Artists

Do-It-Yourself and set up your own business 

Whatever your ambitions as an artist, your starting point in the current climate has to be to test the water with an independent release and develop a buzz around what you’re doing. With the advent of digital distribution, Pro Tools and social networking sites you could ask what a label is going to bring to the party anyway. So, why not set up your own entertainment company and sell directly to fans as many artists and labels now successfully do?

It’s best to get all your dull but vitally important business stuff sorted from day one and get into good habits. With these strong foundations you will be able to build a viable business and create a professional perception around what you do.

We only deal with clients who don’t shirk from this responsibility and are prepared to invest in this process for the benefits and the peace of mind it brings them.

Simple contracts setting out the deal and rights ownership are the way to go and this is exactly what ILS can provide for you. With them you will avoid the cost of engaging expensive lawyers as well as the risk of making a mistake if you use an online template agreement which you try to adapt for your own use.

Without sorting these matters you risk damaging relationships with your collaborators and falling out through lack of clarity on what the deal is and who owns what.

ILS can help you to retain ownership copyright, maintain creative control and make more money from each download or CD sale.

We can provide you with a set of template agreements tailored to your needs for use going forward (e.g. recording agreement. licensing agreement, remix agreement, compilation agreement, vocalist agreement etc).

We offer a start up package for a Fixed Fee covering (as required):

• Initial advice on how to set up (choice of sole trader, partnership, limited partnership, CIC or limited company) 
• Preparation of a band agreement (if you are a band!)
• Agreements with co-writers
• Agreement with session players and featured vocalists
• Agreement with producers
• Agreement between you as an artist to acquire the necessary legal rights to release
• Setting up your own publishing company

The Fixed fee depends on the amount of advice, support and contracts you need. This is likely to cost you from £250 upwards (plus VAT) for initial advice and supply by ILS of a set of suitable agreements tailored for your needs.

Funding

ILS has also devised a novel and simple way for DIY artists to offer an investment opportunity to investors, fans and suppliers to invest in their business in return for a pro-rata cut of the profits

We can, in conjunction with accountants, prepare a business plan/ investment prospectus with financial projections and investment offer.