Labels

[O Drones]

So my band's been offered a label deal, which would entail releasing our album and our last EP. I'm completely uncomfortable around the whole thing and unaware of what I should accept/not accept. Anyone on here cool with sharing their experience of labels and or advice would be much appreciated.

[oldangelmidnight]

You don't need those bastards.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz_CPzuwSk4[/youtube]

[Eivind August]

Check out the label, maybe ask some of their artist for experience?

Does this mean I could possible get your latest record on LP?

[D.o.S.]

As always, it depends on the deal. Are you guys going to get anything tangible out of it? Is it a label you dig? Do they do a good job of promoting the other bands on the label? Have you heard of any of the other bands on the label? Would checking out other bands on the label lead you to check your band out if you'd only heard of the label, and not the cherry wave?

And that's before you get into anything involving finances.

[O Drones]

It would be initially a CD run, with the possibility of vinyl depending on how it does.

As for anything tangible, there certainly won't be an advance and the music that they want to release is already recorded, so they aren't helping pay to get the music made. They want to take over our digital output with the profits being split 50/50. Same with physical, 50/50 after any costs they incur for manufacturing, promotion, postage, promo etc.

They seem to do a good job of promoting their other bands, yeah. It's a label that has lots of similar vibe things to us and we'd fit the roster pretty comfortably, although we'd be the 'heaviest' band on there by quite a way.

[wildebelor]

You guys seem to have a decent amount of support by the quick check of bandcamp. I personally don't think you need to sign with a label that won't offer to press your stuff to vinyl immediately. CD is a completely dead and wasted format with vinyl absolutely thriving.
It's about making a connection and CD's don't do that at all.

If there wasn't a chance for me to:
a) record a new album
b) have new or recently recorded music pressed to vinyl
c)have more than a 50/50 profit

I would't even remotely entertain the idea as you guys are doing better on your own!
Great tunes by the way - going to download Avalancher.

[D.o.S.]

It would be initially a CD run, with the possibility of vinyl depending on how it does.

As for anything tangible, there certainly won't be an advance and the music that they want to release is already recorded, so they aren't helping pay to get the music made. They want to take over our digital output with the profits being split 50/50. Same with physical, 50/50 after any costs they incur for manufacturing, promotion, postage, promo etc.

They seem to do a good job of promoting their other bands, yeah. It's a label that has lots of similar vibe things to us and we'd fit the roster pretty comfortably, although we'd be the 'heaviest' band on there by quite a way.

So, basically, you're splitting any money you're making of off two records you've already made, and are already selling for a bunch of CDs and some promotion by association.

Let's break that down a little bit more:you're not splitting it evenly between the label and your band, you're giving them half of the total of future profits for... what? Making CDs and sending them out for free? Texting their mate who runs a blog? Putting a sticker on the digipack that says "For Fans of Mastodon?" Does that really sound reasonable to you? The album is already a set cost, and all you're doing is handicapping how much money it could bring in for the future for some people who had exactly dick to do with creating it, or paying you for it, to put it out in a format that no one (besides me) actively seeks out.


On the other hand, I bet their bandcamp doesn't make my eyes bleed from all dat yellow.

[O Drones]

Basically yeah, this is our concern also. Appreciate all the advice folks, big help. Thanks Wildebelor, glad you dig it

Inhale that yellow man, it's like looking into the sun

[wildebelor]

Got it spinning right now man - got an idea I wanna run by you, I'll PM you

[Eivind August]

I'm with wildebelor and d.o.s, that deal doesn't sound good. Just hold out longer, and a better deal will appear, probably.

[Krosis]

Don't sign a damn thing without a lawyer (or barrister, or solicitor, or whatever you guys call them).

[O Drones]

Contracts have just came though, so we'll have a look through it and send it onto our friend (who's a lawyer) to have a wee look.

[Doctor X]

They want to take over our digital output with the profits being split 50/50. Same with physical, 50/50 after any costs they incur for manufacturing, promotion, postage, promo etc.

They seem to do a good job of promoting their other bands, yeah.

and what about all your costs for recording and equipment? all those costs are an easy way for them to keep any 'profits' to a minimum before it comes to paying out.
are they wanting a cut of live and merchandise?

i dont know.
if you're not taylor swift then by all accounts there isnt too much money to be made from 'record sales' anyway, so perhaps being on their roster would give you more exposure to an audience that you wouldnt get on your own, and if you're free to organise and keep all your own live/merch then it might be worth looking at.
if you will still be owning the recordings and its just a distribution/promo deal then maybe it could be worth it

[AxAxSxS]

You don't need those bastards.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz_CPzuwSk4[/youtube]

[goroth]

My previous band had exactly that deal (signed before I joined them might I add) and we got nothing out of it, so unless they are bringing something to the table that you can't do yourselves then fuck it.