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Five Steps to Protecting Your Music and Your Money
By Jeromie Frosty
There are a lot of independent labels out there waiting to use a talented musician to make
quick money. The offers may seem hard to refuse, especially if you are a struggling artist
or band that has struggled to get a record deal. A little money and exposure may seem great
for the moment, but you run a high risk of getting contractually bound to that record label
for the rest of your life. If a better deal comes along later, you may not be able to accept
it, or you may get robbed of your rightful percentages.
All of this I learned the hard way. I was very fortunate to be able to get myself out of
trouble and get a fresh start in the music business. I also took time to educate myself
through books and the experiences of others, as well as mys own, to conceive a plan on how
to avoid a repeat of what happened once before. This plan I believe will be very helpful for
you ambitious artists pursuing your dreams. It is put into five easy steps, but make sure to
read the details listed within each step.
1. Copyright your music
This is one of the most important things you can do to protect your music. Take the time,
fill out the forms. There have been many instances where a person wrote a song and nothing
ever came of it. Years later a signed band steals their song and remakes it. The original
artist had it copywritten and sues the other record label for thousands if not millions of
dollars. Instant riches! Protect your tunes.
2. Understand what you really want from your music
Figure out whether you are looking to sell your songs to record companies, or be the band and
artist who performs the songs. There is good money in just writing songs for other bands. Ask
for a percentage if that is your decision, because that will generally make you much more
money in the long run than an up front payment. The only thing you sacrifice by writing
instead of performing is the fame and exposure. Also, determine how much you stand behind
your music. Are you willing to allow the record company to make several changes to your songs
and try to mold you into “their sound”? How much do you believe in your product?
3. Get a contract lawyer and agent
You need an agent to represent your band to the record labels. This person doesn’t need to
be an established agent in the business. It can be a friend or relative if they can talk
assertively and won’t make any quick decisions without consulting the band. The record
companies only want to talk to one person, not three, four, or five members of a band.
It gets too confusing for them and they don’t have the time. Make sure they are looking
out for your best interests and not theirs.
A contract lawyer is especially important. Just call around and find a local lawyer who
specializes in contracts. When it comes time to sign the dotted line, make sure the lawyer
is by your side. Don’t sign any contracts or documents until you and your lawyer have taken
time to read them thoroughly and make a decision. If a record company is rushing you to sign
any papers, walk away. Patience should be allowed to you if they are truly interested. If
they rush you, they are planning to manipulate you.
4. Promote yourself tirelessly
Artists have been discovered a number of different ways. Every band has a different story.
Use every media avenue you can to expose yourself nationally. Unless you live in L.A., New
York, or Atlanta, local exposure isn’t going to be enough. Think big with your music!
5. When offers are made, research them well before committing
Don’t take the first offer made to you, only unless it’s a major record label and you
researched what they offer very well. Signing bonuses are nice, but long term percentages
are most important. Every artist gets a different percent with their label. The longer you
have been in the business, the better your percents will get. Don’t get too greedy. Aim
high and let them work you down. Twenty-five percent on the total profits on you album is
very high. Most bands don’t get that. Remember, the suits and ties are the ones who make the
big money. Without them, you are just selling CD’s out of the back of your trunk. If you don’t
write your music, your percentages won’t be near twenty-five percent. Singer/songwriters make
more money.
Good luck as you venture into the formidable music industry. There are several independent
labels that are legit, but there are thousands of them that aren’t. Be careful and try to
follow these steps listed above. I hope you can gain good fortune using these five steps.
Jeromie Frost is a singer, songwriter and recording artist. His story and music can be
accessed at http://www.jeromiefrost.com
Article Source:http://www.Ezinarticles.com
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