A lot of groups often feel that getting signed by or being offered a recording contract is the ultimate goal of their musical career. In some cases this can be true but a lot of times it can be the start of a whole new bunch of problems that no rocker could ever foresee or think about.
These days a record contract is nothing more than a large sum of money to be recouped by the recording company through sales of your product. If it doesn't sell to expectation you still have to pay the money back somehow. The recording companies have the methods to make the product sell, get airplay and distribute the product. Music companies loan you the money to make the music then they sell the music to get their money back, giving you just a small percentage.
If you can find a company who believes in the music and is just not into the business, that is great but keep in mind it is a business. They may try to change your sound in order to make it sell or kick band members out if it doesn't it with a certain look.
A band gets signed; get some money advanced for recording. The songs are recorded and completed but the record company shelves your act and you never sees the light of day but you cant take your product anywhere else because you are already signed. Often you cant even play live gigs without giving a % of your performance fee to the record company. This happened to Billy Joel who waited his five year contract out playing in piano bars.
Often you will be all ready to record your songs and the record company will bring in a co-writer or producer who alters your compositions beyond all recognition to fit in with label's style. You started to make a hard rock album and you end up with a rap album with all your instruments removed and samples replacing them. You thought you were Metallica only to end up like Jack Johnson. Then you have to go and promote something you really hate and your product is no longer recognizable.
You'll pay back the loan through live gigs, tours, radio shows, and appearances for years to come. Remember to watch the money so you can pay it back faster. Artists go bankrupt because they have so much fun they never watch the money.
Quite often musical differences between band members and record companies are solved by the company getting rid of and replacing any member of the band who doesn't agree with them. They are always trying to get work for their own players and artists who have already been signed. Quite often you will find all your guitar players work re-recorded by the studio guy or producer to fit in with the labels sound or smooth over tensions within the band.
Remember that the music business is a business. If you can become successful yourself, you should try to do so. You can use the web to promote yourself. Many people become famous this way but at the end of the day, you may need a company. If you sign with a record company, make sure you read the fine print carefully. You don't want to waste your best years in a bad contract. - 15338
These days a record contract is nothing more than a large sum of money to be recouped by the recording company through sales of your product. If it doesn't sell to expectation you still have to pay the money back somehow. The recording companies have the methods to make the product sell, get airplay and distribute the product. Music companies loan you the money to make the music then they sell the music to get their money back, giving you just a small percentage.
If you can find a company who believes in the music and is just not into the business, that is great but keep in mind it is a business. They may try to change your sound in order to make it sell or kick band members out if it doesn't it with a certain look.
A band gets signed; get some money advanced for recording. The songs are recorded and completed but the record company shelves your act and you never sees the light of day but you cant take your product anywhere else because you are already signed. Often you cant even play live gigs without giving a % of your performance fee to the record company. This happened to Billy Joel who waited his five year contract out playing in piano bars.
Often you will be all ready to record your songs and the record company will bring in a co-writer or producer who alters your compositions beyond all recognition to fit in with label's style. You started to make a hard rock album and you end up with a rap album with all your instruments removed and samples replacing them. You thought you were Metallica only to end up like Jack Johnson. Then you have to go and promote something you really hate and your product is no longer recognizable.
You'll pay back the loan through live gigs, tours, radio shows, and appearances for years to come. Remember to watch the money so you can pay it back faster. Artists go bankrupt because they have so much fun they never watch the money.
Quite often musical differences between band members and record companies are solved by the company getting rid of and replacing any member of the band who doesn't agree with them. They are always trying to get work for their own players and artists who have already been signed. Quite often you will find all your guitar players work re-recorded by the studio guy or producer to fit in with the labels sound or smooth over tensions within the band.
Remember that the music business is a business. If you can become successful yourself, you should try to do so. You can use the web to promote yourself. Many people become famous this way but at the end of the day, you may need a company. If you sign with a record company, make sure you read the fine print carefully. You don't want to waste your best years in a bad contract. - 15338
About the Author:
Matt has been writing about the music industry for many years. He has been recording with various record companies and has been in many bands. For more information, tips, and advice, check out his website, http://iamarocker.wordpress.com/.
