In this part of our For Artist focus we get into the nitty gritty of what a recording deal actually is and what to look for when potentially signing your first record deal!
The silver-lighting, the ultimate goal, that almighty record deal! A goal every artist and band wants. That's why your so passionate about music, to see your music released and streaming on all the major platforms.
What does a record deal mean for you?
A record deal is a contract that binds you to release music with the record label you decide to choose. It's a bit like a marriage, a contract between the label and the artist in legal matrimony. Don't let that put you off!
When choosing a label to work with be sure to ask all the right questions, questions that you as an artist want to ask! Oh, and questions you want answers too aswell. Don't just for the whole excitement that a label wants to sign you, ask the Q's you want answering.
What general questions should we ask a label!
Asking questions is key, no question is a wrong question. Infact some labels may consider asking no questions to raise negatives to them. You also shouldn't be afraid to ask the more complex questions too. Here's a list of 5 questions that you could potentially ask, but remember; it's your career so labels will want to hear your own individual questions too.
What support and guidance can we expect to receive from your company?
Do you have a roadmap in your mind if we was to sign to your label? I.e.. When do you think we'd be releasing music on major platforms?
How does the financial terms work if we was to sign to your label?
What liability as an artist do I/we have if our music wasn't a success?
What is your previous experience and what makes you different/stand out from other labels?
The WMMG provides advice and support to artists when signing to a label. We even have our own in-house label that works with our Official Artists.
The key takeaway from this article is as an artist you want to keep certain creative controls of your career, your music, and your own development whilst being supported and guided to grow your career.
What will a label look at before signing a new artist?
A label will look at a whole bunch of areas before signing a new artist. It generally will involve multiple departments exploring and researching your profiles, past experiences, and actively looking if you are in talks with other labels, and who potentially is responsible for your artistic direction.
Here's a few areas the A&R and Commercial teams within a label might look at.
Do you have a track record of music sales and streams?
Do you write your own material or do you work with songwriters and (or) producers?
If you have an existing management team, what is their background? Are they a calibre for success?
If you have past release experience, what happened? Why are you looking for a new deal?
Here's a few areas the Marketing and Social Media teams within a label might explore.
Current and existing social media following!
Frequency of posting. Are you posting daily or at least regularly?
Do your gigs/events end with a "victory lap" or are you struggling? Looking for that big hit press release?
Are you an algorithm writer / trend setter or do you just follow the trends?
The NO-GO areas! Red Flags!
Ultimately you are your destiny, but here at the WMMG we are huge supports of artists growing and getting the best deal for them. This is our list of red flags and no-go areas you should always question when signing to a record label.
First right of refusal / matching
It is customary that if you re-sign a contract, you should always give your label first right-of-refusal, however ensure when signing a contract the wording is suited towards you as an artist/band.
Some labels in the past have used a first right of refusal clause to tie an artist for an additional period of time without releasing any music. We always recommend consulting third-party legal advice before signing a contract with a clause to this nature.
The WMMG can read free-of-charge a contract you are offered and provide expert advice, we always recommend that for artists not signed to the WMMG to always seek independent legal advice on top of our expert advice.
Can you help us get signed?
The WMMG is a privately run company where we provide artist management and record production and distribution services. We provide a unique service to our Official Artists under our full-service agreement contract.
As part of launching our new For Artists feature we aim to provide aspiring artists a platform to grow their career, this does mean the WMMG cannot provide legal advice to artists engaging in contract talks with other labels.
We will always provide support and guidance as a free avenue to artists, but ultimately it's you are in control of your music career and you need to make the best decision to suit you.
The WMMG provides this advice as guidance to supporting aspiring artists to make informed decisions in the development and growth of their music careers. In all situations when signing a contract with a record label, we always recommend you seek independent legal advice.
Get in touch with our expert team if you would like advice on securing your next record deal.