KVR Audio

SeanyK · Post by **SeanyK** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 5:21 pm

Hi folks,

Im unsigned at the moment, although I have been signed by 2 promotion companies on non-exclusive contracts, there is also a possible release coming out from a seperate label also with one of my tracks, HOWEVER...

I was offered a deal, for my music in the USA, again, not a huge deal, but a basic master purchase deal with no advance and 50/50 split on licensing and 50/50 on publishing.
I dont really know too much about contracts, but I am aware that a lot of you guys on here are very clued up, so if you could spare a few moments of your time to help out, I would be VERY grateful...

Is it worth doing it, to get my music out there? And then use it as a springboard when sending demo cd's to other companies?

Sean

Amberience · Post by **Amberience** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 5:24 pm

Make sure you keep all intellectual rights over your music, that's one of the most important things. If it says something like "term of contract is for the duration of the copyright" that means they'll expect that particular release (and possibly future ones too) to be tied to them.

If you wanted to use the same music in something else, you wouldn't be able to without them having rights over it.

daGuru · Post by **daGuru** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 5:44 pm

Yeah, I reckon it would say that in the fine print somewhere... but, if you are willing to sacrifice for the greater gain, go for it

Also, do they have the nice-guys factor? I.e. willing to do a lot to promote/support as well?

Reverend Rhythm · Post by **Reverend Rhythm** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 5:52 pm

If what I'm suggesting is improper, just ignore me... but why not post a copy of the contract? You could remove all the personal and private info, and include only the legal language. That might bring some discussion.

Amberience · Post by **Amberience** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 5:56 pm

daGuru wrote:Yeah, I reckon it would say that in the fine print somewhere... but, if you are willing to sacrifice for the greater gain, go for it

Also, do they have the nice-guys factor? I.e. willing to do a lot to promote/support as well?

The one I recieved just a few minutes ago doesn't require me to sign away any rights of my music, so it's by no means completely reasonable to sign away your rights.

gatd · Post by **gatd** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 5:57 pm

Please do not do this deal !!!
Golden Rule do not give your music recordings and publishing to the same company.I made this mistake and it cost me dear
only license them your music for up to 5 years max then all rights will return to you again at the end of this term. I am still making good money of my record that is 14 years old only because I have the rights.

WoJ · Post by **WoJ** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 5:57 pm

Dont trust ppl on an internet forum when it comes to contracts. Ok, im sure there are a few people on this board that could indeed help, but id suggest getting a lawyer or ringing the citizens advice bureau

Lord Snarebottom · Post by **Lord Snarebottom** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 6:00 pm

I completely agree with WoJ on this. Do not listen to people here. Find a good IP lawyer, not just sopmeone who wants to be one, but someone who has been in the business for awhile. They will know the intracacies of IP law and will be able to advise you accordingly.

Amberience · Post by **Amberience** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 6:05 pm

You don't need to be a lawyer to know this stuff, although many people who do know it ARE lawyers. But other people who know what they're talking about are just people with a good understanding of language.

A contact is filled with convoluted language, and if you can get through it, it does become clear what things mean, even if the results are ambiguous themselves.

I would agree with Gatd. Do a search for posts by me relating to contracts and record deals. I had a pretty sore experience with a label recently.

Don't take no shit, see my signature.

daGuru · Post by **daGuru** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 6:09 pm

I'm assuming Sean is a big/smart boy and can take care of himself... this is a musicians forum after all

re: sacrifice defined: give 'em a few tracks only/limited term

Amberience · Post by **Amberience** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 6:12 pm

For a limited term, yes, that wouldn't be so bad... but technically, 75 years (the duration a label wanted me to sign for) is a limited time

daGuru · Post by **daGuru** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 6:19 pm

My point is, if you never took any risks/made any sacrifices you'd never achieve success, for sure.

And the possibility of regret can occur if you choose either path, the "safe" or "dangerous" one

But hey, it's 2am here and I'm going all zen..... LOL

Amberience · Post by **Amberience** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 6:26 pm

No man, I agree with you totally. He just needs to be aware of the sneakiness of some people.

SeanyK · Post by **SeanyK** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 6:44 pm

Hi folks, many thanks for the replies,

It's just been offered over email, and they are saying basically they can't offer me an advance, but the 50/50 deal is possible if im interested.

I guess I can write back and ask them, how long they would license the music for, or would I still keep rights etc, and even such things as, what happens if I sign to a UK or German label with the same songs...

marcouk · Post by **marcouk** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 6:48 pm

Checked out ya stuff. Still a market for Tarnce then eh? Go for it. Quick.

What do you think of this contract?