What should I expect from a serious "record deal"?

[Ada]

Hi, didn't if it's called a "record deal" anymore, but I guess the concept is the same.

So I was offered to release my latest song on 2 different record labels on Beatport, iTunes, Amazon, etc. I have nada experience of releasing music through record labels (I've only done it "the indie way" before).
What can I expect? The current deals that I was offered so far are 50% of net income on original mix and 0% income from remxies for the EP of the song. Are these percentages expected? Any rights I should know of before signing the deal?

Any suggestions, feedback or tips would be awesome. I'm really unexperienced in this field and have noone to talk to other than you guys. Thanks in advance!

[1point5]

50% is pretty standard for a digital label

Some labels cover mastering and distribution costs, but most of the time they'll take that out of your 50% until it's been paid off. On the subject of mastering, there are some 'labels' out there that don't sort out the mastering at all and either expect you to get your tracks mastered out of your own pocket or will just release your self-mastered tunes... avoid these people, that is not how to run a label! Other than that all I can think of is to read the contract and if anything seems odd or unfair then ask the label about it.

[Harkat]

Who then? Someone we've heard of?

[Ada]

50% is pretty standard for a digital label

Some labels cover mastering and distribution costs, but most of the time they'll take that out of your 50% until it's been paid off. On the subject of mastering, there are some 'labels' out there that don't sort out the mastering at all and either expect you to get your tracks mastered out of your own pocket or will just release your self-mastered tunes... avoid these people, that is not how to run a label! Other than that all I can think of is to read the contract and if anything seems odd or unfair then ask the label about it.

Thanks! Those are some great tips! I am not sure the label is going to offer mastering. I will have to check into that!

Who then? Someone we've heard of?

Which label? Or? I am not sure if I should post it here before I've come to any decision? If I decide to take it I will definitively post it here if anyone is interested.

BTW it is not dubstep. It's progressive house.

[alphacat]

It's also important to note what they have to offer you in terms of promotion, bookings, etc.

[Func]

Who then? Someone we've heard of?

inb4zomby

[Ada]

It's also important to note what they have to offer you in terms of promotion, bookings, etc.

Thanks! Yea, anything in particular? I mean I will of course make sure it feels good in terms of conditions, but is there anything easy to miss?

[alphacat]

It's also important to note what they have to offer you in terms of promotion, bookings, etc.

Thanks! Yea, anything in particular? I mean I will of course make sure it feels good in terms of conditions, but is there anything easy to miss?

You just wanna look at their track record. Has anyone heard of them in the first place? What kind of parties/venues do they tend to get booked into? What other acts are on the roster that you would like or not want to play alongside on a bill? Do they have a solid reputation for on-time payment? (Grumbling about payment is very common unfortunately, but there's a difference between a couple dudes here and there saying they were late and a bunch of people saying they never got paid.) Also look for any history of lawsuits for IP theft, contractual failure, stuff like that.

Other things that are nice to know: do they have in-house design? How good is it? Do they have contractual stipulations about anything non-musical, like how you're supposed to look, act, give interviews, etc.? This latter point seems trivial but some labels are a bit uptight about how they want to be perceived and will actually have clauses saying whether or not interviews have to be cleared with them first.

[__________]

IMO, just sign with a label you actually respect and want to be associated with.
No single release on any digital label will make you any significant amount of money unless your name is Skrillex or you're signing to a big-boy like Deep Medi.

If you don't know or respect any of the artists on the label, don't sign.
If you do, sign.

I've been offered a digital release this year and I'm taking it. Not for money (haven't even discussed it - I'd do it for free anyway tbh) but because I know the guy running the label is a badman.

[Static D0gma]

I want to get signed to a label just to get my tunes out there really. Right now I'm making a demo EP that I plan to send to a label.

[skimpi]

I want to get signed to a label just to get my tunes out there really. Right now I'm making a demo EP that I plan to send to a label.

cool bro

[jrkhnds]

I want to get signed to a label just to get my tunes out there really. Right now I'm making a demo EP that I plan to send to a label.

sounds like topgun m7

[Static D0gma]

I want to get signed to a label just to get my tunes out there really. Right now I'm making a demo EP that I plan to send to a label.

sounds like topgun m7

*m6

[incnic]

just a reminder that its not a 'record label' or 'record deal' if it isnt have vinyl or a physical product

IMO its just a dude ona laptop with stolen jpegs and a beatport agreegator bro he has paid

[Lye_Form]

Never pay any money to a label for anything.
Make sure you are getting your tunes mastered properly.
Check past releases.
Go with gut feeling about the person/people you are releasing with.

And make your own mind up about releasing digitally vs vinyl releases - avoid bandwagons.