biz advice - please help !

Hello,

I've been working with a band for a little over a year now and they are now at the point where they are doing lots of showcases and have A&R all over them - its either gonna happen now for them or it ain't..

The problem is that they haven't paid for the previous 2 sets of sessions..and have run up a not inconsiderable bill. I've agreed to be flexible with them as far as payment, but now the manager wants to come in and do a couple more tracks..and there's still no money. I've had the usual "so-and-so will record them for free, but we don't really want to use them.." from the manager, etc..but I can't make a living doing things for free, and you don't get to buy (and maintain) the tools you need to make those killer demos that got the A&R down in the first place if you work for free...

My thoughts are if this label likes the band so much, they could reach in their pockets at this point, OR if he is so desparate for more recording he should scrape some cash together.

I've met a few of these A&R folks AND other producers managers (multi-platinum megadudes, too) who it is being shopped to , so when it comes to the crunch, I know I'm going to have to fight to stay in the game anyway, but I feel my relationship with the band is good and what we've done together is pretty special. I've had promises of getting to work on the record but...I want to see this through but don't see myself as a mug.. and the "mugometer" is ringing..any advice out there ?

 

This is where business is no fun. I hate that $*^t. I've never been in that exact situation but I think I'm qualified to give you some advice having run a small business myself and gotten screwed. Take the offensive and state some demands. You'll want some money the day they come to record. Chances are the manager is bluffing and is probably pretty nervous about his stature being that he doesn't seem to have any money to front. They won't get a good recording for free or they would be doing that. They obviously want to record with you so demand what you're worth. Get PAID sucka!

Good luck...

 

If for some reason you decide to continue to extend the band credit, you should consider doing one (or more) of the following:

•Sit down with them as a group, and have a "clear the air" meeting. Explain your concerns in a non-antagonistic fashion. It is possible that the band members are not completely aware of how the manager is behaving, and may back you to some extent. Often a "we're all in this together, but we've all got to eat" tack will be something musicians can easily relate to.

•Draft a written contract that states exactly how much, and by when you expect to get paid, after which interest will start accruing. Have both the manager and band members sign it. This will be very useful if you need to go to small claims court or take other legal action.

•Do what Julian (I think) has done - don't ever give them a "final mix" until the money has been paid. If they need to have something, give them a mono mix, or vox panned L music panned R, or some other variation that is clearly not CD ready.

 

I had also seen Julian talk about working out a publishing deal with the artists that would guarantee you some money, at least if they end up going somewhere with these songs. Julian?

 

I think you need to have a meeting with the band and tell them that you like em loads but cant keep extending credit and ask the manager to swing some demo money from the labels to at least pay for the next recordings.

That you went out on a limb with no contract prior to this point is history. Asking them to sign $*^t now will just drive them away... click on my email link above or PM and send me your phone number and I will call you about it..

Just stay in tight with the band but dont let the greedy manager walk all over you, he will dump you in a heartbeat.

 

Hang this sign:

"If you can't afford it, don't record it."

 

Thanks everyone for your replies on this - the folks on these forums are awesome. Also a mega thanks to Jules for taking the time out to give me a call - what a frickin' star !