Whether you are laying down tracks in a home studio in East Atlanta or performing at an open mic night in Buckhead, you dream of making a name for yourself in the music industry. It might take some time, but all you need is that one big break. The problem is that many aspiring musicians fall prey to the scammers and con artists of the music industry. There are people out there who care more about making money and exploiting you rather than seeing your music career flourish. As someone new to the industry, you must always protect yourself and your music. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.
Protect your identity and originality
To be successful in the music industry, you must stand out. Your music is your unique voice and, more importantly, your intellectual property. Legal counsel can help you safeguard your creations through copyrights, ensuring your beats, bars and ballads stay yours. Without this, you might find your hard work sampled in someone else’s track without your permission or, even worse, your product could be making money for someone else.
Do not sign anything without understanding it first
While there are producers and record labels who take care of their artists, you may still encounter agreements that could make or break your career. You could lose rights to your own music. Only sign something once you understand every clause and its implications.
Make sure you receive payment that reflects your worth
You are not just making music for the love of the art; you are also looking to make a living. Making music takes time and effort, and you know just how much energy you put into each piece. Setting up the appropriate structures can allow you to monetize your music effectively. Otherwise, record labels may try to take advantage of you. From royalty agreements to performance contracts, make sure you know all the details of the deal so you get every dime you deserve.
Start your career on solid foundations
Starting a band or a music partnership is almost the same as forming a business. Every person involved must know their obligations and limitations to prevent disputes and unnecessary fights. They must appear on time for gigs and practices. By establishing the most suitable entity and solidifying it with the proper legal documents, you can focus on the music and avoid the fallout of a band breakup.
In the heart of Atlanta, where music and culture thrive, you should take steps to safeguard your interests. The music industry is full of stories of artists who did not read the fine print or put their trust in the very people who took advantage of their innocence.