Questions about Record Deals

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KanyeDrake

New member
I'm a beginner recording artist, I only have one song out so far, but I was featured in it to record the hook. I know it's not a lot but it's something. I have over 7K followers on social media (They don't know about my music yet). I'm getting new studio equipment sometime this month or next month. I've never used a studio by myself. When I recorded for the first time. I usually let the producer/audio engineer in the studio do all that stuff. I'm usually in the booth. But I do have some friends that are producers that do this kind of stuff. Now, if a record label approached me and vice versa, should I sign with that label? What kind of label should I go with (independent or major) and why is it a good idea to sign to a label
 
While I don't know your situation or your music, if you've never recorded anything besides a hook, I would think it's pretty unlikely that you would be offered a record deal that wasn't from some super sketchy people. However, if they seem legit, here are some factors to consider...
- Do you need money for recording?
- Do you need money for promotion?
- Do you need money for distribution?
- Does the contract require a long commitment from you?
- How much money do you get from your music sales?
- Do they have somebody who is actively looking (and capable) of spreading your music or is it just a dude in basement with a cd duplicator and access to some legal document templates?
- Why do they want to sign you?
- What is their timeline for your project release? Is it realistic?
- Who are the other artists on their label?

Most "record labels" I've come across are little more than a consolidated bandcamp page and soundcloud account. If they don't have any real resources (of any sort) at hand, what's the point in signing? If they do seem like a serious player in the music business and are legitimately interested, you should question their motives in trying out an untested artist with no music to their name. Just some food for thought, not trying to knock on you, just know that many "managers" and "record labels" are just scam artists who aren't talented enough to make music on their own. BE WARY!
 
The Funk Junkie said:
While I don't know your situation or your music, if you've never recorded anything besides a hook, I would think it's pretty unlikely that you would be offered a record deal that wasn't from some super sketchy people. However, if they seem legit, here are some factors to consider...
- Do you need money for recording?
- Do you need money for promotion?
- Do you need money for distribution?
- Does the contract require a long commitment from you?
- How much money do you get from your music sales?
- Do they have somebody who is actively looking (and capable) of spreading your music or is it just a dude in basement with a cd duplicator and access to some legal document templates?
- Why do they want to sign you?
- What is their timeline for your project release? Is it realistic?
- Who are the other artists on their label?

Most "record labels" I've come across are little more than a consolidated bandcamp page and soundcloud account. If they don't have any real resources (of any sort) at hand, what's the point in signing? If they do seem like a serious player in the music business and are legitimately interested, you should question their motives in trying out an untested artist with no music to their name. Just some food for thought, not trying to knock on you, just know that many "managers" and "record labels" are just scam artists who aren't talented enough to make music on their own. BE WARY!
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Which kind of labels are better for a beginner? Major record labels or Independent?
 
Ask yourself do you really want to be signed to a record label in this era as it is/has always been compared to indentured servitude. Everybody can't be major and everybody can't be indie. Labels make and break artists. Are those followers organic or paid? If I were you, I wouldn't sign to anyone. How old are you as age is a definite factor in being signed considering the standard audience for Hip Hop, and since it's been Pop music for the longest time, you will have no control of who you are as an artist.

Today's music business focuses on 360 deals which are sucker deals by another name. The labels want their cut of touring, merch, etc. and the only majors left are the Big 3.
 
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Before you consider any of this, I think you need quite a bit more experience, and a lot more study about how the music business works. There are times when a record label's organization, financial backing, and marketing muscle can come in handy. But you're not ready for that yet. When we talked, you sort of indicated a few misunderstandings, so I would suggest reading:

* https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia...0&keywords=encyclopedia+of+the+music+business

* https://www.amazon.com/Need-Know-About-Music-Business/dp/1451682468


* https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Better-About-Record-Industry/dp/1885726031(I would try to get this at the library; I think I paid $25 for it or something, but since his death, they are charging between $50-$150; pretty shameful)

* https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-...8&qid=1487193878&sr=1-1&keywords=moses+avalon

* https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Sel...9&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=diane+sward+rappaport

And, to bring things into the digital era a bit-- * https://www.amazon.com/Long-Tail-Fu...&qid=1487193963&sr=1-1&keywords=the+long+tail

* https://www.amazon.com/Music-Distri...7193998&sr=1-2&keywords=selling+digital+music


These books are a good _start_...
 
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