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Songwriting Guides Record companies
Getting advice
If there is one thing that should be tattooed on your forehead when dealing with record companies it is 'independent legal advice'. A label may like one or two of your songs and want to do a publishing and recording deal on those alone - or you may be looking at the big one: an exclusive recording deal for a substantial term, with an advance. But no matter the size of the deal or the company, you need to get independent advice from a reputable music lawyer.
Music lawyers, like any other lawyers, are expensive. But there are ways of getting advice cheaply or even for free.
First of all find the major law firms who deal in music and entertainment law and ask if they offer a free advice surgery. Some firms will give you 15 minutes of their time for free. If you are able to prepare your questions and take relevant paperwork, you could get a quick but experienced answer as to whether what you are being offered is good for you or not.
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Some firms will give you 15 minutes of their time for free.
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Do you have any friends or relatives who are trained lawyers and could help? There are also some good books on the subject, and these will help you understand more about the way contracts and the law work - have a look at our recommended reading section. On specific issues, though, legal advice will always be needed.
There are also cheap alternatives to top city firms. The Musicians' Union and Performing Right Society run workshops and surgeries to help with all aspects of legal work, including contracts. Find out when and where they are, though you need to be a member of these organisations to take full advantage of what they offer.
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Songwriting Guides
Writing a Song
Performing
Working with Other Writers
In the Studio
Publishers
Record Companies
Who's Who?
What's in it for me?
Money
Approaching Record Companies
Recording Contracts
Getting Advice
Advances
Management
Staying on Track
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ÌýThe Songwriting Game |
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Pick a chord
Play with chords and find out what kind of songwriter you are with the Songwriting Game.
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ÌýDON'T MISS |
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Doves Special guests on Dermot's show this week
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