Before you commit to the dotted line, there are a number of important factors to consider when it comes signing a recording contract. When it comes to major record deals, there are a lot of things to consider. That’s why it’s important to always get a second, or even third, set of eyes on anything that requires a signature and involves your finances. Here’s what to look for before you dive in…
There are five key points to look out for in every recording contract: Term, pay, royalties, deductions, and creative control. In order to do this you must first Do Your Homework, that is doing more research about the label, what do labels look for, What do they consider & Most importantly what you should know at the table. Below are some questions that might help
- What is the label’s track record with your genre?
- Do they have artists that have been signed fared well?
- Is there already an act signed that sounds similar to you?
- What can this label do for you that you can’t currently do on your own?
- Have they listened to your music? What do they have to say about it?
- Have you spoken to them and what is their plan for you moving forward?
- What type of assets can they provide such as production, marketing, finances etc.?
- Royalty rates
- The number of songs to be delivered
- What costs the record company will pay for
- The amount of money the record company will spend on social media campaigns
- What type of music production support they can provide
It is important to point out again that team work makes the dream work. The progression in an artist’s professional career is to attract a label that provides all the necessary elements to get you to the next level.
