Hello Bruce,
Because I am working a lot with young artists / bands, there’s a lot of time that they can afford my full rate to mix their tracks. So if I really want to do the project, I can lower my rate and ask for having 5% to 10% of royalties (as arranger for ex), the idea being if after the project is out to the world they meet a unicorn, I will be allowed to have a little go on it with them too…
More seriously, What do you think of this system ? Do you think of a better way to do it ? Does it need a contract established explaining all that ?
Thank you very much !
Romain
Hi Romain,
Its often a struggle to find a way to get paid properly for your work so I agree with you that you have to get creative about ways that you can participate in any upside that the music generates. Having a royalty (points) baked in is certainly the most common way to do this. It really depends on your contribution. The major sources that producers and mixers get royalties from are:
- Sound recording streaming income
- Sound recording sync income (When the song is used in a film or advert)
- Sound recording performance income from satellite and webcasting (Sound Exchange) and in Europe broadcast radio (Neighboring rights)
- Music Publishing
The other way you can structure upside from their success is if you believe they may have the opportunity to get a record deal they will have to pay you your proper fee out of their advance. I would always insist on this and also a royalty.
Yes you need at the very least a letter that lays out the terms of your work, but a contract is preferable. You should always have this, even if you are only getting a flat fee.
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Bruce, thank you very much for your advices and your vision !