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Don’t Sign a Music Contract Before Reading This
Music Contract Breakdown, Remembering DJ Deeon, and the Best Headphones for Your Buck in This Week’s Newsletter
The Producer
July 21, 2023
Hey there! This week we're getting into what you need to know before you sign a record label contract, we honor DJ Deeon, give you our pic for best studio headphones, and our track of the week. Let's get it!
Don’t Sign a Music Contract Before Reading This
Ever felt like you're navigating a maze when dealing with music contracts? You're not alone. The music industry has seen a massive evolution, and so have the contracts that come with it. But don't sweat it, we've got your back. Here's the lowdown on what you need to know:
1. Contract Terms: It's All About Time
The term of the contract is all about its duration. It could be measured in years or based on the number of albums or releases. Labels often prefer longer terms to maximize their investment and control over your projects, especially if you become popular. But as an artist, you might prefer a shorter term. This allows you to reassess your situation and potentially negotiate better terms if things are going well, or pivot and try a different approach if they're not.
2. Show Me the Money: Understanding Your Pay Structure
The two primary sources of income from a record deal are the record advance and royalties. The record advance is an upfront payment made before the release of the project. But remember, this advance is recoupable, meaning it's essentially a loan that you'll need to pay back through your music's earnings.
Royalties, on the other hand, are a percentage of the revenues generated from your music's sales, streams, and licenses. They're only paid once the label has recouped its investment. The higher your advance and expenses, the longer it will take to start earning royalties.
3. Royalty Rates: The Devil's in the Details
Royalty rates can vary significantly depending on the type of deal and the label. Smaller labels might offer a profit split, while larger labels might offer a percentage of royalties to artists. It's crucial to understand that royalties are not paid until the label has recouped its investment in the project.
4. Deductions: The Hidden Costs
Deductions are expenses that are taken from the revenue before it's split between the label and the artist. These can include costs for marketing, production, physical manufacturing, and more. These deductions reduce the amount of revenue available to recoup your advance and pay your royalties.
5. Creative Control: Keep Your Art Yours
One of the most critical aspects of a music contract is who has creative control over your music. This includes decisions about how and where your music is sold and marketed, as well as creative aspects like album artwork and music videos. While labels often have a say in these decisions, it's essential to retain as much creative control as possible.
6. Perpetual Contracts: The Trap to Avoid
Perpetual contracts, or contracts that last forever, are a red flag. These contracts tie you to a label indefinitely, which can limit your freedom and flexibility as an artist. Always ensure that there's a clear end date to any contract you sign.
7. Royalty Splits: Know Your Worth
Royalty splits determine how much you earn from your music. These splits can be complex and vary depending on the type of revenue (e.g., streaming vs. physical sales). Make sure you understand how these splits work and that they're fair.
8. Label Tricks: Stay Woke
Labels have been known to use various tricks in their contracts. This can include things like bundling rights, where the label ties the music contract to other aspects like merchandising or publishing, or low royalty rates hidden in complex contract language. Always read the fine print and consult with a legal professional if needed.
Remember, a music contract can make or break your career. It's not just about getting signed; it's about understanding what you're signing up for. Always read any proposed agreement carefully and consult with a legal professional if you're unsure about anything. Your music is your livelihood, so protect it with the same passion with which you create it.
Track of the Week:
Industry News: R.I.P. the legendary DJ Deeon
We've lost a true legend in the electronic music scene. DJ Deeon, the mastermind behind the ghetto house genre, passed away on July 18th. The news hit his Facebook page, letting us know he was surrounded by loved ones during his final moments.
DJ Deeon wasn't just an artist; he was a force of nature in the music industry. He took elements of Miami bass, southern rap, and Chicago house and spun them into something entirely his own. Alongside other big names like DJ Funk, DJ Milton, and DJ Slugo, he was at the forefront of the ghetto house sound in the early '90s. His tracks, including "Freak Like Me," "WANNA GO BANG," "House-O-Matic," "Let Me Bang," and "Ride This MF," have become anthems in the electronic music world.
Even while battling health issues like diabetes and pneumonia, DJ Deeon never stopped making music. Just this May, he dropped four EPs in just 24 hours, showing us all his passion for music never waned.
As someone who's been deeply influenced by ghetto house music, DJ Deeon's passing hits hard. His impact on the genre is immeasurable, and his music has been a huge inspiration for many artists, myself included. His legacy will continue to reverberate through his music and the countless artists he has inspired.
DJ Deeon's passing is a stark reminder of how fleeting life can be, but also of how music can endure. His work has touched so many of us, and his influence will continue to shape the electronic music scene for years to come. Rest in peace, DJ Deeon. Your music will keep inspiring and moving us.
Mixing your own tracks? You need top-notch headphones. Monitors and an acoustically treated room are great, but they can cost a fortune. On a budget? Go for pro open-back headphones and a software like Sonarworks.
Our pick? The Beyerdynamic DT 900 PRO X. They're the durable upgrade of a classic, perfect for top-tier mixing and mastering without the hefty price tag. With balanced sound and comfort for those long sessions, they're a solid choice for professional sound without breaking the bank. Get them here.
Upcoming Events:
The Wednesday Roast - Twitch stream at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on July 26th, 2023. Get feedback on your track mixdowns and ask production questions!
E.R.N.E.S.T.O's links that don't suck:
The Broken English Traxx Dad Hat! (in stock)
Listen: Top 10 Tracks of the Month | Spotify | Apple Music
The Label: Broken English Traxx
Meme of the Week:
