Help! - First Remix deal with major label

[backplay]

The way we do it is:

1 - We ask a payment to do a remix or we pay somebody to do a remix.
2 - We remix for an artist, no charges. And next time we want a remix from him, it will also be free of charge.

With remixes we are never listed as co-writers, we get only mentioned: Blablablabla (Remix by us).

[emkay]

Originally Posted by elarreal

Hi guys,

I am currently in a situation were I have been asked by a major label branch from another country to do a remix of an up and coming artist, this artist is fairly well known in this country and in latin america in general.

This is my first time doing work for one of the 5 major labels. I have agreed verbally not to charge them a price for the remix, and they stated that the best and only benefit they could give me was just to give me credits on any printed material related to the remix.

This remix is a dance remix intended for radio play.

Another factor in my dilemma is the fact that I have done considerable amount of changes including hooks and so forth to the remix.

In short whatt I'd like to know is , in this particular situation:

1) Do I have any other options as far as asking for some other benefits?
2)What kind of benefits? (monetary compensation, royalties, points)
3) Does the fact that the label is a located in a another country alter any laws I should be aware of?


I just wanna be sure that in the most remote possible scenario that the remix blows up , I don't wanna end up knowing that I could have done something beforehand to appropriately get compensated.

Thanx

If you didn't write the tune or produce the tune, why would you think you could possibly get royalties or poinrs? If it's a MAJOR why don't they just pay you the going rate for what you're worth? No mystery here.......good luck and watch your ass

[sweetjesus]

Originally Posted by elarreal

Hi guys,

I am currently in a situation were I have been asked by a major label branch from another country to do a remix of an up and coming artist, this artist is fairly well known in this country and in latin america in general.

This is my first time doing work for one of the 5 major labels. I have agreed verbally not to charge them a price for the remix, and they stated that the best and only benefit they could give me was just to give me credits on any printed material related to the remix.

This remix is a dance remix intended for radio play.

Another factor in my dilemma is the fact that I have done considerable amount of changes including hooks and so forth to the remix.

In short whatt I'd like to know is , in this particular situation:

1) Do I have any other options as far as asking for some other benefits?
2)What kind of benefits? (monetary compensation, royalties, points)
3) Does the fact that the label is a located in a another country alter any laws I should be aware of?


I just wanna be sure that in the most remote possible scenario that the remix blows up , I don't wanna end up knowing that I could have done something beforehand to appropriately get compensated.

Thanx

theres a lot of fish in the ocean and to be honest, you should be greatful with the opportunity you have been given to possibly get your name or qualifications as a producer ratified.

[elarreal]

Hey guys thanx for your replies.

theres a lot of fish in the ocean and to be honest, you should be greatful with the opportunity you have been given to possibly get your name or qualifications as a producer ratified.

Believe me I'm aware of the opportunity, ehe, and I'm very grateful.
It's just that I wanna make sure I'm not getting taken advantage of.

If you didn't write the tune or produce the tune, why would you think you could possibly get royalties or points?

To be honest I didn't; until a friend of mine heard it and made me aware that i had created a whole new song due to the considerable amount of changes. And I'm not really seeking copyright of the song. I was more thinking along the lines of getting a very small percentage of the blanket licenses clubs and bars pay or something to that nature like I said I know nothing about this dealing part of the buisiness.

If it's a MAJOR why don't they just pay you the going rate for what you're worth?

See I don't know that either, how much is the current going rate for something like this?

Thanx again

[ninjaneer]

Originally Posted by elarreal

... I have agreed verbally not to charge them a price for the remix, and they stated that the best and only benefit they could give me was just to give me credits on any printed material related to the remix.

if that's the agreement between you then go with that.
it's a promotional tool for your remix work that may lead to production work.
try and build a good relationship with the label and more work should follow.

in future negotiate before verbally agreeing anything and or use a lawyer or management.
nobody likes to come backwards and forwards to the negotiation table (except condoleezza rice)

areas where you could benefit financially are points etc. but this is usually based on your
chart success rate - the better it is the more chance of that happening.

if you are still in the negotiation stage you could try to get a clause that some kind of payment
is made if the song reaches a certain chart position or that you receive payment if your
mix ends up on compilation albums etc.

try and get good knowledgeable management.


good luck with the remix

have fun with it.

[chrisso]

I wouldn't work for a 'major' for free. You are being taken advantage of IMO.
Once you lower your price to zero, why assume anyone will ever pay you for anything?
I work for free sometimes when it is an up and coming artist, or a very small label (with no budget) and you know the project has some credibility attached - which might lead to critical and public acclaim and future work,.
My experience with major artists and major labels is they want something for nothing, or very cheap. If you expect to get paid on the next remix with the same label or artist, there's at least a 50/50 chance they will just go down to the next low budget/free mixer on their list.
As to your verbal agreement.....
A printed credit on a 'radio only' remix is worthless isn't it? Who's going to see the credit?
You should have negotiated reasonable expenses AT LEAST.
I would have asked for expenses, plus a stake in the success of the track - like a publising credit, a small royalty of some kind, or an immediate paid gig with one of the labels other artists. Something to bank.
The music biz is littered with remixers who created a hit by virtually rewriting a track, but didn't receive a fair share, or any of the income.

[hle144]

Originally Posted by elarreal

Hi guys,

I am currently in a situation were I have been asked by a major label branch from another country to do a remix of an up and coming artist, this artist is fairly well known in this country and in latin america in general.

This is my first time doing work for one of the 5 major labels. I have agreed verbally not to charge them a price for the remix, and they stated that the best and only benefit they could give me was just to give me credits on any printed material related to the remix.

Does'nt sound like a major label if your not getting paid. If they're not paying you, then your credentials are'nt where you think they are. Its a good way to get exposure but don't get too into it because theres no money involved. Do it, chalk it op for experience and move on to the next "paying" project.

[sexxy]

Originally Posted by emkay

watch your ass

jajajajajajajajajajajaja

[stimming]

ah this is very nice to read here, i think this topic should get an own forum!! we should discuss this much more, because this is a part of our business most of us know too less!

elarreal - i think it really depends on what you are "worth". how much releases you had and where, which reputation you got and stuff. and to get at least something i would agree with nijaneer:
"...you could try to get a clause that some kind of payment
is made if the song reaches a certain chart position or that you receive payment if your
mix ends up on compilation albums etc."

[Jazzpunk]

Doing a remix is a work for hire situation. Labels will offer you a flat fee for a complete 'buyout' of your track.

It is already assumed that your remix will contain new instrumental hooks- that is why it is called a remix! Unless you have been specifically hired as a composer to write an original composition, do not expect to be compensated beyond being paid for producing the remix.

If you are an unknown producer you will have little ground to negotiate beyond what the label is offering. Sounds like a great opportunity. Don't blow it by making demands beyond what your resume actually warrants.