Record Deals And Contract Tips: Part 1

Should you sign a recording contract? The short answer is, 'it depends'.

I wanted to connect the themes of the record business (more generally) with contract tips, so have separated the discussion into two articles. This issue, Part 1, provides some background/context around record deals and recorded music generally, and Part 2 discusses specific contract deal points within record contracts that artists should be mindful of.

When determining whether to sign a recording agreement, artists should have a basic understanding of both the current state of the recorded music business and the record contract itself. You could have a great record contract/deal, but if paired with little understanding of the record business, where the business is going, and how you fit (or see yourself fitting) within that business, the result could be disappointing.