In Urban music most new artists want that “Hot” feature on their record.  That is all well and fine, but let’s start with the basics of getting the single ready for the feature.  If you have taken the time to produce and write a hit song on your own, then a feature should only add to the single and not make the single.  Have you taken the time to edit and mix the record to the best of your abilities?  Do you have the pro-tool files of the session or track? (did you 2 track the song and think you can just do it that way?…that’s another column) If you do, then you have the right foundation and building blocks to create a great song with a great feature.  Always record with a tracked out beat verses an audio file. Trust me you will save time and headaches later.

I know that Lil Wayne, Gucci and OJ have done so many features and mixtape features that there was and is an anticipation of their records…not the indie artist, nor yours.  So think about that when you choose a feature. Yes you want someone who it hot, but you really want someone who will compliment your style, swag and song.  Remember they are already stars, you are the one that must stand out.  Make sure you shine positive and not negative.  But, if you are determined to have a feature, you need to protect yourself, money and future career.

Example:

So artist XYZ has laid his/her hot verse on your single.  You paid the money and they are on their way out of town. You think you are good because you have the session files and a phone number.  Hmmm … not at all.  What you have is noise recorded in a studio until you have the rights to put the song out.  Just because you paid for the verse does not mean you have the rights to it.  Most major artists have granted rights to all master recordings of them to whatever label holds the contract on them.  If you did not get paperwork in order prior to this then you have to get it taken care of before you can launch the single or album with artist XYZ on it.

What you will need:

To start with you will need a side artist agreement.  This is an agreement between you ( artist or company) and the featuring artist.  In this agreement you need to state what you expect from the artist regarding the song, rights, money, splits, marketing and promotion rights, and label clearances.  If you plan on shooting a video and want the artist in the video, you need to state that as well.

Next you want to make sure you do a song split sheet.  This should be stated in the agreement with the artists regarding how much of the publishing/ownership of the song they will want.  You will need this so that when you register the song from copyright purpose as well as with your PRO (Performance Rights Organization) you can have people paid properly.

Finally you will need a Record Company Wavier of Liability.  This is a document that the label will sign that gives you the final rights based on the agreement that the artist agreed to in the Side artist agreement.  This is a document even more important than the Side Artist.  This allows you to market, promote and earn revenues on the song you spent so much on.  If this document is not in place, you run the risk of the label sending you a Cease and Desist on your record.  That could mean all the money and work you put into the song would be down the drain.  Protect your assets.  Get your administration in order.

The person you should be focused on is the manager or the artist.  They are paid money from the artist to make sure all business is taken care of.  Enjoy your time with the artist, but make a good connection with the manager or assistant that is at the session with the artist. They are who you will be dealing with to finalize your paperwork and help get the label to finish what needs to be done.

Remember:   Black and White = Green!!!

Janie Jennings

Read more from Janie at www.industryworks.org