ADN #131 — What Every Indie Artist Should Know Before Signing a Record Deal

Getting offered a record deal feels like the finish line.
But it’s not.

It’s the starting gun.

It’s your sign that what you are doing is working.

Ownership and freedom are your most valuable assets.

If you’re going to consider a deal, you want to identify what you are willing to give up and what you want in return.

Here’s how to show up ready.

1. Have a Backup Plan (So You Don’t Beg for a Deal)

If this is the only deal on the table, it’s easy to feel like you have to take it.

But that puts you in a weak spot.

You’ll say yes to things you shouldn’t.

You’ll overlook red flags.

You’ll shrink yourself to fit a deal that wasn’t made for you.

Before you sign anything -

Build something on your own first:

• Fans
• Streams
• Merch
• A team
• A story

The more you’re already doing, the less desperate you’ll feel and the more leverage you’ll have.

2. Say What You Want First

Don’t wait for a label to tell you what you’re worth.

Set the tone.

Want to keep your masters?

Say so.

Want tour support?

Tell them.

Want a short contract?

Say that.

And don’t fold fast when they push back (they will).

Slow, small moves signal confidence.

3. Trade Smart

They’ll offer you something shiny (a big check) in exchange for something expensive (your independence, your catalog, your future).

Break the deal into parts:

• Money
• Ownership
• Timeline
• Marketing
• Creative control

Give where you can.

Fight for what matters.
If they want more, ask for more.

It’s not tit for tat, it’s strategy.

4. You’re Not a Cost (You’re the Value)

You’re not asking for a favor.

You’re offering potential.

This isn’t just about one album.
This is about a catalog.

A brand.

A decade of growth.

“I’m not looking for help. I’m looking for the right partner.”

Don’t let them frame you as a risk.

You’re a bet, and a good one if you’ve done the work.

Final Note

If the deal feels off, don’t sign it.
If you feel rushed, pause.
If you feel pressured, ask more questions.

And if they say, “you won’t get another chance like this”?

Cool.

Either the deal is right, and you agree, or prove them wrong!

— — -

See you next Sunday,

Neil