In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a singer-songwriter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin who’s being offered a record deal and something about it doesn’t feel right.
Here’s what the label is asking for:
 • 50% of all royalties
 • 50% of publishing
 • Rights to re-release his already completed album
 • No upfront money
 • A 5-album deal (all company options, no artist control)
 • And recoupment on future recordings
In other words… the artist takes on most of the risk, while the label takes a large portion of the upside.
In this episode, we break down:
 • What labels should actually provide in exchange for ownership
 • Why giving up publishing early can be a major mistake
 • How recoupment really works (and why it matters)
 • The danger of long-term deals with no artist options
 • Red flags that signal a bad or one-sided deal
 • And when staying independent is the smarter move
This isn’t about being anti-label.
It’s about understanding leverage and knowing when a deal helps you… versus when it holds you back.
If you’ve ever been offered a deal or wondered what to look out for, this episode will give you a real-world breakdown.
Have a music industry question or situation you want help with?
Send it to http://MatthewRix.com include as many details as possible so your story can help other artists too.
#recordlabel #musicindustry #musicbusiness 



Listen to Mattrix Minute for daily Music Business insight without the music industry hype.
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music
YouTube

Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör Soho Artistry. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Soho Artistry och inte av, eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.