Replies

The music industry is so filthy.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: why is the music business controlled and staffed by individuals who nothing about either music or business?

Part of the filthiness is due to the stupidity of the musicians, however. A roofer would laugh at the terms of the typical contract that a musician will willingly sign.

Pretty much every contract requires the artist to pay for all of the overhead out of their own pocket with the music company putting nothing at risk.

And the geniuses who run this system of contracts still lose money.

It’s the same with Film Studios being run by people with no regard for film history. I admire the way the BBC runs their dramatic wing. The people in charge have backgrounds in Literature and Drama not Business Admin.

The music industry is so filthy. I've said it before and I'll say it again: why is the music business controlled and staffed by individuals who nothing about either music or business? Part of the filthiness is due to the stupidity of the musicians, however. A roofer would laugh at the terms of the typical contract that a musician will willingly sign. Pretty much every contract requires the artist to pay for all of the overhead out of their own pocket with the music company putting nothing at risk. And the geniuses who run this system of contracts still lose money.

I worked in the live end of the biz for over 20 years and you are right on. Most of the acts out there will sign anything. I've seen contracts, which if enforced to the letter, would require the artists to fork over a % of ANY money they received while under contract ie. Christmas money, inheritance, tax refund, even a mail in rebate.

There are also entertainment lawyers out there who will recommend signing a bad deal, telling the client that once and if they do break big, the attorney can always come back and rework the contract, billed hourly of course.