You’re supposed to be providing for your family. You’re supposed to be increasing your income in your career. You’re supposed to have your game plan concise, easy to follow, and under control. So, let me ask you: why don’t you? Is it because you don’t have an idea of how business works? Well, I don’t want to rain on your parade, but if I didn’t tell you the truth, then I wouldn’t be doing your job as a brand strategist and music producer.

You see, what is okay is that you don’t have everything figured out. No one does. Don’t be fooled by tv shows, movies, commercials, the odd ball conversations that you have experienced in the past year – nobody has it all figured out. You can have the best and most detailed goal and subsequent plan all written out and meticulously thought out, but that doesn’t mean you have everything figured out. I have a friend and coworker that was talking to me about goals when I was working for a homeless shelter, and living there, and we got to talking about goals. He basically said that goals sometimes give you the false confidence that everything will work out, but it doesn’t happen like that because life happens whatever way that life happens. He’s half true.

Yes, you can find yourself at the whim of life sometimes because anything can and usually does happen, but I don’t believe that we are powerless in the way we go about fighting for what we believe in. Another truth is that life is a dog fight, just like Eric Thomas said in one of his speeches. It is – things get tough, and that is for everyone. One thing I do want you to know on top of all of this is that you don’t have to stay weak in your fight against the forces that keep you from accomplishing a financially successful dream.

And that’s what I want for you in your life – for your dream to be financially successful. We all go about our dreams in different ways, but what I do know for the majority of creative people is that when we are broke we already achieved our dream – because we are doing what we love. A lot of other industries you need to put all this time and effort until you get the money to be living their dreams, and that takes a very long time indeed. Not for music based professionals like you and me. Not for music producers.

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For most of us, once we spend that 100 or so dollars on the laptop and then get the software we need, we have already achieved the most important part of our climb in the dream ladder. We finally have the inventory we need to start working for others for cash. We don’t need room and board, you know what I mean by that, we don’t need a whole building, we don’t need investors, we don’t need to fill out endless applications, at least not yet, and we don’t need that big of an investment to get the ball rolling so that we can focus on the one thing that will keep our business financially alive – finding customers.

Now, since you are here on this page, I’m assuming a couple of different things about you as a music professional. Not this list is not conclusive, because everyone has a different background that they come from, and everyone has different goals. But what I do know is that the majority of us have major pains that keep us from achieving financial success in music production.

Let’s look at the top 10 things that prevents us as music producers from achieving financial success in our trade:

• Lack of knowledge: Musicians and songwriters often lack the necessary knowledge to safeguard their rights and protect their creative works.

This is a tough obstacle to get through. When it comes to ‘knowledge’ it’s more like a motocross race with many ups and downs, turns, and jumps you have to make in order to understand anything in particular. When I first started my own quest to understand what I needed in order to be successful, I made a decision to master the topics of marketing and sales in order to feel like I had what I needed in order to operate my brand and my music business. That is not the route I suggest you take. What you need in 2024 and beyond is to find the quickest way from knowing nothing to having the information you need, so you don’t waste years studying but you so that you can put that time into operating your business effectively.

• Exploitation: Artists may face the frustration of having their music played or used without receiving proper compensation or recognition.

This is a pain that unfortunately plagues everyone who makes music their first priority. When it comes to other people making money off your work is the worst thing to experience because you feel robbed of your own heart. Like it has been ripped out of the cage of your chest and then thrown into a deep ocean, never to be found again. The worst part is that you can’t even find justice for it because the courts of America, or around the world, don’t care for musicians. You can’t send that info to the police because the hip hop industry and the entire industry doens’t thinks that the cops are the enemy and you are a snitch for trying to protect yourself. Another aspect that sucks is that there is no forensic scientist organization out there that can give you definitive proof that the music originated from you. There is no detective like the ones you see in the tv shows we all know and love, that will sit up day and night and turn over every stone, grab and throw every CI that is in their contacts, or even walk the line or think creatively on your behalf.

I’m sure that there is a few experts that are in the music industry that probably can get that sort of justice, and lawyers as well, but again, there is so much smoke in the air about music even being considered a real job let enough having the access to having these professionals readily available. You can’t just find these people on Yelp or a search engine easily, regardless of how open access the world has become from the internet.

• Navigating legal complexities: Understanding the legal aspects of songwriting, publishing deals, and different types of royalties can be a daunting task.

This pain from above is like the last section that we spoke about. Finding good help is far and few in between. What really needs to happen is an organization that looks after the rights of musicians and producers need to come into the mainstream media and start fighting for our rights in order to get the support people need in order to go from a beginner. Other times, you just need someone to be able to easily show you what to do in order to prevent that sort of thing from happening.

When I think of working with contracts, I think that I’m about to get lost and not be able to find air at all. I see myself wasting hours, days, weeks, months, and potentially years trying to find the right combination of terms that will allow me to be easy enough to work with but not too much so that I actually save money and time when working with others. Also I won’t be scaring away any customers because of the way I go about my business in a way that is responsible, and accountable. I’m sure can relate.

• Misunderstanding song ownership: Songwriters may not fully comprehend the concept of song splits and how to manage them effectively.

This one is even more confusing, am I right?! It’s like, there is paperwork for the music as a whole and then paperwork for only parts of the music. It’s hard to see the fine lines and the terms and definitions are a bit too confusing to focus on. And since there is no class about it and the classes that are available are too hard to gain access to, these dollars fall out of the wallet and you are prevented from being able to pay the bills.

• Missed revenue opportunities: Artists may be missing out on potential revenue streams from various sources, such as performance, mechanical, synchronization, and sheet music royalties.

One of the biggest regrets that I have in my work as a music producer is trying to do everything without a contract. If I would have spent enough time in the details of the paperwork that would produce revenue streams like this, I would be better off than where I am today. The key is to find out what terms are the most important and where to add these terms and when to talk about the other terms. Just drag and drop solution to the paperwork, that is what is really needed.

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• Unfavorable publishing deals: Songwriters and musicians may inadvertently sign publishing deals that are not in their best interest due to a lack of knowledge.

When it comes to signing deals, I’m a novice. My client that is writing the ebook that you are going to get by signing up for this newsletter, Alden Givens, does. I know that when it comes to any deal that I write out, I want the most out of it, and I hope you feel the same way. When I am working my hardest to make creative works, I want to get paid for it, and I want my relationships to grow from the work that I do, and not the opposite. The opposite is that the more work that I do and the more that I talk about business, the more that people go away and stop working with me. Buy working with Alden, the right people come into your life – paying customers and profitable partnerships.

• Exploitation by publishers: Without proper guidance, artists may be at risk of being taken advantage of by publishers or signing unfair contracts.

Exploitation is apart of the game. Sometimes you unknowingly get into business with someone that doesn’t have your best interests at heart and they take things from you. Sometimes this happens, and it happens in every business that you work in. Doesn’t matter if you are a cashier at a restaurant, a music producer mogul, or a lawyer. It happens everywhere. What you need is someone or something that will give you easy instincts into who is good to work with and who isn’t. And this resource should be easy to understand, which is what you are going to get in this free Ebook.

• Uncertainty about rights: There may be confusion surrounding the rights associated with songwriting and how to effectively protect and manage those rights.

When you are going through a business interaction, there are a lot of unknowns about the motives of the other party. The main thing that you have to do is have a set of rules of engagement in order to know how to proceed in uncertain moments. You need to have standards that will give you an edge in the playing field, so that you don’t stumble and fall when you are running the bases to the home plate. A lot of times, when you come across organizations and companies that want to do business with you, you sort of put them on a pedestal. You sort of think that they are more put together, that they have better instincts, and they have the best reasons for doing business in your guys’ interaction. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

These are humans that you are dealing with, and they have the same capacity that all of us humans have when it comes to doing business. It’s your job to find out the best practices for yourself, and this Ebook will show you the ropes.

• Lack of transparency: Musicians and songwriters may face a lack of transparency regarding the proper channels and processes for obtaining royalties and enforcing their rights.

This is another mountain to climb. I know, it’s exhausting! Sometimes, these social media sites talk about how they help you with your bottom line, you know, your money. They promise to increase the dollars in your pocket. Then you have these other companies saying that their software, do-dad, or book will increase the money in your pocket. Then you have streaming sites, companies, and organizations that say their way is going to get you to the bank to deposit some cash. But do they, really? No.

It’s the structure of a clear pathway to more money, is something that works. You know, the right workflow. You do one thing, it produces a result, then the second to fifth thing, that give you four more results, and then the last step gives you the money. Not this push and pull from many different sources that say do a thousand little things to slowly build a bank account – none of that by themselves creates a profit, a result. You are going to need a simple process that will give you the money that you are looking for. This ebook will do that.

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• Lost opportunities: Failing to understand the intricacies of the music industry can lead to missed opportunities for exposure, collaboration, and career advancement.

This last portion is about maximizing your return on the effort, blood sweat, and tears that you put into this career of yours. Buy not knowing some of the things that your potential partners know about music industry based finances, leaves you at a disadvatage. You are going to need a sure fire way to put in enough communication within your deals and paperwork and conversations that ensure that you are getting the most money that you need.

Now That You’ve Looked At What Makes Knowing Your Financial Plan So Vital, Here’s Why You Should Sign Up For The Music Publishing Ebook

Signing a music producer contract is a big decision that can heavily impact your career. The details in these agreements determine what rights you keep to your recordings, how much you get paid, and more. With so much on the line, it pays to have an experienced consultant on your side during music contract negotiations.

I’ll explain why having the right guidance matters when deal-making, how to vet different candidates, and why Eleven Eleven Music Consulting should be at the top of your list.

The High Costs of Bad Deals

Without an advocate familiar with standard industry terms, you risk leaving a lot of money on the table or signing away critical rights. I’ve seen countless cases of novice creators agreeing to bad splits, vague payment schedules, and other weak contract points that hurt them down the road. Clearing up these issues after the fact tends to be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming.

An experienced consultant, on the other hand, can forecast potential problems and negotiate favorable clauses from the start. They know what leverage points to apply and what negotiation strategies work for different labels and studios. This prevents you from having to take things to court later or settle for less than you deserve.

Assessing Technical Expertise

When reviewing contract consultants, the first thing to look at is their breadth of technical knowledge. Do they understand the structure of music industry agreements and both sides’ needs? Can they communicate nuances clearly to you while also pushing for your best interests?

Specifically, a qualified consultant should grasp concepts like:

• Ownership splits
• Payment terms and timing
• Credit requirements
• Synchronization licensing
• Indemnity and warranty clauses
• Grounds for creative control
• Reasons for termination

They’ll apply this expertise to secure you the highest splits where possible and lock down backend compensation tied to commercial performance.

A strong negotiator will also stay on top of trends and leaked contract info to benchmark terms over time. They can then reference the latest standards to justify higher asks. This level of intimate contract IQ is difficult to cultivate without years specifically in this niche.

Evaluating Business Acumen

Beyond technical proficiency, your advisor should demonstrate business and negotiation savvy. Building a sustainable music career requires more than favorable album splits.

The right guidance will help structure deals holistically to support your long-term profitability and creative autonomy. This means factoring in expectations around:

• Control of your brand image and assets
• Access to fan data
• Resources for marketing and promotions
• Opportunities for sync licensing
• Touring and live performances
• Merchandising

An advisor should negotiate contract points across these areas as a unified strategy, not just focus on ownership splits. They’ll also consider your growth runway and avoid overcommitting rights when possible.

This degree of commercial awareness is vital when contracting with major publishers, streaming platforms, or investors. You need someone able to play hardball and interface with executives on their level. Raw analytics expertise isn’t enough.

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Why Eleven Eleven Music Consulting Should Be Your First Call

If you’re looking for battle-tested guidance during music contract talks, then Eleven Eleven Music Consulting belongs at the top of your list. Run by veteran consultant Alden Givens, they offer the complete package of technical skills, business savvy, and real-world experience.

Alden has spent over 20 years specifically in the music industry, working with globally recognized artists at the highest level. His client roster features Billboard, Grammy-winning creators like Chamillionaire, Sound M.O.B., June James, and more.

With Eleven Eleven on your side, you gain lifetime access to Alden’s hard-won knowledge around producer agreements’ nuances. He also stays on top of the latest industry standards for compensation splits and contract terms.

Beyond technical expertise, Alden Givens also demonstrates sharp business instincts honed over decades of negotiations. He views each contract through a commercial lens to advance your profitability and creative control over the long-term.

This means tightly integrating concerns around rights management, fan engagement, touring, licensing, and merchandise. You’ll get counsel tailored to your needs as an artist, whether signing your first development deal or negotiating at a household name level.

Specific reasons Eleven Eleven Music Consulting deserves your consideration include:

Unparalleled Contract Expertise

Alden has signed, negotiated, terminated, and litigated major music industry agreements for over 20 years across record labels, publishers, licensors, and more. He understands contract pressure points and where standard terms leave money on the table.

Top-Tier Client Roster

Eleven Eleven’s client list includes multi-platinum Billboard artists and Grammy-winning producers. They vet consultant expertise more strictly than anyone, and Alden has earned their trust through years of results.

Methodical Negotiation Approach

Alden structures talks through a consistent research, analysis, strategy, and execution workflow. This lends reliability despite unpredictable negotiation dynamics.

Holistic Career Advising

Eleven Eleven looks beyond any one contract to consider your whole career architecture. This leads to better long-term decisions around rights management, fan engagement, touring, and more.

Media Entertainment Specialization

Alden focuses solely on the music industry, not generic business or law consulting. This nuanced perspective strengthens technical negotiating positions.

When dealing with complex music producer contracts, the stakes are too high to gamble without specialized support. Protect your rights and earning potential with Eleven Eleven Music Consulting. Reach out now to schedule a free consultation, or visit their site below to learn more, and while you’re at it, get the free Ebook on Music Publishing, on us:

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Now that you learned more about Alden, let’s take a look at the ebook.

Understand And Protect Your Music Publishing Rights by Alden Givens (Free Ebook)

Welcome To Our Exclusive Guide

Unlock the knowledge to safeguard your rights as a musician and songwriter with our complimentary ebook. Too many talented artists, both renowned and undiscovered, lack the crucial information necessary to protect their creative works. Imagine the frustration of hearing your music played on the radio without receiving proper compensation. Take the crucial first step towards securing your rights by downloading our ebook.

Inside, you’ll gain insights into:

• Understanding songwriters and compositions
• Managing songsplits
• Maximizing revenue from performance, mechanical, synchronization, and sheet music
• Navigating through eight different types of publishing deals

Remember, reproduction of any part of this guidebook without permission from the Author and Publisher is strictly prohibited.

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