6 Rules To Follow When Signing Your Record Contract as an artiste

Signing

Rules To Follow When Signing Your Record Contract as an artiste

Signing a record deal is normally a very complex experience so here are some critical elements you should consider when trying to make it happen.

So you’ve been working hard on your music, and now a record label is interested in signing you. That’s great! But before you sign anything, make sure you know what kind of contract they’re offering and exactly who will be able to use your songs. Here are six rules to follow when signing your first music contract:

Know what you want.

  • Know why you want to sign with a company.
  • Know what you want from the contract.
  • Know what your goals are.
  • Know what you can afford.
  • Know how much money you need to make to live

Read the contract.

Reading the contract carefully is the most important step. Look for clauses that you don’t understand, are vague, or are ambiguous. Also, look out for any unfair clauses and make sure you understand what they mean before signing your name on the dotted line.

Don’t assume anything.

If you are a singer/songwriter and have recently signed a record contract with an artiste agency, there are some things that you need to know. When signing your first contract as a new artiste, it is important not to assume anything. There are several common mistakes that first-time signees make when they enter the music industry. Below are six rules that you should follow when signing your first record deal:

  • Don’t Assume Anything
  • Don’t Assume You Know What Your Contract Says or Means
  • Don’t Assume You Know if You Are Happy With Your Deal (or Not)
  • Don’t Assume Anything

Get advice.

  • Get advice.
  • Get legal advice.
  • Seek out a record label professional who has been there, done that, and thrived in the industry.

Know your options.

Be sure to know your options. There are different types of contracts you can sign, and each one comes with certain pros and cons. You’ll want to weigh them all carefully before signing on the dotted line.

You can find out more about each option by talking with an entertainment lawyer or a manager or even a friend who’s been through it before but if you’re looking for unbiased advice, Wikipedia is a great place to start!

If a company doesn’t respond, find out why.

If you are not getting a response from companies, it is important to ask them why. If you do not get a response, then it is time to start asking what they are going to do about it.

If they cannot explain why they can’t or won’t sign your record contract as an artiste and what they intend on doing about the matter, then chances are that this record label has no intention of signing you.

Never sign a new contract without reading and understanding it first.

Never sign a new contract without reading and understanding it first. The best time to read the contract is before you sign it, not after. If you don’t understand the terms or conditions of the contract, ask questions until you do before signing on the dotted line. Even if your lawyer says that everything is fine, ask yourself whether he/she would be willing to stake his/her reputation on something he/she didn’t completely understand.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that you need to be prepared when you sign your recording contract. Do your homework, read the contract carefully, and don’t rush into it. If something doesn’t seem right or you’re unsure about something then ask for advice from someone who knows what they’re doing like a lawyer or an industry expert!