Music Business Tips
Got an email this morning from Skyz- “What are the important things to consider in the music business, as a music producer and artist?”
Let me start by saying that there are more than just a few things that are important but always make sure you get good advice. As you probably know there are quite a few sharks in this business and it is quite easy to steer wrong if you are not careful. Therefor always educate yourself about the business side of music. It doesn’t matter how talented you are or how much money you got, if you don’t make the right decisions, if you don’t meet the right people or if you don’t sign the right contract, chances are that you are not going to make it!!
Start by reading a few books on the business side of music. I recommend “All You Need To Know About The Music Business” by Donald Passman. It’s a great book about the business side when it comes to contracts, dealing with lawyers, record companies and so on. You can get it here at Amazon.
To learn about marketing, specially if you are considering releasing your music yourself, I can recommend “Start And Run Your Own Record Label” by Daylle Schwartz.
Get A Lawyer
But even if you have read all the books and know more than most people about the music business, once it comes down to signing a contract of any kind you will need the help of a entertainment lawyer. Don’t ever sign anything without first running it past your lawyer. I know they are not cheap, usually cost 300 dollars and up an hour, but chances are he or she will be able to improve the conditions in the contract. Often to the extend where you will end up profiting more than the cost of the lawyer and it can save your music career if something goes wrong.
When choosing a lawyer always make sure you get a specialist who knows the ins and outs of the music business. You might have a family relative who is a lawyer but unless he is a specialist in the music business you will still need an entertainment lawyer. If you can, get a referral from a friend or at the very least when you take the first meeting ask for a couple of referrals from the lawyer. Usually the initial introduction meeting is free of charge. In most circumstances the lawyer will charge an hourly fee but depending on the type and amount of work required sometimes the lawyer will work for a percentage of the advance coming to you. Typically this is in regards to a recording contract or a publishing contract where you would get an advance on future royalties.
Johnny Jam
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
On my way to exploding into the industry, i came across your site. Very useful information is displayed in an orginized, and easy to access manor. This information is highly appreciated. I am starting an orginization, through music, to provide priceless jewels in todays communities. Our future is always now. I am reaching out to the grandparents, parents, family members, business owners, and youth of tomorrow. We must provide leadership to enhance the thinking, and quality of life for each other. I am looking foward to additional information that would assist in propelling this vision .
Thank you much!
yes this info is indeed useful and more importantly, well organized.
I’m studying electronics engineering in college. i am already into beat making and online music promotion.
To get into production, is there a course i’ll have to do after college- like music technology or is the college degree enough ? can i skip the “get coffee for the chief engineer” step if i am not an amateur and well qualified for the job ?
and is it suitable to get into music engineering industry via radio ?
because electronics- has applications at both places a music studio and a broadcasting studio.
Hi, I was just wondering what kind of paperwork will need to be involved when pursuing a career as a music producer. Is the income as a music producer stable enough to manage recording fees?
Usually you will need a lawyer to negotiate the various contracts. This can end up being quite expensive and if you are mostly being offered smaller independent projects there are usually not a big enough budget to cover expensive lawyer fees. In these cases I have a few standard contracts prepared by lawyers that I use instead each time. It is not as flexible but it works. You can buy these contracts online.