?Who Else Wants to Get Screwed When Signing a Recording or Songwriting Deal?!?!?

You've got your recording (or songwriting) contract in hand and everything's coming up roses, right? You get your check, finally, but it's not quite what you expected. If you sign not knowing what's owed you then you might be shorted some well-deserved income. So make sure that anything you sign contains a statement to the following areas (preferably in your favor):

Performing Rights ? this means you get a chunk of the change when your songs are played over the radio, television, Internet and at some public venues like concerts and such. And who keeps tabs on this? Check out ASCAP-http://www.ascap.com/index.html, SESAC? http://www.sesac.com/home.asp and BMI? http://www.bmi.com.

Mechanical Rights ? This is the most commonly known. It includes anything physical such as tapes, CDs, etc. The Harry Fox Agency is nearly 80 years old and for artists with 2500 or less recordings they can learn more at http://www.songfile.com/ regarding small licensing.

Print Rights ? Exactly that ? anything in print like lyrics or sheet music.

Foreign Rights ? Again, anything that deals with foreign publishing and licensing.

Synchronization Rights ? Ever heard a Garth Brooks or Rolling Stone song in a movie or television show? That's synchronization and it can mean big bucks although some artists overlook this very important right when signing.

If you fail to have some or all of these areas covered when signing a contract it can mean the loss of big money for you. If you can afford it hire only the best entertainment attorney to handle your contracts. A good attorney can be expensive, especially if he has to do all the legwork but you can save time and money by looking into products such as the 101 Music Business Contracts software at http://www.MusicContracts101.com . This easy to use, contracts creation software features over 100, professionally drafted, music business contracts and agreements. As with any contract you sign ? be it a house loan or a recording contract ? it's best to have an attorney look the documents over before doing a final signing. However, a great money saver is arming yourself with knowledge, like 101 Music Business Contracts, before you ever set foot in a law firm.

This article was written by Ty Cohen, the music industry's most recognizable voice! Ty is the C.E.O of Platinum Millennium Publishing, Platinum Millennium Records as well as owner of http://www.MusicContracts101.com and http://www.MusicIndustrySuccess.com

---

Why Play Guitar?

As a full-time guitar instructor, I am constantly faced with... Read More

Hip Hop History

Rap music originated as a cross-cultural product. Most of its... Read More

How to Create Hip, Mature and Lush Harmonies

Rarely is a chord played with its tones contained in... Read More

Soul Band for a Party

Was the request six months ago, a sixtieth birthday party,... Read More

Be An Organized Church Pianist

Playing in front of a congregation each Sunday is no... Read More

10 Ways for Unknown Musicians to Get the Word Out

When Clear Channel controls the radio and the monopoly newspaper... Read More

Painting with Sound

Whenever I go to a Borders bookstore here in San... Read More

Play Piano in the New Age Style

It's not what you play, it's how you play it.... Read More

New Age Piano and Improvisation

There are so many areas in life where one must... Read More

Music and Healing: The Power of Meaningful Words and Music

We All Have a Favorite Piece of Music that Moves... Read More

When Does Practice Make Perfect? Not Much Of The Time Unless All The Pieces Fit First

Often people receive a banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar or some... Read More

Its Jewish Music, But Is The Music Jewish?

A while back I was driving along the Jerusalem highway... Read More

Taps; Piping Military Honors: A Ceremonial Guide for Highland Bagpipers

It has become increasingly popular for U.S. military veterans and... Read More

Writing Hit Songs

There are a lot of factors to writing a hit... Read More

Performance and Gigs

"For optimum amp tone onstage, plug your amp into your... Read More

Piano Teachers - Whats Wrong with Them?

Most of us like to use what we learn right... Read More

Hip Hop Clothing

Celebrities now such as Outkast, a fashion wear can be... Read More

Try Some New Music!

Stuck in a music rut?It happens. After listening to your... Read More

Beginners Guide to Music File Formats

Are you confused by the various types of music file... Read More

How Many Guitar Chords Do I Need To Know?

Guitar chords, (chords played specifically on a guitar,) differ only... Read More

Lori Nuic Sparkles

A soulful vibe along with an amazing voice is what... Read More

SOUNDS GOOD TO ME - Eliminate Throat Tension

As a vocal coach, I hear it all the time.... Read More

So You Want to be President? Learn to Play a Musical Instrument!

President Harry S. Truman, the man in the White House... Read More

Beginning Clarinet: The Very Start

Like starting with any instrument, beginning clarinet is a process... Read More

Killer Piano Playing Secrets of a Chord Addict!

I wish you could have seen me play the piano... Read More