What Is A 360 Record Deal

Okay so we’ve come to the point where we have to break down what a 360 Record Deal Contract is.

There are many of our readers who are producers and artists and are actively seeking this information from us or other places online.

Many artists want to sign a deal thinking that they need to so so in order to get out of poverty.

They figure that since there is an opportunity before them, and they have a family to feed, that they might as well sign a 360 deal.

The deal comes with a small advance of money, studio time (which is billed to you) interviews, performances, touring, brand sponsorship, collaborations with well known artists and much more

But is it worth it in the end? Is it worth giving away the ownership of your masters, and being paid a fraction of the money you make because the label takes a big piece of the pie?

Hopefully this article can give you some insight into what a 360 Record Deal is and if it’s right for you as an artist.

Keep in mind that it’s all about where you are in your music career and what you can negotiate. Being a new artist WON’T allow to negotiate anything. And we will discuss why later on in the article.

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What Does A 360 Record Deal Mean?

There are two types of 360 Record Deals. 1) 360 Record Deal  2) Full 360 Record Deal

The average 360 Record Deal may include you giving up a percentage of your album sales, money from touring (concert performance), merchandise income, book deals, music licensing, a percentage of sponsorship deals and anything else you make money from.

The majority of record labels sign their artists to a Full 360 Record Deal. Meaning labels are demanding a portion of an artist’s income from everything!

That’s not all! On top of that record labels the advance the artist is given needs to be recouped (paid back) before an artist sees a dime of income.

What exactly needs to be recouped? Well, the full advance money given to you, as well as the money spent to help launch your career.

This includes but is not limited to of all marketing, promotion, publicity costs, studio time, music videos, wardrobe for photo shoots, website costs etc.

The website and videos will remain under the control and ownership of the record label, not the artist.

How Many Years Does A 360 Record Contract Last?

Well we have shown you a Full 360 Record Deal Contract Example before, and typically a 5 album deal. This can take anywhere from 5-8 years to complete. This depends on how long it takes you to create the album and release it.

Keep in mind if the album is not done to the record labels satisfaction they won’t release it. Mixtapes, compilations, or EP’s don’t count towards an LP.

Full albums (LP’s) are solo projects that are typically over 8 songs and a minimum duration of 22 minutes. 

So What Is Wrong With A 360 Recording Contract?

There are many terms within the deal that benefits the record label. And if you are an artist that loves your label and want to give them the majority of what you’ve earned – through blood, sweat and tears, then that’s fine.

In fact a lot of artist who sign these deals have no problem bowing down to the record label – as long as they get a little TV time and $500 in their pocket every month!

Fame – everyone knowing your name and liking you because of your money, can be very addictive. People screaming your name and asking for autographs really boosts your ego, and some people need that.

But there are others who want to be in the music industry and know their self worth. They know the value of their music and have integrity.

They still may want the fame and money, but won’t succumb to signing shady deals to attain the spotlight.

A 360 deal doesn’t give you ownership of your masters, which is how you make the majority of money from your music! A 360 deal also takes away a percentage of all your income and gives it to the record label, which is not fair.

You’re the artist, you created the status, the fans, and the music career. The label provided a platform and the money.

They should only be entitled to the money they’ve invested in you – plus interest if need be – but nothing more. They don’t deserve money from all the income sources you generate.

Under The 360  Deal The Label Attains

• Your Sound Recording Rights
• Publishing Rights 
• Touring Rights And Percentages
• Merchandise
• Website, Fan Clubs, and Image
• Creative Control
• Picks Your Album Singles
• Percentage of Endorsement income
• Percentage of Album Sales
• Percentage of Performance & Appearance Income
• Percentage of book deals

What does record label own? They own everything under the contract. You own nothing.  The label own your publishing, the master recording, your image and likeness etc.

Can a 360 Record Deal Benefit the Artist?

Short answer is yes. What we are saying here is that the majority of indie artists do not have enough negotiating power due to their lack of clout, experience, fans, concert tickets, and album sales.

A 360 can only benefit an artist who has already accomplished success on their own. But the issue is that new artists don’t have that.

You don’t have to sign away your life and future income because you are currently broke and want more money and fame. 

The wise thing would be to hold out until you build your fanbase and notoriety, so that you can negotiate terms under the 360 contract that benefits you.

You can go in and negotiate a partnership with a record label. This will make you 50% owner and in most cases you can keep your publishing.

The record label will essentially be your bank and fund your marketing and distribution. They’ll also take 50% of the business opportunities they bring to you.

his is far because in life and business you eat what you kill. As a partner you have more levesI’ve helped artist do it and seen it done, so it can be done. Stay Woke!

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