This Special Record Label interview is a continuation from the March 2010 issue of Sick Drummer Magazine. To read the entire interview, subscribe NOW and login for access to all issues, past and present!
Interview by: Ian Macdonald
SDM: Do you look at reviews a band has gotten? Are there any outlets more viable than others when reading reviews?
Label A: Good reviews are helpful. Since SickDrummerMagazine.com doesn’t do album reviews, though, there are no real credible outlets for reviews. [Laughter]
Label B: Sometimes bands submit press quotes and/or review links with their music. This is never a bad thing; it shows that you are actively working your band and that you have a grasp on the outlets that are covering metal. There a ton of outlets on the web and in print that cover unsigned artists; if you can get them to cover your band, then you are ahead of the game. Metalsucks, metalreview, thegauntlet, smnnews, noisecreep, blabbermouth, lambgoat, loudside, and Sick Drummer Magazine are all great places to send your music to.
Label C: we don’t look at reviews, however the leading websites and trade mags are obviously more viable than any Joe-Blow metal zine.
SDM: When your bands tour outside the US, are there any special preparations for someone with a criminal record? What is proper identification? (such as visa, passport) Are there some places they cannot go?
Label A: If you have a felony and are a US citizen your career in Canada is pretty much fucked. If you’re from Europe and have a criminal record, your North American touring possibilities are pretty much fucked as well. There might be some ways around certain things, but it’s pretty costly to deal with it.
Label B: People with criminal records generally don’t make it across borders. There are steps you can take to get a passport, so if you have a record, get it taken care of as soon as you can. You don’t want to be the guy that stops your band from getting into Canada because you got a DUI two years ago. Fortunately, I don’t generally have to deal with this type of paperwork, but it is time consuming and can be complicated. This is something (good) managers take care of.
Label C: Don’t handle touring… sorry
SDM: Is it better for a band to have their own lawyer through the whole process?
Label A: Labels will usually help with this, so I’m not sure it’s necessary. Depends on the label, I guess. If you mean negotiating a record deal, though, I’d say a lawyer is a good idea for sure. A friend that understands contracts is an even better idea.
Label B: Always, always, always have a lawyer that YOU trust review contracts. I’ve seen bands sign some terrible deals (with other labels) that they get stuck in for five records. Never be afraid to ask questions and negotiate. That’s not saying if a label offers you $5,000 you should ask for $20,000, but generally if a label offers you something, that means they’re interested. Be honest with the label about what you need and what works for you and it’ll go a long way to making the relationship work. If you don’t trust each other from the beginning, that doesn’t bode well for your career and the time you’ll spend working with the label.
Label C: It wouldn’t hurt.
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