Label Questions

[Flah]

Hey,

I’ve got a few questions concerning record labels and I was hoping that someone that has been signed etc. could help me out here.

1. What exactly are a label’s obligations when it comes to bands they sign? Does this include touring or does the band mainly handle this?

2. I know the normal hardcore contract usually calls for three albums, one of which being an EP, and something like 10-15% of the first press going to the band. Is this normal and usually the case?

3. If I’m head of an indie, how do I go about doing distro? Would it be better for me to go through someone like Lumberjack and let them handle it?

That’s it for now, I’ll be sure to have more. It sucks because I can’t find a place that has the answers, you know?

Anyway, thanks for your time.

 

[from zero]

1. What exactly are a label’s obligations when it comes to bands they sign? Does this include touring or does the band mainly handle this?

Not 100% sure, but I'm pretty sure the label is a big part of touring. I was browsing the message boards for the band Flaw, and someone posted how they had met the band, and asked why they never play really early stuff (pre-Universal Records). They were told that the label prohibits them from doing that when they're the opener.

But they also said they're allowed to if they headline.

Not sure if this helps you at all.

 

[ZKaudio]

every label is different,
first thing u need to do is get a demo laid down...then you need to make a press pack. you then mail this out to maj labels and hope someone likes it. The professionalism of your press pack will determine whether or not you get a phone call. If you want to stay indie... just finance shit yourself. If I am reading this wrong and you are starting a label, then you need to go intern first with a label so you can figure more things out... don't want you wasting your cash.

 

[Flah]

The big problem is I have no place to intern at without driving like three hours every day to get there, which suuuuuuucks because it limits my options hardcore. We don't even really have to cash to put behind it right now either since I've done a lot of reading and know what I'm getting into.

 

[majutsu]

1.&2. I can't help you with. I would say 1. yes, 2. it's up to you. I've seen a lot of different deals over the years (usu for other peeps) and I think whatever you do is what they consider. Hence, some labels have a rep for giving awesome support and deals, and some are known bastards. You might call a few to see what the industry standard might be. The guys at willowtip would probably answer such a question in my experience. An entertainment lawyer would also have some preprinted contracts to see.

As for 3., I think you could do no better than lumberjack. They are awesome. It would cut your distro costs and let you focus on music. Good luck flah. I don't know much here, but someone should come along soon to help. There are a couple of guys on elite with signed deal NOW to give you some words too.

 

[ZKaudio]

treat pickup up a new band as you would any business deal. If NPV is not > 0 then don't do it.