You're navigating negotiations with record labels. How can you protect your artistic integrity?

In my experience, artists often underestimate their value. I recommend conducting a personal SWOT analysis—assessing your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This not only clarifies your unique selling points, but also helps you articulate them confidently during negotiations. Remember, the more you know about your worth, the less likely you are to settle for terms that don’t reflect it.

It could be well worth your time to search for a record label that may best represent your sound and artistic self. After all a record label would be responsible for the distribution and promotion of your music and self. It has to be a right fit or at least a close one if you're beginning and reaching from there. Firstly, they ought to value your artistic integrity and allow for full creative freedom, and sign you because they believe in your sound. Allow for them to explain how their distribution mechanism works, and seek to find a balance between good representation and remuneration. See if you would be able to repeatedly release music with the same label and stay consistent with your audience that hopefully should only keep growing.

Only sign something if you really get something you really think is a big benefit to you. make it as short as possible 4 / 5 years and never forever. After those 4/5 years all rights / publishing return back to you. Keep your publishing, e.g. Sentric can publish / collect for you or Songtrust. Any reservations at all don't sign it, if your legal rep doesn't like it , say no to it. Most labels know that regardless of what the contract says, if you don't have the cash to take them to court, what's on paper doesn't matter, they will do whatever they want. Most labels are using your music to benefit the label , or the owner of the label and not the artist, so if you don't feel really good, walk away. You'll always get another chance.

Many talented artists stay true to their artistic identities but remain largely unknown. If you're an up-and-coming artist fortunate enough to find a label committed to a long-term strategy to grow your profile, that's ideal. Typically, however, labels seek rapid commercial success, which can cause disagreements. Initially, it's wise to seek a compromise with the label to navigate this early phase. As you gain a solid fanbase and establish your name, you'll have the opportunity to fully showcase your artistic vision and achieve true creative expression.