Members flaming turd Posted April 17, 2008 Members Share Posted April 17, 2008 Well, I posted this in the Music Biz forum, but it's pretty slow... We just recorded the demo in my sig about two months ago, we've been together for about 9 months. We're getting what appears to be serious interest from a small start-up label, but it's one that I think could be effective. I will of course get a lawyer, but should I find one that specializes in this type of thing (music), and where would I find one? Beyond that, what should I look for in the contract myself to make sure we're not getting screwed, that getting the best deal we can? Any tips would be great... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Adam Explosion Posted April 17, 2008 Members Share Posted April 17, 2008 What kind of music do you play? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members JonathanD Posted April 17, 2008 Members Share Posted April 17, 2008 You own your own master tapes. The end. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members flaming turd Posted April 17, 2008 Author Members Share Posted April 17, 2008 What kind of music do you play?The link to my band is in my sig...Take a listen if you don't mind... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members flaming turd Posted April 17, 2008 Author Members Share Posted April 17, 2008 You own your own master tapes. The end. I think that is a very good point that I hadn't thought of. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Nevandal Posted April 17, 2008 Members Share Posted April 17, 2008 you want to own your masters and have complete artistic control Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Keebz Posted April 17, 2008 Members Share Posted April 17, 2008 READ THIS! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members LesPaulCustom79 Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 Know how to read a recording contract or pay a lawyer who does. Don't read contract = get screwed in ( * ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members LesPaulCustom79 Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 The model has changed, there is no money in recording anymore. The $$$ is in playing live in a cover band that plays the old good stuff really well.Recording is boring Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members code_blue Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 Your band is good. Don't sign to some small label that won't be able to do anything for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Steveanders86 Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 you sound pretty good man! hope it all works out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members petelaramee Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 READ THIS!Jesus - Guitarslinger had me rolling with the Judd Nelson/Airheads quotes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Gourd of Ashes Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 Don't sign to some small label that won't be able to do anything for you. good advice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members flaming turd Posted April 18, 2008 Author Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 Thanks guys, keep it coming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members '63-Strat Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 Your band sounds good man Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jaytee123 Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 Talk to an entertainment lawyer. Then get another lawyer to watch him. Get everything in writing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TomCTC Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 Recording is boring lolno. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members flaming turd Posted April 18, 2008 Author Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 Your band sounds good man Thanks man, hope my playing has improved since my last band. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Herald of Light Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 Does anyone really need a "small start up label" with the internets these days? Unless they somehow have some badass distribution hook up, I don't see what the point could possibly be. You can put your stuff up for sale online and make all the profit off of it yourself as it is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members flaming turd Posted April 18, 2008 Author Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 Does anyone really need a "small start up label" with the internets these days? Unless they somehow have some badass distribution hook up, I don't see what the point could possibly be. You can put your stuff up for sale online and make all the profit off of it yourself as it is. Well, money for a full album, he does have dist hookups, and runs nationwide tours with major label bands. And knows lots and lots of people in the industry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Herald of Light Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 Well, money for a full album, he does have dist hookups, and runs nationwide tours with major label bands. And knows lots and lots of people in the industry. Just checking. Long as you know it's worth it to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members weehaw Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 You don't need a lawyer. You probably couldn't afford anyone who is decent and knows what they are doing anyways. Read the contracts s-l-o-w-l-y and re-read them until you understand what they are saying and don't be afraid to negotiate for what you think is fair. Do not transfer ownership or assign your rights, only license your rights for a fair price. Make sure the label has some sort of performance milestones, IOW make sure they live up to their end of the bargain, and if not have clear termination language. If you agree to do something in the contract, make sure it is something you can live out. Don't risk something you aren't willing to lose. Contracts can appear complicated but they really aren't if you use some common sense and read until you understand completely. I don't mean to discourage you from retaining a lawyer but they can be very expensive and you have to be absolutely certain that the product you are trying to sell is worth the investment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members flaming turd Posted April 18, 2008 Author Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 Just checking. Long as you know it's worth it to you. Yeah I hear you man, it's not a done deal or anything, just checking it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members GregMan Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 you guys sound good, man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members PurityS.L.G. Posted April 18, 2008 Members Share Posted April 18, 2008 It's a long shot but just try to get a distribution deal and advertise yourself massively on the internet (myspace, youtube, musician forums, etc). My band has been doing this for under a year and it's worked out great for us. We're distributed in most major retailers like circuit city, best buy, amazon, target, etc. and a spike in some sales from a tour we did along with major self promotion (something record companies lack severley these days), we finally got our album available on itunes and Rhapsody. Basically, do it yourself man. You make your own rules, record companies never outright own you, and you owe waaaaaaay less money per album/song sale when you are only tied to a distribution deal. The only thing record companies are good for is putting you on bigger shows where a larger crowd will attend and get the word spread about your band. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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