You worked hard to build your brand, your sound, and your audience. Yet, artists keep hitting you up for free features, promising “exposure” or a “big break.”
You say yes, but where’s the return? If you’ve done features for free and seen little to no benefit, you’re not alone. Many artists lose money on free collaborations—here’s why and how to turn it around.
Why Free Features Can Cost You More Than You Think
- No Promotion = No Streams
You record a fire verse, but what happens after? If the other artist doesn’t push the song, your effort is wasted. No one hears it, and you gain nothing. - Low-Quality Production Hurts Your Brand
If the song sounds unpolished or the mix is bad, it reflects poorly on you. Your fans associate you with quality—don’t let a weak collaboration damage that.. - Time Spent = Money Lost
Time in the studio, revisions, recording, and even promoting the track all take away from your paid projects. Every hour you spend on a free feature is an hour you could have used to grow your own career.
How to Protect Your Time and Brand
1. Charge a Fee (Even a Small One)
Even if you’re not charging full price yet, setting a base fee filters out unserious artists and ensures you get compensated for your work.
2. Write a Feature Agreement
Before recording, outline terms: Will the artist invest in promotion? How will revenue be split? Who owns the rights? A simple contract prevents problems later.
3. Say No to Low-Quality Productions
If the beat, mix, or song structure is weak, don’t do it. Your reputation is built on quality, and one bad feature can turn off potential fans.
4. Leverage Features for Strategic Growth
If you’re going to do a free feature, make sure it benefits you. Collaborate with artists who have a real audience, a solid marketing plan, and industry connections that can elevate your career.
5. Set Feature Release Conditions
Agree on a minimum marketing budget or promotional plan before finalizing the feature. Ensure they’re as invested in the track’s success as you are.
Every Feature Should Count
You should make it count by setting your terms, protecting your brand, and ensuring every collaboration moves your career forward. Your talent is valuable. But you have to treat it that way, so others will too.
