
Explore traditional record labels and contracts, learn to spot red flags, and understand royalty structures for artists. Examine merchandising, videos, and producer agreements across independent and major labels.
No special tools required for this class; come prepared with a note-taking device to track production topics and contract insights, as we explore how to look for a record contract.
Learn how 'producer' means the session coach in recording contracts, not the music producer who creates the music, and why producers get royalties that affect artists' earnings.
Explain how record labels, whether independent or major, function as full-service companies that release music, handle distribution, promotion, marketing, and sometimes artist development and legal issues.
Explore the loan-out concept, where a band as a business is contracted by a label with individual members rather than the group, preventing member swaps.
Independent artists can discover talent through social media, raise capital via crowdfunding, and produce, distribute, and promote music themselves in the modern landscape—the five traditional label roles now largely self-managed.
Discover that artists don't need a record deal, and learn how you can release music on your own while pursuing opportunities that may fall into your lap.
Loan outs bind the five band members to the contract through a member-specific addendum, ensuring the label contracts with people, not a changing band entity.
Explore contract scope across three models: single record, all recordings within the term, and 360 deals, detailing who owns recordings and the rights during and after the contract.
Learn how albums are defined in contracts, typically 10 to 12 songs, with two unreleased tracks for foreign releases, promotional material, or film soundtracks.
Explore how royalty basis determines an artist’s share, with options like retail price, wholesale price, actual net revenue, and PPD, and why artists push retail while labels seek lowest basis.
Learn how breakage deductions reduce royalties by 10 percent of the royalty base, typically applied to physical shipments, and why applying breakage to digital sales amounts to a cash grab.
Learn how new configurations raise label costs and lower royalties for artists releasing unusual formats, illustrated by Nine Inch Nails high-fidelity audio file version.
Examine deductions for foreign territories on overseas album sales, including percentage losses from currency exchanges, tariffs, and exporting fees, with potential future digital tariffs.
Shipping discounted copies to stores for marketing creates sales incentives that count as deductions and lower royalties for both label and artist.
Explore how an advance is recouped at 36 cents per copy, estimating needed physical CD sales (about 2,777,777 copies) and then comparing digital sales to break even.
Explore how recouping one million dollars requires selling two million eighty three thousand three hundred thirty three copies, and how streaming royalties and label percentages shape recording contracts.
Welcome to the "Musician's Guide" Series!
This series is pulled directly from the courses I've created for my university position in Music Business. All of these courses are designed for the everyday musician - amateur or professional - who has little or no knowledge on the topic, but wants to master it.
This class is all about Record Labels and Record Deals.
100% Answer Rate! Every single question posted to this class is answered within 24 hours by the instructor.
It is ideal for anyone who is interested in seeking out a record deal or is already considering one.
Musicians: If you are making music, and considering a record deal, please watch this class!
Producers: Before you sign on the dotted line, watch this class to be sure you understand everything you are signing up for.
Bands: Maybe you are considering avoiding record labels, and starting your own independent label. This class is for you, too!
Curious Minds: Anyone interested in how record labels work is invited to be a part of this class.
We will start with traditional record label deals, and progress forward to talking about more modern deals. We will talk a lot about the "need" for a record deal in the modern age, and how you can get by without one at all. I'll walk you through every issue in the contract so you fully understand what is being asked.
The goal of this class is for you to understand what is in-between the lines of the contract.
Software:
This course is NOT specific to any DAW program.
Genre:
The recording studio has no genre - so all are welcome here.
Topics Covered:
Working with Producers
Owning the "Master"
Distribution
Loan-Out Companies
Roles of a Record Company
Music publishing, and music industry trends
Make money online with your music.
Work For Hire
Scope of the Record Deal
Term of the Record Deal
Additional Song Options
Other Options
Release Commitment
Advances
Recoupment
Payback
Royalties
Royalty Rate
Royalty Basis
Royalty Deductions
Merchandise
Videos
360 Deals
Producer Contracts
And much, much more!
If you are ready to start making money from your music, and making sure you are protected, this class will start you on that journey. Get started today.
Dr. Allen is a university music professor and is a top-rated Udemy instructor - with nearly 100 courses and over 200,000 students.
In 2017 Star Tribune Business featured him as a "Mover and a Shaker," and he is recognized by the Grammy Foundation for his music education classes.
** I guarantee that this course is the most thorough Record Label course available ANYWHERE on the market - or your money back (30-day money-back guarantee) **
Closed captions have been added to all lessons in this course.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Praise for Courses by Jason Allen:
⇢ "It seems like every little detail is being covered in an extremely simple fashion. The learning process becomes relaxed and allows complex concepts to get absorbed easily. My only regret is not taking this course earlier." - M. Shah
⇢ "Great for everyone without any knowledge so far. I bought all three parts... It's the best investment in leveling up my skills so far.." - Z. Palce
⇢ "Excellent explanations! No more or less than what is needed." - A. Tóth
⇢ "VERY COOL. I've waited for years to see a good video course, now I don't have to wait anymore. Thank You!" - Jeffrey Koury
⇢ "I am learning LOTS! And I really like having the worksheets!" - A. Deichsel
⇢ "The basics explained very clearly - loads of really useful tips!" - J. Pook
⇢ "Jason is really quick and great with questions, always a great resource for an online class!" M. Smith
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Students who register for this course will receive ongoing exclusive content and discounts for all future classes in the series.