Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Recording Artists Should Be Careful When Signing Record Deals
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: January 27, 2014
Key Contacts
Back
For many recording artists, the ultimate goal is signing a record deal with one of the major record labels.
However, it is important that these musicians seek the assistance of an entertainment attorney to ensure there are no clauses that could hurt their careers.
Singer-songwriter, JoJo, recently endured a battle with her label that prevented her from releasing her third studio album. Her debut was released in 2004, and her sophomore record hit stores in 2006, but she hasn’t been able to put out an album since.
To avoid a similar situation, recording artists should understand all the language that comes with major label deals. For one, most record contracts come with exclusivity, which means that an artist signs on to only make music for the label unless granted permission to do otherwise.
Another major aspect of a record deal is the term. This is represents the duration of the contract. For example, a record label may give an artist a three album deal that comes with 12 months to record each album.
The Issue
The part of the contract that led to JoJo’s troubles is the release commitment. When signing a deal, labels generally provide an artist with a commitment to release a certain number of albums. If a recording artist signs a deal that requires them to release four albums before being released from their contract, then that is what has to be done. JoJo probably could have benefited from more specific language in this part of her contract that put a timeline of when her albums would be released.
JoJo is now out of her contract with the label, and so it will be interesting to see how this ordeal will impact future negotiations.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
What Every Real Estate Investor Should Know Before Buying a Rental Property
Before buying a New Jersey rental property, an investor should verify realistic operating numbers, the property’s legal and regulatory status, lead-based paint and flood compliance, the existing leases and tenant protections, and the right ownership structure. A rental property is more than a piece of real estate; it is an operating business subject to legal, […]
Author: Donald M. Pepe
Can You Change an Irrevocable Trust in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, an irrevocable trust can sometimes be modified even though its name suggests otherwise, and one of the primary tools for doing so is a process called decanting. Whether decanting is available depends on the specific terms of the trust and the discretion given to the trustee. Key takeaways: New Jersey has no […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
How Intellectual Property Valuation Will Impact Business Transactions
Intellectual property valuation determines the monetary value of a business’s IP assets, and it drives outcomes in licensing deals, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, financing, and ownership disputes. The most valuable assets of a business are often the things that cannot be seen or touched: a proprietary process, a copyrighted work, brand recognition, or the […]
Author: Jay McDaniel
Data Center, Dark Fiber, and Lit Services Agreements in New Jersey: Key Terms and Legal Pitfalls
For New Jersey data center owners and operators, a service agreement may look routine when it is signed. The network is functioning, the vendor is meeting its installation schedule, and the parties have agreed on pricing and performance specifications. The provisions that seem most important at that stage are often the technical ones. That changes […]
Author: George McGowan
Fort Monmouth Redevelopment and the Transformation of Monmouth County Real Estate
The Fort Monmouth redevelopment has entered its execution phase, and it is repositioning the broader Monmouth County real estate market. When Netflix and the Fort Monmouth Economic Revitalization Authority closed on the 292-acre Mega Parcel in December 2025, the transaction did more than hand over a deed. It marked the moment Fort Monmouth stopped being […]
Author: Donald M. Pepe
Local Zoning and Land Use Rules Every New Jersey Rental Property Owner Should Understand
Owning a residential rental property in New Jersey involves more than finding tenants and collecting rent. Property owners must comply with a combination of state laws, municipal ordinances, building and housing codes, and zoning and land use regulations. These requirements can affect everything from the number of dwelling units permitted at a property to whether […]
Author: Donald M. Pepe
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.