make sure everything is okay with what you have been offered.

If a label contacts you then make sure you research them really well. FInd out as much info as you possibly can about them - find out and talk to artists who have worked with them before and see what their experience was, ask to take a tour of their office (if they don't work from home that is as a fair few small indie labels do!) take a look around their websites, myspace or other profiles - the more info you know about them, the better! :)

Hope some of that can help anyone looking for a deal with any record label :)

[Miniking]

Priceless info guys. This forum is the best I have found, by far.