Also, and genuinely no offence to anyone meant by this, but being asked for something so far outside the norm would set off my alarm bells a bit; it implies that the client isn't that familiar with how the trade operates, which suggests you cold end up arguing over loads of trivial and completely normal stuff. Which is not something I've got the time or the inclination to get into.

Bottom line. Upfront agreement... Always make them sign with a witness. The agreement has to be "reasonable" and if you want to know what that means legally good luck, courts still debate this. Regardless do it on your own terms, if they disagree walk away.

CakeAlexS


Bottom line. Upfront agreement... Always make them sign with a witness. The agreement has to be "reasonable" and if you want to know what that means legally good luck, courts still debate this. Regardless do it on your own terms, if they disagree walk away.

+1 - Working it out up front was posted a couple of times - but folks wanted to discuss it all - GREAT thread from the OP - nearly 2500 views.


I have never had issue as a client, as I have no use for anything but the tracks I brought in, and the final mix or master created by the engineer.


Bob Bone

What a fantastic thread full of a lot of insight.  A classic example of what is so great about this forum.

Don't necessarily agree or disagree as occasionally wearing all three hats (artist, producer, engineer)  affords living on all sides of the discussion.

Just to reiterate the commonality here.  Work it out up front and if you're really concerned, consult an attorney versed in the subject.


Best,
guitardood

Another thing to consider...as I now see my ol pal JT already has... is that even if you got each indiviual track back with all his plugs and automation it probably wouldn't do you any good as you wouldn't have any or all of the same plugs and such.  So, the "mix" tracks might not even load or sound the same in your system.  If you mean you just want every single track rendered out with the effect of all plugs and automation...that's way more work for the mix engineer to do.  Some of us don't render out every individual track...depends on the mix and the horsepower of the system.  We will do it, of course, for a slightly higher fee.  YMMV.

Danny Danzi

John

Danny Danzi


Good advice there, John. I'm not an attorney, but studied quite a bit of music and law in my time due to being forced into it. I'd go to court with the advice I've shared here without an attorney...as dumb as that may sound, I'm confident as well as having been through enough to where I'd take my chances based on real my experiences as well as people "in the know" that I've consulted over the years. :)

Just so ya know...I didn't make any of the stuff up that I've shared. I've either lived it, spoke to attorneys, learned in school and have talked to several million dollar studio owners over the years. :) There are no laws as there cannot be. You can't get a SR copywrite until the "sound" is created from the studio. Form PA covers from song theft...form SR covers "the sound" which in this state, isn't created yet. :) Trust Uncle Danny on this. LOL! But still....great advice as always my friend. :)

-Danny

  Danny as a matter of fact I was worried you might think my post was aimed at you. NO! It wasn't. I just read a lot of other members posting too much on this that could confuse some. Your points are sound and as you already know I am in complete agreement with all your points.  

Hahaha, no I never thought that at all John. You're right in what you advised. I was sort of funning with you while sharing the thing about the SR copyright....which is quite true. :) We always seem to agree with each other I notice. That's probably why everyone hates us. LOL! Ok, they hate me more than you but it's ok. I got a few good guys that like me a lil...but just a lil. Hahaha!
 
-Danny

I don't think anyone hates you guys.  As a matter of fact, the forum would very sorely miss both of your insight, advice and opinions.  Any open-minded person would be a fool to not listen to all the information in order to help them think through their own difficulties.


Best,
guitardood

@guitardood

"Any open-minded person would be a fool to not listen to all the information in order to help them think through their own difficulties. "


What forum are you in where folks are open-minded?  (kidding)

Bob Bone