EMP Label Group executive Thom Hazaert explains that a record deal is a loan
EMP Label Group executive Thom Hazaert explains that a record deal is a loan
So many bands are always pining to get that elusive record deal but often, getting that record deal does not equate into making any money.
EMP Label Group executive Thom Hazaert posted the following message on his Facebook account earlier today:
“If you’re in a band. And a label is kind enough to believe in you and put years of time, money, and resources into your band or record, that they will 9 times out of 10 lose money on. Know. A record deal is a loan. An advance. You pay it back. Every dime spent. Every single thing “given”. This is record label 101. If you aren’t prepared for that, don’t sign to a label. If you do, read the contract. Ask questions. Hire a manager or a lawyer. If you don’t, don’t bitch about it later.
If more money is spent, than is earned. You don’t make money. Even if you REALLY wanted to, or REALLY thought you should. Acting like a beligerent child doesn’t change that. Understand your business, and be a professional, if you want to make it a business.
Noone has to do anything for you in this World. Appreciate and respect when they do. Thankful for all of our amazing artists, and all the amazing respect and mutual admiration we share.
We’re one of the last of a dying breed, in a dying business. And we do this for love, not money. Being a record label in 2019 is practically a charity. A 24 hour a day, 365 days a year, Dawn til Dawn labor of love. And anyone who knows, knows.
And anyone who knows us, knows we do everything in our power to operate with tranparency, dignity and class, and we do this pretty much solely at this point to help our friends. And that’s why we have so many.”