12/10/2023
Five Important Terms An Artiste Should Consider Before Signing A Contract.
I made a post few days ago concerning up and coming ARTISTES & Record labels and many people where like I'm siding the record label that I should also talked on the transparency and accountability including other stuff the artistes needs to know before signing a contract with the LABELS.
Although it’s easier now than ever to successfully make it as an independent artiste, one cannot deny the many perks of being signed to a record label.
The perks of being signed to a record label are too many to mention however an artiste has to be mindful of whatever contract he/she/they sign. Many artiste have fallen into the trap of so many 360 deals either due to the lack of a lawyer with them when signing or to the fact that they simply do not know the most basic thing to look out for in their contract.
Signing a contract is a pivotal moment for any artist, as it can determine the trajectory of their career. It’s crucial to be well-informed about the terms and conditions outlined in the contract to avoid potential pitfalls. This article will highlight five essential terms that artists should carefully evaluate before signing the dotted lines.
1. Intellectual Property Rights
Understanding how intellectual property rights are addressed in the contract is vital. This encompasses ownership of the artist’s work, including music, artwork, and any other creative output.
Artists should ensure they retain ownership of their creations while specifying how the work can be used by the contracting party, whether it’s a record label, gallery, or any other entity. This part of the contract must be carefully read and it’s always advisable to employ the services of a well-informed lawyer in the entertainment business as this part of the contract makes or mar an artiste.
It is important as an artiste to have the most influence over your music and it is at this point in the contract that it must be negotiated.
2. Royalties and Compensation
The money a musician makes from selling, download, or using their music is known as royalties and it is an important component of any recording contract.
Royalties and compensation terms determine how artists will be paid for their work. These terms should be clearly defined, covering areas like sales, streaming, performances, and licensing. The contract should outline the percentage of royalties the artist will receive and how often payments will be made.
Depending on the contract criteria, the royalty rates may vary significantly, however, it’s essential to negotiate favorable royalty rates that align with industry standards. Zinoleesky also made a mistake in this area but how ever it is never too late only if he truly knows what he was dealing with.
3. Duration and Termination
The contract’s duration and termination clauses are critical in any recording contract. It is important to know how long you as an artiste is committed to an agreement and what actions or inactions can lead to the termination of the contract. I think this is the area where MohBad was blindfolded and before he realised it was bit too late.
Negotiating an exit strategy or clauses that allow renegotiation after a certain period of time can provide flexibility and protection against being locked into unfavorable terms. Short-term contracts (1-3 years) are usually advisable for newer artiste while long-term contracts (5-10 years) are usually reserved for seasoned artiste.
It is advisable to be very prudent in the number of years you sign as an artiste.
4. Exclusivity and Rights Granted
Contracts often outline the exclusivity of the agreement, which may restrict the artist from working with other parties during the contract’s duration.
Artists should be cautious about granting too much exclusivity, as it can limit opportunities for growth and collaboration. Additionally, rights granted should be specified clearly. For instance, if it’s a record deal, artists should understand whether the contract covers distribution rights, synchronization rights, and more.
There are two main types of rights that can be granted, exclusive rights and non-exclusive rights. Proper consideration must be taken before granting either of them. I will surely explain the two rights later
5. Performance and Deliverables
The contract should outline the artist’s obligations and performance expectations. This could include a certain number of artworks to be produced, albums to be released, or performances to be conducted.
Artists should ensure these expectations are reasonable and achievable, preventing them from being held to unrealistic demands.
Entering into a contract can be both exciting and daunting for artists most especially new artiste. Thus thoroughly examining these five crucial terms—intellectual property rights, royalties, duration, exclusivity, and performance obligations—can allow artists to make informed decisions that protect their creative work and their future endeavors.
Seeking legal counsel or advice from industry professionals is always a wise decision to ensure that the contract aligns with the artist’s goals and aspirations.
Remember, a well-negotiated contract can set the stage for a successful and fulfilling career.
With this information I believe I have explained everything you need to know before signing a record deal.
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