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I have a song a publisher really likes. He wants to get a master recording of the song. He referred me to a record producer. The record producer wants $3,500 for everything. I was told that the publisher should pay to have the master done and I'm being scammed. What do I do? Do I pay or does the publisher? Someone told me if the publisher really likes the song he pay's and these guys are taking advantage of me because I'm new and they're looking to make a quick buck. What do I do? I hate to mess up. This publisher has ties with (Large Publisher Deleted) music and I just don't know?
Mentor Karen Angela Moore's Response: Don't do it!!!!
I am ALWAYS glad to help in anyway I can.
First- I have been a producer, publisher, singer/songwriter here in Nashville for 12 years. I also have an office in New York City.
Second - what you are explaining to me is ridiculous and absolutely a rip off.
1. If the publisher likes the song - you sign a single song contract with them and they do the demo paying for it themselves and take the demo costs out of your future royalties IF the song ever earns any.
OR
2. If the publisher likes the song - YOU can pay for a good demo - approx. $500.00 to $750.00 and YOU get that expense paid to you out of the first royalties of the song.
New - let me tell you I've seen and heard everything there is to hear and see in this town and this biz...the only way a publisher needs a MASTER recording is if they are going to use it for a soundtrack, a jingle, or a compilation disc, which is a different contract all together with different payback rates included. OR! The publisher is getting a kickback from the studio owner/producer out of your $3500.00. That's it in a nutshell. I campaign daily about these rip-offs in town. When you don't live here you get taken advantage of.
Questions you should be able to answer, and need to understand:
Who's the publisher? Who's the producer? What studio and what players are they using? You have to clearly understand what you are getting into. Are you trying to get an artist deal or a publishing deal? Who will be singing on the demo? You?
If it's a compilation album - what record label is it on? Where will it be sold? How much money are they going to pay you per disc they manufacture? If you're paying for the demo - are you keeping part of your publishing or are they just taking it all? What radio stations are they sending the album to and when will you receive your list of who it was sold to and sent to?
You've got to be prepared to do business if you're going to throw your songs out into the world of sharks. You can certainly get one song recorded and mastered for much cheaper than $3500.00.
More questions? Visit Karen and our other mentors at: www.jpfolks.com
And Email questions to them at mentors@jpfolks.com