John Doe is the founder of the seminal Los Angeles punk group X, a solo
artist and actor. John answers questions from the KnowTheMusicBiz.com
community members in the WWJDD? blog.



A Question from Amanda in Indianapolis

Hello John,

I have been writing songs for some time now and it's been a dream of
mine to record my own record. The local recording studio near my house
gave me a handwritten price quote of $2000.00 to record, mix, master my
recordings and cover the costs of a couple of session musicians. It
seemed like a lot of money but the people there seemed to know what they
are doing and I wanted a professional recording of my material. Now that
the recording process is over a couple of things happened that have left
me confused and upset. The person in charge at the studio helped me with
melodies on two of my songs, now he says he wants 25% ownership of those
songs! He never told me that his help would give him part ownership of
MY songs. If I had known that I would have stuck with my original
melodies. Additionally he is now asking that I sign a producer agreement
that gives him 3% points on my sales. Shouldn't these "agreements"
happen before I started recording, not after? I have already paid for
the recording session in full but now he is won't give me the masters
until I sign his agreements. Are artists always treated this way by
people who offer "help" in the music industry? What would John Doe Do in
this situation?

With much respect,

Amanda


To read John's response in the WWJDD? blog click here
<http://www.knowthemusicbiz.com/index.php/BIZ-BLOG/What-Would-John-Doe-D\
oAn-Unscrupulous-Producer.html> .

If you have a question about music or the music business email it to
wwjdd [at] knowthemusicbiz.com




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