Record Label Wants 50% | Music Business Newsletter

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Record Label Wants 50% | Music Business Newsletter

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In this episode of the Music Business Newsletter with Matthew Rix, I read an email from a singer-songwriter in Milwaukee, Wisconsin who’s being offered a record deal and something about it doesn’t feel right.
Here’s what the label is asking for:
• 50% of all royalties
• 50% of publishing
• Rights to re-release his already completed album
• No upfront money
• A 5-album deal (all company options, no artist control)
• And recoupment on future recordings
In other words… the artist takes on most of the risk, while the label takes a large portion of the upside.
In this episode, we break down:
• What labels should actually provide in exchange for ownership
• Why giving up publishing early can be a major mistake
• How recoupment really works (and why it matters)
• The danger of long-term deals with no artist options
• Red flags that signal a bad or one-sided deal
• And when staying independent is the smarter move
This isn’t about being anti-label.
It’s about understanding leverage and knowing when a deal helps you… versus when it holds you back.
If you’ve ever been offered a deal or wondered what to look out for, this episode will give you a real-world breakdown.
Have a music industry question or situation you want help with?
Send it to http://MatthewRix.com include as many details as possible so your story can help other artists too.
#recordlabel #musicindustry #musicbusiness

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