Recording sesssion docs?

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Cult_Status02

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Hey guys, quick couple of questions (I searched this to no avail):

Do any of you use some sort of documents when you have a band come in and record? Such as "(insert band name) came in on the date of ______ and recorded for ___ hours at a rate of $_____" or something basically like that?
I was thinking of something sort of like that so I can't get completely stiffed by someone. I would put the estimate, the day, the clock in/out times, or amount of songs (whichever rate they want), then how much down payment, what was done in the session and then the final payment when they get their mix.

If any of you do do this, could you let me know what kind of info you get? Oh yeah and do any of you do x% downpayment before recording (ie: 25%: $25 up front for a $100 recording and then $75 after)?

Thanks for your time.
 
sounds like a good idea to me too. 25% seems a bit small though..perhaps 40 or even 50%? just remember that if you do a 12hr session and they cut having only paid you 25% , then you only got paid for 3hrs of work..


but its a good idea to have things down in writing as well as having them sign it etc just so that everyone is clear with what's going on and noone feels cheated..


MD
 
It really depends on who I'm working with.
I always generate an invoice, but for people I know (or I have an easy way to track down) I'll send this after the event.

For unknowns, a "quote" goes out first, with terms and conditions on it. Usual downpayment is 30% prior to the session, then the balance when they get their CD. Invoice is generated before the session, with a blank space for "extras", which are covered in the quote.
I suppose you could think of the "quote" as a contract- I sign it and I get someone from tehir end to sign it.
 
There was a thread about this a whole ago, basically about what contracts are used and what should be included.

I don't run a studio, but if I did, I would definitely have a clear document that bands would sign before tracking. This would outline the cost, exactly what they get with that cost (tracking only, no mastering, they walk with a rough mix on CD and the masters in such and such format), and things like if they have to pay for set up time or anything else that people could be upset about later.

This can also be a nice "sales" tool for you. You can list all the cool things about your studio so that when bands are comparison shopping, they have a longer / better list of things that they get with your studio. If you have instuments that can be used rent fee, list them. If you have great mic's / pre's, make a short list (and if you have a couple pieces that are nice and the same as what is used in a "famous" studio, say that). If you've been in business for 10 years, or if you back everything up for 5 years, say that. You get the idea.

You can also include things like if you can use this band's recordings as examples in the future, etc.

Search on contract and see if you can find that other thread (or I think that I posted, see if you can look at all my threads...).

Also, now that I think about it, I would have one main band member sign and be responsible for the whole thing. Recording seems to be a nice time for a band to break up and stop speaking to each other. If one person is responsible for the whole money, they are more likely to make sure that everybody pays their share (or they will be obligated to pay the whole fee).

Rambled a bit on this one, but I hope this is helpful...
 
You might try here... There are also many other places. It would give you an example to follow or cut/paste what you need. ;)
 
Thanks a lot guys, now I feel a bit more comfortable about doing it. I was actually leaning to the 30-35% area for down payment, but I'm still debating.

Thanks again fellas.
 
The link provided by up-fiddler has just about any kind of music related legal document someone would ever need. However, for someone with a small home studio that may be overkill!

I would think a basic quote sheet which defines the services to be provided, the rate those services will be billed at and the terms and conditions of payment would be enough.

I always provide a quote which is based on either a time & material basis (x hours at x dollars per hour) or a flat rate (10 hours for x amount total). I try to estimate tracking time seperate from mixing time. I do charge extra for media and any outside services (say if I send the mix to a mastering facility, duplication, etc). I try to make sure I mark-up these items since it is common for me to spend a certain amount of studio time which I don't bill for (trying different reverb settings, etc). If there are outside costs (mastering, duplication, etc) I get 50% up front and the balance before I hand over anything. Normally I prefer to have them deal direct with ourside services, but for some "clients" who simply don't have the technical savvy I will be the middle man - for a price.

I always get 25% down (even with people I know), I never release anything (not even reference mixes) unless I've recieved at a minimum the 25%. I always provide an invoice (including for the 25%) and offer a reciept if requested. For bigger projects I normally bill in smaller periods (25% down, invoice after tracking is complete, invoice after mixing, etc). If there are costs associated with outside services, I create an invoice which includes my mark-up.

It is best to get everything in writing and trust no one.
 
I have a contract that I drew up a couple of years ago. This contract holds the bands responsible for sample clearances, and compulsory lisences, so you are not liable in any type of copyright infringement. It also spells out the costs and hours of the actual recording.

I'm at work now, and that contract is at home, but when I get home I'll post it.
 
Excellent guys. I quickly learned to trust no one...I had "friends" refuse to pay for $10 a song about 2 years ago, and they only did 3 songs...that made me realize people will try to screw me over...OFTEN!

Hey Lucky13, have you researched the copyright infringment stuff? I had to refuse a few rappers because they wanted to use samples they didn't have the rights to. And from reading a bit about it, I know it could leave me "high and dry" if they did get somewhere with that recording and the original artist heard it. So, just a simple "disclaimer" is all that's needed saying that the artist is responsible for the samples and not myself, and I can't be held responsible for any of it?

Thanks once again guys.
 
Cult_Status02 said:
Excellent guys. I quickly learned to trust no one...I had "friends" refuse to pay for $10 a song about 2 years ago, and they only did 3 songs...that made me realize people will try to screw me over...OFTEN!

Hey Lucky13, have you researched the copyright infringment stuff? I had to refuse a few rappers because they wanted to use samples they didn't have the rights to. And from reading a bit about it, I know it could leave me "high and dry" if they did get somewhere with that recording and the original artist heard it. So, just a simple "disclaimer" is all that's needed saying that the artist is responsible for the samples and not myself, and I can't be held responsible for any of it?

Thanks once again guys.
Click to expand...

Yeah I learned about it in school. It's called an indemnification clause. Sorry, I got home last night and forgot to post that contract. I'll do it tonight.
 
i don't work with "unknowns". all of the people i record i either know ahead of time or have been "friends of friends", so i know they're legit and won't stiff me.

i don't require payment when tracking is finished, but i do require it before you get a copy of any of the mixes. i'll give the client a cd with about the first 1/3 of each song (verse/chorus) for evaluation purposes, but they've gotta pay before they get the actual full final mixes.

i've never felt the need to have anyone sign a contract......but then again, i'm also in a position where i can say "no" to a potential client, too.


cheers,
wade
 
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