Question about Production/Promotion offer...my big break??

  • Thread starter Thread starter Drummerbones
  • Start date Start date
Drummerbones

Drummerbones

New member
Question - I have been offered a production/promotion deal from an established Producer (I've done my homework and he is legit) as an artist to record a full album in Nashville, have 1,000 CD's pressed, and my album promoted in the U.S., Europe, Australia & Asia. The Producer is asking me to fully finance the project for his services, pro studio & session players, and promotional connections, to the tune of $15,000 which seems like a very good deal for a pro album with this wide range of promotion. I would keep all rights to my songs and not be obligated to pay the producer any further money for CD sales, future profits etc. Is this fairly standard practice in the Country Music scene for a producer to take an indie artist under their wing for a fee, or is this deal something I should be leary of?

Thanks,

Bones
 
curious

It's possibly legitimate, and maybe youy could seek professional legal advice. If you are prepared to speculate $15k, then you would do well to invest in some expert opinion.

I would be very nervous of such a deal, because all the risk is being carried by you. The producer/promoter is not carrying any risk at all.
 
I'm having my attorney review the contractual language now...but you're right, if it doesn't go well, he gets his money either way. I could offer him a few points of future profits, say after I've recouped my $15K, which would give him motivation to make it a success.

Other thoughts please?
 
As with any business deal - there are a lot of what ifs and maybes.

If the promoter is actually acting as the producer as well - the first question is does he have production chops? Production skills vs. promotion skills are very different. Also, is he promoting you as a singer/songwriter or as an artist (which can require completely different approaches)?

Will you get a detailed breakdown - how much are you paying for the producer, for the studio time, for the CDs, etc. etc.???

Is he planning to get you a distribution deal or a recording contract (using your $15,000 CD as the actual product for the first release) or a publishing contract as a writer - or simply trying to promote distribution of this $15,000 recording? Normally, record labels look to see how many CDs an indy artist has sold. Having 1,000 CDs don't do any good if you can't sell them - and most indy artists sell CDs by gigging a lot and selling CDs at the gig and/or creating a local "buzz". However, to sell CDs in stores, you need some type of distribution.

$15,000 for a fully and professionally produced CD - with 1,000 copies and some promotion does not sound like a bad "deal" - if he actually has promotion/distribution capability (and if he can actually produce a decent recording in your musical genre) - and if you can afford to risk $15,000.

Any artist has to invest in his/her carreer - and hopefully do so wisely with due caution. If you beleive in your talent and believe you've properly researched what this guy says he can do - I wish you good luck but suggest you proceed with caution.

It is not uncommon for a producer to get paid up front. While negotiating some back end points could work - he may want his wholr cut up front (assuming you are a relatively unknown commodity). Offering him points to reduce the fornt end costs may be a good way to find out how much he belives in both you as a an artist and himself as a promoter. Certainly paying for studio time, musicians and CDs is also done up front. However, paying for promotion up front.....I don't know. If this was a record deal, the promotion would normally be part of your "advance" which means you're still paying - but not actually out of your pocket.
 
Mikeh,

Good post. This producer has been nominated for 6 Grammy's and has sent me several songs he produced (I verified through research that he indeed was the producer). He does not cut demos. The CD would be a "Master" and intended for sale to compete with the majors. The goal is to get some radio play, get a buzz going on a song or two then hopefully get picked up by a record company. He has the connections (I researched several references he gave me) so I'm not concerned with this credibility. I just don't want to hand over $15K and nothing happen...especially if this type of deal is unusual. Food for thought I suppose.
 
It sounds like you've done some research to confirm he's the real deal. Certainly before you sign anything make sure your attorney identifies any issues that are too "one sided" - and if the other guy prepared and presented the contract it will be one sided.

You mention the risk of spending $15,000 and nothing happens. That is always a risk. Anytime you invest capital in a business there is a chance the business will not succeed.......but if you don't try at all, then it's a sure bet that the business won't succeed.

It sounds like it could be an interesting adventure and if you have the songs and the talent......who knows. New artists have to come from somewhere - it can be you as much as the next guy!

While $15,000 ain't chump change it's not the end of the world. One thing about money.....you can normally make more!

Good luck!!!!!
 
How does this producer know of you, and how did he contact you, or did you contact him? How many of your songs has he heard?
 
I submitted a demo to a music publisher I have some history with who already had enough songs, but liked what he heard. He gave my demo to a colleague of his who is a producer, not a publisher. He asked to hear the rest of my material and I sent him my full CD. He recommended I take the artist route instead of the songwriter route apparently because he sees (hears) potential. Yes, I'm leary, and I should be. This is business. But I've done my research, done all my homework, check with references he gave me (who I researched as well) and it's decision time...of course I still have to come up with a big chunk of money, but I'm pursuing avenues there as well. I haven't made a decision yet, and the financial part of it may decide it for me. But if I can come up with the money, I'd hate to look back 20 years from now and say "Man, I might have thrown away my one big chance." It's a good problem to have, but I still need to be careful. That's why I'm asking for all the advice I can get from the members of this board, many of whom I respect.
 
That Nashville thing is tough. I think if I were you, I would eliminate as many variables as possible. In other words, if you can fill in the blanks with answers as much as possible, and then decide.
I bought my house about 10 years ago. The house is on 5 acres of land, and I paid 140,000 for the house. If the house hadn't been here, I would have had to pay the same money for just the land, so I figure the house was free... er sorta.... So, if you can find out what studio you'll get, what pickers you'll get... how much studio time... what the "producer" will do for you in the studio... what kind of package your CDs will be in (jewel case with book vs 1000 CDs on a spindle, etc) If you have a top notch producer producing your songs in a top notch studio with top notch pickers, and they are going to give each song the real effort they deserve.... shoot... I bet there are plenty of record companies that would find $15,000 cheap for all of that. In other words.... any airplay or showcases or interest generated would almost be icing on the cake, now wouldn't it?

Just another way to look at it. To me, if you just expect to go and get a great recording, you won't be disappointed. On the other hand, if you don't end up with a great recording, and you don't become the next big thing (like hittin' the lotto) you'll be pissed.

Peace!

~Shawn
 
Scam-0-Rama

In 1965 a "producer" from Nashville sent a "Talent Scout" out to approach my band about coming to N-ville to record. The guy claimed a track record and for $1500 would set us up a session, 1000 45's and promo nationwide. We went for it and had a recording session at Scotty Moore's studio, which at the time was a top line studio. We were duly impressed, finished 2 songs in 1 take each and were out the door in under an hour, headed back to Michigan. 3 months later we're still looking for some records and the calls from the big time promoters. The "producer" was hard to find, but I think I saw him at a gas station several years later, filling the tank on his Mercedes. We did eventually recieve the 1000 45's but the only way we got any airplay was by bribing the local DJ. The record was actually pretty good and my Mom loved it, kinda like if the Coasters mixed with the Beatles.
Here's the deal...if you guys are hot enough to be worth the attention of a "Producer" he will invest in studio time and front you a couple of days in N-ville on speculation that he will make LOTS-O-CASH eventually. Anything else, especially where you have to put up the cash, is a scam. Period. The end.

chazba

chazba
 
Good post. I would think it wouldnt be legit if he was asking YOU for money but what do I know. Ive heard of producers and management teams fronting artists money to record with an agreement to pay them back with album slaes or else from their own pocket but never money up front.
 
Contact a couple of the artists whose successes he claims to have had a hand in, and whose names you must know...reasearch n' all. That's the best tell.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top