Behind every artist, label and music partnership is a structure: who owns what, who earns what, who decides and who does the work. When that structure is clear, artists and partners can focus on the music and build working relationships that last. When it is not, it costs money, time and relationships.
We help in three situations: when there is a deal on the table, when a new structure has to be set up, and when terms have to be negotiated.
Deals on the table
Record deals, publishing deals, management and distribution agreements. We read what is offered, compare it with what is usual and work out what it means in money and rights: advances, royalty rates, recoupment, costs, exclusivity, term, territory and when rights come back.
New structures
- Label imprints for artists, genres and partners: ownership, distribution, administration and how revenue is split
- Joint ventures and partnerships: who invests, who does the work, who decides, how profit is shared and how it ends
- Company structures for artists and writers who run their own business, together with their accountant
Negotiation
A deal should reflect what each party brings, the risk it takes and the rights it gives up. We prepare the negotiation, work out the numbers, look past the headline figures and propose alternatives where a term does not work. What is agreed is put in writing.
Our role
We help develop, review and negotiate music business agreements, so the money, the rights and the responsibilities are clear and work for the people involved. Through The Music Hub, the practical side of publishing, releases and distribution can be taken care of as well.
Independent, by choice
We are independent by choice and connected to the wider industry. That gives us the freedom to choose the right partners and the right terms. Major labels, publishers and distributors often play an important role, as long as the arrangement makes sense for the people making the music. We look at what each party brings, what it gets in return and who keeps control of the rights.