Does Your Label Owe You Money?

Yesterday, I told you about a potential scam (see blog below) going around involving a tour buy-on - and paying for things like a chance to play a show is a pretty common way for musicians to get hustled. But if musicians can be a tad too trusting in some cases, one area where I think artists can go way too far the other way is thinking that their label is ripping them off. Frustrating as it may be, it is completely possible, even likely, to sell quite a few records and not be due any money at all from your label. It all comes down to money in and money out, and it often takes a significant number of sales to get even a little bit ahead of that curve. That doesn't mean that some labels don't hustle their artists - sure they do - but going into your label and flying off the handle without really understanding the costs associated with releasing an album could leave you without a deal with a label that was totally on the up and up and that believed in your music.

What is the best way to avoid this? Learn how a a record goes from studio to release and the costs involved. This guide will walk you through it. Now, keep in mind that your own deal will really dictate the expenses involved, and price, pressing quantities and more can differ from country to country and genre to genre. However, this guide gives you a good foundation for knowing what questions to ask and what expenses to expect.

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