Talk about the music biz - marketing, promotions, contract law, copyright etc...
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By D-Skillz Mon Oct 28, 2013 1:23 am
Hi, I'm a new producer affiliated with SESAC and I recently got contacted by a new upcoming artist outside of the United States, he asked if I could make an instrumental track for him and two other members. All three want to rap on the track I make for them. So, I made a beat for him and sent it out to him. The whole band liked the track. They haven't paid me or anything because I was thinking of getting attribution for that track and I was thinking of featuring him on an album I plan on releasing in the future but I haven't mentioned it to him yet nor any of business related talk, just about music. Then he tells me he wants me to be the producer for the band because they'll be the only band in his country with an american producer and he wants me to make more tracks for him. So, what are the possible options for me to make money off the music I make for the band and also I'm not sure if they can afford to pay since they are a new band. Also, how can I be sure I am making a safe deal with him. This is all new to me and I'm confused, all answers will be much appreciated. Thanks!
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By Menco Tue Oct 29, 2013 9:59 am
Do a background search on them. If they do gigs and do shows every week then they probably get paid off that.

To me, a good musical relationship also comes with a bit of trust. If they see you as part of their group, then you have to trust them they will pay you too if they get paid. Thing is off course you don't know if you can trust them.

I would just collab with them if they are dope. If you later on find out they're making some cash with your music without seeing any money coming your way you can always tell them you want a piece of the pie as well.
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By psr Tue Oct 29, 2013 12:53 pm
trust is over rated. they want beats but they dont want to pay? ok no problem they need to at least sign a simple contract, production contract that says

A. i own alll my music
B. it costs this much per track
C. pay now or I will waive the fee just so we can work but you promise to pay when you begin to get paid or when some deal is signed.
D. I get typical production credit where ever the song is listed.
E. they can use them non exclusively for free but exclusive beats cost whatever your price.

sounds tough but this is such a simple and common deal. they get beats w/o paying and you get to work with the ease of mind that if something ever does bring in some loot you have the rigth to get paid and being that you own the tracks yu can sue if shit goes wrong later.

best point too is that to begin producing you almost have to be willing to work for little to no cash. but protect yourself with at least a one pager. there are cheap and free contract spots out there on the net.

here peep this project by my man Passion HiFi... http://bboytechreport.com/2013/08/14/the-passion-hifi-hip-hop%E2%80%8B-%E2%80%8Binstrumentals-volume-1/
you download his album of beats and a production contract comes with it for use by those who want to use his beats. you can use this as a template for what you may want to have them sign.