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Release Your Music
You've got the recording done - now how do you release the music? Do you want a record deal? Do you want to release your own music? Dig in and find out how to release your own music, how to get a record deal, how to send demos to labels and everything in between that comes into play when you want to get your music to the masses.
Music Industry Myths: Four Myths About Record Labels
Should you fear or love record labels? Does signing a deal mean putting your name on a 100 page contract? Will a label always release your album after signing you? Cut through these record label myths and get the real scoop.
How Does a Record Label Decide What Kind of Advance To Pay Me?
Musicians love the idea of an advance, but just how do record labels decide how much a musician is worth up front? Find out what goes into figuring out advances, and if you should hold out for as much cash as possible.
How Do Greatest Hits Albums Work?
Think you know greatest hits albums? Think again. From the perspective of a musician making a record deal, greatest hits comps are anything but simple - and don't think a label won't want the rights, however archaic these collections may seem. Here's what you need to know about career retrospectives before you ink a deal.
How Should I Choose My Album's First Single?
Choosing your album's first single is a tough process, especially since the musicians often want a different single than other people are recommending. Who should win out? Find out a few things you should consider before you pick your album's first track.
What Does Pay or Play Mean in a Record Deal?
Just because a record label has signed you to a deal doesn't mean they have to release your music. The pay or play provision of your record deal lets them off the hook - for a price, that is. Learn how pay or play clauses work and how they may affect you.
Album Delivery Requirements
To accept an album as fulfilling your requirements for a record deal, labels have a long list of guidelines your recordings have to meet. Find out what they are looking for and how failing to meet them could cost you your deal
What Are Cross Collateralized Album Advances?
Advances are almost always cross collateralized, which can mean that it can take a long time for musicians to see money from their album sales. Why? Learn what it means when an advance is cross collateralized and how that impacts your album sale royalties.
How to Work with Your Record Label
When you are signed to a record label, what can you do to make sure your relationship with that label thrives? If you're working with a major label, chances are that there are people working with the label on your behalf, but if you're signed to an indie label, especially a smaller indie label, you may personally be working very closely with the...
Record Labels 101
Whether you have major label aspirations or want to know how to start a record label, this labels 101 guide has you covered. How DO you start a record label? What are the pros and cons of major labels and indie labels? Should you start a record label? How can you get money to start a record label? All these questions and more are covered right...
Sign a 360 Deal - Would You Sign a 360 Deal
Would you sign a 360 record deal? As a musician, what are you concerns about these kinds of deals, or what do 360 record deals offer to you? Share your thoughts.
Why You May Need a Record Deal
I am a BIG believer in musicians taking the reigns and running their careers, but let me play devil's advocate for a minute. The idea of eschewing a label deal is very cool right now, and for some musicians, it is the right choice. BUT - the notion that all record labels are run by bumbling morons out to take your cash is wrong. The tools are out there for you to do the work that record labels…
Do You Press Vinyl - Vinyl Pressing
CD sales are falling but vinyl sales are increasing. Do you press vinyl for your releases or is vinyl too expensive for small budgets? If you do press it, even if you think it is too expensive, why do you make the sacrifice? Share your stories.
Do You Want a Record Deal?
With all of the hype these days about record labels being a thing of the past, do you still want to find a record deal to release your music, or you do you think self releasing your record is the right way for you? Share your ideas about record deals and whether musicians need them anymore.
Do You Self Release Your Music?
Do you self release your own music? How do your promote your music? Are you glad you have released your own music or do you wish you had a record deal? Share your stories about releasing your own music.
Self Releasing an Album - Pros and Cons
Should you release your music without a record label? There are pros and cons to putting out your own music without a record deal behind you - learn more about the ups and the downs to decide if you should start sending out demos or start working to get your record into the shops yourself.
Indie Label Record Deals: Pros and Cons
What's the best choice for you - an indie label record deal or a major label record deal? Learn more about the pros and cons work getting an independent label record deal.
Major Record Label Deals: Pros and Cons
A major label record deal is the goal of many musicians, but like most things, major label deals have their good points and their bad points. Learn more about major record label pros and cons.
Self Promote Your Music
The ability to self promote your music can make the difference between playing to a packed house and a lifetime of musical obscurity. Find out how to make sure your music is getting heard by being your own best promoter.
Choose Songs for Demos
Choosing the right songs for your music demo is so important - after all, your music demo is your introduction, and first impressions count a lot. With so much riding on your demo, find out how to make a music demo that stands out.
Record Demo Don'ts
Have you been sending out demo after demo, but nothing seems to be happening? These demo no-nos could be stopping you from getting the record deal you want.
Record Demo Dos
You know the record demo don'ts, now learn the record demo dos. These tips will help you help yourself to the best chance of getting some label attention for your demo.
Record a Demo
Who says demos have to cost as a music an actual release? Save your money for when you're ready to show off your music to the public (you'll need it) and learn how to record a perfectly acceptable demo on the cheap.
Send a Demo to a Record Label
Ever wondered how to get labels to hear your music? The right approach to sending your demo to record labels will get your songs into the hands of the people who need to hear them.
Compilation Album
What is a music compilation album? Compilation albums, or comps, as they are often called, are an important music industry tool. Find out what a compilation album is in this entry in the Music Industry Glossary.
Sideman Performance Rules
Think you play on any record you want after you make a deal? Think again. Labels put restrictions on your guest appearances that you will need to adhere to if you want to keep your deal. Learn more about these rules.
How Do Music Producers Get Paid?
Producers can take a big chunk out of your budget as a musician - sometimes justifiably and sometimes not. How can you tell the difference? Learn about how music producers get paid so you can understand any deal that comes your way.