Like many other niches of the entertainment industry, the music industry often rewards youth. Big labels and successful producers are often looking for the newest young act to develop into successful career musicians. They sign major contracts with teens and even tweens who have talent and stars in their eyes.
Those discovered when they are young are often so eager to begin their careers and so naive about the industry that they accept very unfavorable contract terms. Their well-intentioned parents may not be able to identify issues with a contract either. Musicians can sign away years of their work, including the original compositions they produce.
Those who become professional musicians at a young age may later want to regain control over their creations or their careers. In recent years, one of the most famous recording artists in the world has re-recorded some of their most successful prior albums. Can other artists follow that example by re-releasing music with a new label or under their own label by re-recording their songs?
Contracts determine an artist’s rights
Not all musicians can re-record the songs they previously released without violating their contract or the copyright protection of the company that purchased the rights to the works in question. In the case of Taylor Swift, her contracts with her original label eventually expired, and then she chose to re-record her albums because she did not have the opportunity to purchase the rights to them.
Other musicians could potentially follow suit, but they may have to wait years before they can do so. Even then, they may find that their re-recordings do not garner the same degree of media attention that a multinational star’s efforts did. That being said, those who signed contracts as minors and those subject to unconscionable contract terms are sometimes in a position to renegotiate their agreements or terminate them.
The end of an unfavorable entertainment contract or the adjustment of the terms that it includes could potentially allow a musician to re-record their prior works or otherwise regain control over their career. Reviewing the terms of an artist’s contract is crucial for an artist’s protection if they want to make major career moves.