A recording contract may seem like the deal of a lifetime, especially for budding artists new to the entertainment industry. It is a legally binding agreement between the recording artist and the record label, where the former gives the latter rights to promote and sell the song, album or record they create. Because artists yearn for the opportunity to have a record label discover them, they sometimes forget to fully understand what they are agreeing to in all the excitement.
Record labels use recording contracts to claim the rights to an artist’s music and control the artist’s image. It prevents the artist from working with other labels. It can also include the amount of money the artist will receive for their work, which usually comes in the form of a fixed salary or a percentage of royalty payments. An artist should know the true purpose of a recording contract and the legal implications that come with it.
The conditions an artist should understand before agreeing
A record label grants an artist the opportunity to work with them because they see the artist has talent and potential. Record labels are not charitable establishments. They are in the entertainment industry to make money, and they do this by exploiting the artist’s music. An artist must agree to the recording contract before a record label can obtain the legal rights to their music. The artist should look out for these conditions before signing:
- The term or the length of the agreement (measured in years or releases)
- The established payment and royalties the artist will receive
- Exclusivity clauses
- Hidden royalty deductions
- The specifications for the termination of the contract
- Creative control
If an artist is under the exclusive control of a record company, it represses their creativity because the record label decides what kind of music the artist will produce. The contract may also prevent the artist from working with other artists who share their creative vision. A new artist is an investment to record labels, and they use a recording contract to protect their investment.
The importance of understanding a recording contract
When an artist understands the conditions and purpose of their contract, they will be in a better position to negotiate. They can ask for a shorter contract term and higher royalty percentage rates for their music. The artist may even maintain creative control over their image and music.
Artists should know their rights to their music and fair compensation. They should never sign anything without understanding the fine print.