Musicians: Are You Getting Ripped Off?

 

 

by Cari Cole

 

 

It’s not easy being a music artist. You run the risk of being misdirected, controlled, lied to, manipulated, ripped off, stolen from and used.

It’s always been the case.

You also run the risk of being praised, celebrated, richly remunerated and honored.

But because artists are particularly vulnerable to praise, it’s easy to mistake one for the other.

Generally the people who have your back, do not over promise or slather excessive praise on you. They are encouraging and enthusiastic but will tell you the truth as they see it because they want you to win, and they know how rare success really is in the music business.

There are lots of ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ in the music industry. And artists are pray to praise, so they are easy targets. Beware of liars in suits, and liars in sweatsuits. Honest folks in suits, honest folks in sweats. You can’t tell by the surface, and you can’t tell by what comes out of their mouths. Presidents of labels will lie through their teeth and presidents of labels will tell you the truth. It’s a toss up.

You can tell by the results, over a little time. And you can tell by how a person makes you feel, over a little time.

Do your best to figure out who is your ally (professional referrals and references really help), and give them a good enough chance to prove themselves, or rope to hang themselves.

Because the people you think are trying to rip you off, (like the licensing guy that wants exclusivity or the person making an introduction who wants 15% over 4 years) are often the ones who are trying to help you the most. People working in earnest to help artists will not slather you with excessive admiration or flattery. They’ll tell you when you’re off mark, or when they are concerned you are making a mistake, not because they don’t wholeheartedly believe in you, but because they really want you to win.

But most of all, stop waiting for the perfect deal or perfect relationship, because there isn’t one. Don’t expect a good deal when you are no one yet. You’re not proven ~ yet. You can always renegotiate later on. Most contracts can be gotten out of with a little wrestling. Be willing to reward those that help you ~ and give those who are willing to take a risk on you, a chance to help you.

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Here’s my quick Turn-around Punchlist:

 

1. Stop looking for “non-exclusive” deals, thinking those are better

No one worth any weight in this industry is going to go to bat for you without exclusivity. Think about it.

2. Zero % of zero is zero

Stop trying to hold on to all of your publishing rights or your income because one thing is absolutely true. The only way you move forward in your career is to take a risk and start giving it away. Being mindful, of course, to make the right deals. But the deals in the beginning will not be in your favor as much, because people have to do WAY more work to get you on the playing field. Once you’re there, it’s just a phone call. But you won’t get anywhere without jumping in head first. If you’re holding on to your music publishing because you don’t want to give any away, you are most likely shooting yourself in the foot. Everyone has to start somewhere.

3. Stop thinking everyone out to help, is a crook

First off, that said, there are crooks ~ for real. But I’m not talking about those people. I’m talking about the good ones, that you miss because you think everyone is out to screw you. There are a ton of really good, honest, decent people that have integrity who have the ability to help you. I know because they are friends of mine. And besides being very very successful, they sleep at night because they help artists like you become successful (and I love them for it.) I surround myself with these people. They are an artist’s lifeline and the lifeline of the real music business that doesn’t screw artists.

Learn to discern the difference. Hint: crooks butter you up so you don’t notice when they rip you off. Honest people are upfront and tentative to promise anything, because they know that to promise is to lie.

4. And beware of lawyers who never close deals.

A really good lawyer will be sure you get what’s fair for you, but will also not ruin a deal or a relationship over terms.

 

 

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Hi, I’m Cari Cole.

You’ve got talent, but you want to become great at it. You’re in the right place! My mission is to help you refine your unique artist vision to bring to the world.

About Cari Cole

Cari Cole is the CEO / Founder of caricole.com and CCVM: Label Without Walls. She is a Holistic Vocal Coach, Artist Development Expert, A&R Director, and Songwriter based in New York City helping artists for the past 38 years. She is a mentor for Women in Music and The Association of Independent Music Publishers.

Her latest venture, CCVM a label services company, provides artists with a seamless path from creation to completion. After 30+ years of observing the overwhelm and challenges that artists face, Cari pulled together the best top creative professionals and designed a new approach to supporting our artists.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on Cari Cole's website is informational only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on Cari Cole's website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

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