So You Think You Want a Record Deal - Debunking the Major Label Myth

Delusions of Grandeur

Just a few short years ago every aspiring rapper, singer or band would claw at the chance to audition for a major label A&R representative in hopes of landing a juicy contract, fortune and fame. Today,
if you are looking for that kind of fairy tale ending, perhaps it would be best
to scale down your expectations.

I say that for two very important reasons. In brief they are:

-Money: Based on my research and calculating the price to promote and distribute a CD, you stand to make about $40,000; that is, if you are lucky enough to sell at
least 500,000 copies.

-Ownership: Your label retains all of the rights to your music, publishing. Even if you end up being dropped like a hot potato, the label still owns and can profit from your music.

-Creative Control (or lack thereof): The label controls your sound, image, the producers you work with, and when your album is released – or not.

The Money Game

Using the example above let’s say you managed to sell 500,000 copies of your debut CD at $15 a pop; that 7.5 million dollars in sales. At this point you may ask: how in the world do I stand only to pocket $40,000?

The primary reason is that major labels will charge you for every conceivable expense in connection with your act. From recording and CD duplication, to marketing and promotion (that includes giveaways). In addition,
that nice chunk of advance money you got when you signed on the dotted line has
to be recouped as well - all before you see one red cent.

Your best potential source of income is from touring and selling related merchandise, a market that has dwindled substantially in recent years. Does that major label deal still sound appealing to you?

Path of Success No Longer Through Major Labels

In the past, artists relied solely on major labels and their deep pockets to expand their audience by promoting them through traditional media channels. But with the explosion of the internet, social media, and indie
music stores, the need for the corporate middleman has all but been eliminated.
Undoubtedly much hard work is involved, but it’s all in the name of owning your
own music. New and exciting D.I.Y. artists are taking full advantage of this
level playing field and are living their dreams on their own terms. Will you?