Music Contracts 101: Exploring Recording Contracts by: Ty Cohen In the music industry, there is an insane amount of variety in the types of music contracts out there. If you are thinking of busting into the music industry, then it is a good idea to explore the business side of it. You need to educate yourself on the types and legalities of music business contracts before hopping in. First, recording contracts are arrangements between the artist and the label. This is where the artist makes a record and the label sells it. Once recording contracts are signed with the label, the company will own all rights, copyrights, to that record. More often than not, the artist is unable to record or perform under any other label. An exception to the above rule is under something termed as a distribution deal. This is where someone else, meaning you or your manage for example, owns the copyright but the album is licensed to the label for a set period of time which will be stated under the terms of the music business contracts. You may choose to include an opt-out clause in music contracts. This generally states that if the popularity of an artist decreases or they fail to sell records then they can be dropped. This can be great for a record company but ultimately not so great for the artist. It protects the company but also encourages the artist to perform and produce at the highest levels. The following items are what you will find inside recording contracts: definitions, terms and commitments, exclusivity, grant of rights and copyrights. You may also see sections such as, advancements, royalties, recording costs, publishing, group provisions, creative control and cost control. Lastly, music contracts may contain; tour support, equipment, producers, accounting, promotional terms, miscellaneous and a line to sign on. Music business contracts are complex but educating yourself with the basics your first step in the right direction. About the Author: Ty Cohen, the online music industry's most recognizable voice is the former owner of a successful independent record label, current owner of Platinum Millennium publishing and nation-wide music industry seminar speaker and panelist. He is also the author and creator of over 40 best-selling music business books, reports, courses, audio products and other music industry "How to" resources, that have helped tens of thousands of individuals like you to successfully find their way in the music business. Visit http://www.musiccontracts101.com/cmd.php?Clk=2417384 for more information on Music Contracts, Recording Contracts and Music Business Contracts.

Avoid the Burn of a Bad Music Contract by: Ty Cohen If you are involved with any aspect of the music industry, then you will run across a time where music contracts will be involved. But you have to be very careful in the music industry. If you are one of the lucky ones that have made it so far to be offered a contract then you are definitely on the right track. Unfortunately, recording contracts can be tricky and you need to make sure you have someone watching your back before you sign. Some top dogs in the music industry have notoriously taken advantage of the young, naïve or just plain desperate. Don’t fall victim to bad music business contracts! That is the best advice you can be given. The excitement of being offered a contract should never alter your judgment of the terms in music contracts or recording contracts. You have to be on the defense at all times in the music industry. I mean, we are talking about your career and your money, after all. People who only have your best interest in mind are the only people you should be involved with. That is the bottom line. recording contracts, for example, should allot you the biggest share of any profits just to start. Always keep in mind that when you sign music business contracts that you are signing a real, no holds barred legal document. This document can make you or absolutely break you so you have to be on guard. Also, you need to make sure that everything promised to you is written down and included in the music contracts. Unfortunately, a man’s word is just not as good as it used to be. You can’t argue a handshake in court. You may be wondering if you need legal help at this point. Well, you do not technically need a lawyer to read a document for you. If you don’t feel confident that you understand absolutely every word contained within, then you should question it. If you feel like your question about the recording contracts is being avoided, then consult legal assistance. The music industry is a tough business. Fully understanding music contracts is an even harder business. Not every company, manager or label is devious and out to get you. But you do need to be aware of those that are. Don’t become overzealous and sign anything placed before you. Take the music business contracts home, review them with your band members. Then make notes on questions you may have or areas that you feel are up for revision. About the Author: Ty Cohen, the online music industry's most recognizable voice is the former owner of a successful independent record label, current owner of Platinum Millennium publishing and nation-wide music industry seminar speaker and panelist. He is also the author and creator of over 40 best-selling music business books, reports, courses, audio products and other music industry "How to" resources, that have helped tens of thousands of individuals like you to successfully find their way in the music business. Visit http://www.musiccontracts101.com/cmd.php?Clk=2417387 for more information on Music Contracts, Recording Contracts and Music Business Contracts.