Music Business/Law Tips - "Reserves" (Part 1)

Every record contract includes a hazy and mysterious concept called "reserves". Since this concept can have such a negative impact on the artist's ability to be paid royalties, it is important that an artist be aware of this clause and know how to limit it.

The language of a record contract generally sets forth that royalties will be paid to the artist only on records that are actually sold to the general public, not on records that are manufactured and shipped but eventually returned because they are unsold (i.e., "returns"). Depending upon the particular artist, the number of records that might be returned can be substantial. For example, if the label ships 300,000 records to the stores, 150,000 might be returned as unsold goods. Imagine what would happen if the label based its royalties payable to the artist only upon the amount of records shipped; it would have paid royalties on 300,000 units instead of 150,000, resulting in an overpayment of 150,000 records. Hence, since the label knows that there will normally be returns, to protect itself it withholds a certain percentage of an artist's royalties in anticipation of such returns. This ensures that the label will not overpay an artist.

[part 2 next time]

Ben McLane Esq
benmclane.com