Music Management Services

Is the record company offering a fair contract?

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When it comes to signing a record company contract, it's important to pay close attention to the fine print. Some key clauses look for include the recoupable costs, royalty rates, and deductions. Recoupable costs refer to the expenses that the record company can deduct from your royalties, such as recording costs or marketing expenses. Royalty rates determine how much money you receive for each sale or stream of your music. Deductions can be applied in various cases, such as for returns or breakage. By understanding these clauses and negotiating them effectively, you can ensure that you are getting a fair deal from your record company.

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What are Neigboring rights?

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Neighboring rights refer to the rights of performers and producers of music, film, and other creative works. These rights include the right to be paid for the use of their work, the right to control their work is used, and the right to be credited for their work. Neighboring rights are an important part of copyright law and help to protect the interests of artists and creators.

Neighboring rights can be collected by registering with a collective management organization (CMO) in your country. These organizations are responsible for collecting and distributing neighboring rights royalties to performers and producers. You can also hire us to handle the collection process for you.

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What is publishing?

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Publishing rights are the rights to a song. If you write a song by yourself, you own the publishing (and copyright) from the moment you finish the song. You don't have to set up shop as a music publisher to own those rights - they automatically come with authorship.

There are actually two halves in every publishing dollar. One of the halves is called the "Writer's Share," and that half almost always stays with the writer for life. The other half is called the "Publisher's Share'" and you own that half as well, unless you sign a publishing or co-publishing deal. You can give up some of the publishing rights you own (typically half or all of the "Publisher's Share") in exchange for a cash advance from a music publisher. The publisher will then act as a songplugger to get your song cut by an artist or placed in a movie or TV show. They don't make money unless they get the song used.

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Why do record companies ask me to fill out Double Taxation forms?

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Double taxation forms are documents that help individuals and businesses avoid being taxed twice on the same income by two different countries. These forms are typically used when a person or company earns income in a foreign country and is also taxed on that income in their home country.

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What is a 360 Deal?

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Generally the concern of global superstars like Madonna, Jay-Z and Paramore, 360 deals grant a label or other major entity (Live Nation, for instance) a percentage of the earnings from an artist’s entire output rather than just record sales. This includes such revenue streams as publishing royalties, concert fees, merchandise sales, ringtones, and endorsement, book and movie deals. 

Make sure you fully understand any contract you are considering, and seek legal consultation whenever necessary, as signing a 360 deal could mean relinquishing some of your publishing rights and lots of potential revenue.

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