So, you wanna sign with us? But what will the contract contain? Each contract will be unique to the artist, but we have a few key points/principles that we stick too, and important things that you should understand (and of course you should always check a contract thoroughly and seek advice where appropriate before signing it).
60/40 split, in your favour
60% of the revenue (profit) from sales/streams/other royalties is sent to you (unless specific agreements are made to the contrary). We use Distrokid which keeps distribution & disbursement costs down to a minimum, and any other costs that would be taken from royalties are agreed beforehand. Our time and effort working with you isn’t included, it’s only direct costs that come out of the profit/income figure, for example vinyl record production costs (if we agree to do those), or website hosting (the contract will detail in full what is and isn’t included, as well as what is mandatory and what is optional/done by agreement between the two parties).
No initial costs need to be covered by you
We pay distribution costs, remastering/production costs and anything else required to get your music out in the world, without you needing to pay for anything. All you need is the ability to initially record your music (which can even be free software on your computer such as Garage Band). We will help you do this and import your music in to professional software for mastering/distribution. If we feel studio time together is needed or would be benficial, the costs again are covered by us, but would be recouped from royalties earned before any earnings are paid out to you (most of the time, it’s not needed, we can help you with your own setup).
Severance terms
You are free to leave your contract at any time, as long as you haven’t done anything in breach of contract (like publishing your music elsewhere whilst under contract with us), and your account is in profit, i.e. we’ve made back the initial investment(s). If your account isn’t in profit and you wish to leave your contract, you would have to pay the difference so those costs are recouped. Oh, and you retain ownership of your music and master recordings, and can take it all with you (Taylor would’ve saved a fortune…).
Going green
Wherever possible, we do things remotely, meaning less environmental impact from travel. As well as feeling good about the environment, it keeps costs down, allowing us to pay our artists more.