You know the drama with today’s artists getting pissed at their label homes due to their albums not seeing the light of day???? So with that fresh in our minds lets discuss the “Guaranteed release clause”
Very few record contracts guarantee the release of your album. However, with some bargaining power/leverage you can get a guaranteed release clause inserted. Be clear that this clause does not obligate your label to put out your music; it will only say you can get out of the deal if they don’t. With more bargaining power, you can sometimes get the right to buy back an unreleased album. To be honest, if the label doesn’t rate you enough to put it out, why not let you take it elsewhere and get their money back?
Guaranteed release clauses basically turn you into a big notice at the labels office that reads “Yo cuz, you don’t put my ishh out, I’m out fam”. If, within a certain period after delivery (usually 3-4months) the label still hasn’t put out your album, you have earned the right to put it in written notice. After the label receives this information, they have another period (usually 2months) to actually put out the album. Now, if they still do not put out your album, you have 30 days after those 60 days to send them another notice (and if you’re late, you lose your rights). However, if you’ve followed these measures (subject to each case) then you have the right to tell your label #LEAVEITYEAH
There’s more to it…but you get my drift!!!!!!
Related posts:
- Editorial: “Why You May Need a Record Deal”
- Management Deals: Clauses Artists should insert for a better deal with Management
- Artist Advice: “Expectations are different from goals”
- Artist Advice: “Think of intriguing song titles for your music”
- Professor Green Vents Against EMI and Exposes his “360 Deal” contract
