If you’re looking to be signed to an independent label or to purchase a recording package with a studio or company, there are a few things you should keep in mind that could effect the success of your album and the state of your bank account.
First of all, make sure you are clear on what rights and agreements you are signing, and how much of the recording process is going to be coordinated and paid for by the label. You should try to maintain as much of the royalties and ownership rights as possible, and its important that you keep your eyes open for licensing and distribution scams – you don’t want to invest all of your time and money into recording an album only to find the label or company will be pressing ten albums in total, and have already sold the licensing to a business around the other side of the world. When you agree to record, the label or company should be completely transparent in their aims and pricing structures (if you’re paying for their services). You should also expect to receive a decent percent of the royalties (after costs) and this should be negotiable. It is possible that the record label will offer a profit share arrangement instead – and this can be a good way to eventually gain a higher percentage of the money made by your album and related sales.
Finally, be clear about who is expected to handle what – in other words, will the company or label supply technicians, producers, and press the album for you? Or are you simply being given the use of a studio and are expected to bring or pay for the expert help yourself? This do-it-yourself approach may appeal to some artists, but can also be a way of cost-cutting for the label, so make sure you are aware of what you’re getting before you sign on the dotted line.
First of all, make sure you are clear on what rights and agreements you are signing, and how much of the recording process is going to be coordinated and paid for by the label. You should try to maintain as much of the royalties and ownership rights as possible, and its important that you keep your eyes open for licensing and distribution scams – you don’t want to invest all of your time and money into recording an album only to find the label or company will be pressing ten albums in total, and have already sold the licensing to a business around the other side of the world. When you agree to record, the label or company should be completely transparent in their aims and pricing structures (if you’re paying for their services). You should also expect to receive a decent percent of the royalties (after costs) and this should be negotiable. It is possible that the record label will offer a profit share arrangement instead – and this can be a good way to eventually gain a higher percentage of the money made by your album and related sales.
Finally, be clear about who is expected to handle what – in other words, will the company or label supply technicians, producers, and press the album for you? Or are you simply being given the use of a studio and are expected to bring or pay for the expert help yourself? This do-it-yourself approach may appeal to some artists, but can also be a way of cost-cutting for the label, so make sure you are aware of what you’re getting before you sign on the dotted line.