No matter who you are, from the get-go, music contract terms are negotiable. If you are just starting out in the music industry, it is all a bit overwhelming. But don't worry, it is possible for a "newbie" to receive a fair music contract from a dependable label.
The first thing you have to keep in mind is that in this industry everyone is looking out for themselves first. Even honest labels are going to try to negotiate for their best interests. Beware of the dishonest companies that do not keep the artist in mind at all in the music contract negotiation process. This is why your education and experience with music contracts is so crucial.
One common thing to look out for when discussing music contracts is when you are asked to sign a standard music contract. They may even try to tell you that this is just a formality and everyone signs this particular document. A red flag should pop up in your head, especially if you are told this is your chance of a lifetime. You and your career is unique and so
should be your music contract.
No matter what, you should always ask questions if you have them. If you do this and the label suggest you are insinuating that they are not being upfront with you then they probably are not being upfront. It is your right to ask any question and if it puts your music contract deal in jeopardy then you should ponder why that is. The answer is that this is not an honest company and maybe you should look elsewhere. Don't compromise your career just to sign with someone.
Let them see that you are not just a desperate artist ready to sign on any dotted line. Ask for time to read over the contract with a legal representative or trusted acquaintance. It is imperative that you understand every aspect of the music contract at hand.
You may consider hiring an entertainment lawyer but they are very expensive. If you are someone who can afford this then by all means go for it but most struggling artists cannot. This is o.k. You do not have to hire an attorney to look over your music contract. It is possible to do this on your own or with the help of a friend, manager or family member.
The goal here is to negotiate a fair music contract with a legitimate record label. If a company is honest and forthright then they will be willing to answer any question and explain every clause. Don't just sign because you are desperate to be a signed artist. Sometimes a signed artist is just as bad off as a solo struggling musician when they have signed a bad deal! Be smart and good luck!
Related Articles
A Record Company Defined
By: Ty Cohen | 20/11/2007 | Careers
A music contract is a printed document that outlines, categorizes, explains, defines, and administrates the company relationship between an artist or group, and a record label.
Legal Aspects of the Music Industry
By: Ty Cohen | 20/11/2007 | Music
Whether you realize it or not, the creative side and the business side of the music industry is inevitable linked.
Music Contracts for Managers
By: Ty Cohen | 24/11/2007 | Music
If you are in the music industry, then you have probably considered hiring a good music manager.
Music Contracts and Clauses
By: Ty Cohen | 25/11/2007 | Music
There is no perfect music contract for every single situation. First and foremost, it is important that you have a wide variety of music contracts to choose from and that you and all parties involved understand the content within each specific music contract.
Exploring Demo Deals
By: Ty Cohen | 30/05/2007 | Music
Demonstrational recording deals are not to be confused with actual recording contracts. These deals are made with either an investor or usually a record label itself. They can be considered a prerequisite to music contracts
What Does A&R Really Want?
By: Ty Cohen | 30/05/2007 | Music
So, you are looking for a killer music contract but you can't seem to figure out what A&R Reps really want.
Recording Contracts and Your Rights
By: Ty Cohen | 30/05/2007 | Music
Your rights when it relates to recording contracts and the ones you are giving up are important to understand for any newly signed artist. This will be identified as your "Grant of Rights" clause in your new music contract.
Music Contracts 101: Two Key Parts
By: Ty Cohen | 30/05/2007 | Music
In relation to music contracts there are often two areas, the amount of produce and advancements, that artists need explained.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Music Articles
Steve Glotzer Wins Airplay Direct's "all Things Digital Jazz / Latin Jazz / World"
By: Eric de Fontenay | 20/08/2008
Winner Steve Glotzer will receive the Grand Prize package which is worth over $18,000
Tim Young Releases Third Album 'the Cost' on not Fade Away Records
By: Eric de Fontenay | 20/08/2008
Album to be available through major digital retailers on September 9th
Kazaa Free Music Downloads - O Kazza
By: Ben Levanger | 20/08/2008
In this day and age, millions surf the internet in search of free music downloads. There are numerous websites that offer access to thousands of audio files. Hence, now music buffs can enhance their song collections by downloading music files from these sites.
Free Music Downloads For Itunes - Why You Should Avoid Them
By: Ben Levanger | 20/08/2008
iTunes is the worlds favorite personal jukebox from Apple Inc and is being widely used by Apple iPod owners for organizing all their music and videos in one place. iTunes is noted particularly for its ability to synchronize with Apples favorite music player iPod and iPhone, for transferring music.
Friends and Family Join Ray Brown Jr. on His New Release
By: Eric de Fontenay | 20/08/2008
Ray Brown Jr.'s newest CD, "Friends and Family" is an all-star duets album with Ray joined by some of his well-known musician friends including Dionne Warwick, Dr. John and Sophie B. Hawkins
The Musical Box Tickets—reliving the Wonder of a Genesis Show
By: Andrew Good | 20/08/2008
A tribute band to out-tribute them all, The Musical Box salutes the innovation and celebrates the music of the band Genesis with a spectacular display of creativity.
Musical Starstreams Tapped for Nightly Airing on Wnua, Chicago, #3 National Media Market
By: Eric de Fontenay | 20/08/2008
Long-running syndicated program of exotic electronica on radio, satellite and the internet, Musical Starstreams, commences nightly run in Chicago on WNUA
Nylon Magazine Music Tour Tickets—see Your Favorite Magazine’s Favorite Bands!
By: Andrew Good | 20/08/2008
Alway on the lookout for the hottest new bands? You've read the magazine, now check out the music tour with bands that are tearing through the usual noise at the Nylon Magazine Music Tour.
More from Ty Cohen
Structure Your Song!
By: Ty Cohen | 08/12/2007 | Music
Over the next few minutes, we are going to discuss the beginning basics of how to write a song, the intro, the structure and the verse. Over the next few minutes, we are going to continue on with more tips for the beginner song writer.
Music Contracts and Clauses
By: Ty Cohen | 25/11/2007 | Music
There is no perfect music contract for every single situation. First and foremost, it is important that you have a wide variety of music contracts to choose from and that you and all parties involved understand the content within each specific music contract.
Music Contracts for Managers
By: Ty Cohen | 24/11/2007 | Music
If you are in the music industry, then you have probably considered hiring a good music manager.
How to Structure Your Song
By: Ty Cohen | 24/11/2007 | Music
As a beginner writer, you are probably wondering how to write a hit song. Luckily, you don't have to be an extremely experienced music composer to be a good song writer.
Release Your Own Record: Part Two
By: Ty Cohen | 20/11/2007 | Music
In the past, four tips were discussed on how to do just this; investors, group contracts, work for hire and a budget for advertising, distribution and promotion.
Legal Aspects of the Music Industry
By: Ty Cohen | 20/11/2007 | Music
Whether you realize it or not, the creative side and the business side of the music industry is inevitable linked.
A Record Company Defined
By: Ty Cohen | 20/11/2007 | Careers
A music contract is a printed document that outlines, categorizes, explains, defines, and administrates the company relationship between an artist or group, and a record label.
Majors Vs. Indie, You Decide
By: Ty Cohen | 20/11/2007 | Careers
Simply put, there are two types of record companies, Indie and Major. As you probably know, both have their advantages and both have their disadvantages.
Art and Entertainment 
