EMI Records: One of the five major record companies (see Major Record Company). Note: Both Capitol and Virgin Records are distributed by EMD (i.e., EMI Distribution).
Endorsements: Sponsorship from major equipment manufacturers. These manufacturers either offer artists their products for free in exchange for the use their name and likeness in advertisements or they offer a discount of 60 to 70 percent off the retail price of their products.
Exclusive Songwriters Agreements (E.S.W.A.'s): An agreement between the writer and publishing company where the songwriter transfers 100 percent copyright ownership in all of the compositions that are written during the term (e.g., one year plus three one year options). The publishing company actively plugs, promotes and administers the compositions. The publishing company offers an advance against the writer's share of future earnings. Historically, E.S.W.A's were the "deal of the day" (The Beatles and Bob Dylan signed these deals). Today E.S.W.A.'s are more common in Nashville, Tennessee.
Execution Advance: When of a recording agreement is signed and the "recording fund" is established, the artist may ask for a portion of money to be paid up front in order to cover outstanding expenses, or to simply keep the band alive while preparing to do the record. Also see Recording Fund.
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Copyright 2002 Bobby Borg. Excerpt from "The Musician's Handbook: A Practical Guide To Understanding The Music Business," which is scheduled for release in the Spring 2003 by Billboard Books. For more information, visit bobbyborg.com, or write: bborg@earthlink.net or Bobby Borg, PO Box 18564, Beverly Hills, CA 90209.
Past Borg Speaks Articles:
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The above article is the expression of the writer's opinon and may or may not be the opinion of PeaceWork Records.
2002, PeaceWork Music
