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[Greg Youngman]

jackthebear wrote on Wed, 27 October 2010 15:28

Just remember Mark whilst you possess the master tapes......you're in control......it's frustrating not to have been while you have acted in good faith......but if you bunker down for the long haul......you should come out of this OK......

I agree, being in a similar situation.  I have in my possession some masters that several people have become very interested in, including the original producer.  The key words are, "in MY possession".  You are in control.    

[Table Of Tone]

Greg Reierson wrote on Wed, 27 October 2010 02:17

Gold wrote on Tue, 26 October 2010 19:48 The entertainment value when someone wants a tape will be worth the wait. That's what I was thinking. Keep 'em. Some day the record company may want to reissue them in the next hot format. Then you'll be smiling! Until then, lesson learned... GR

Tell the label you've got em and that you want double the amount of what you should have been payed in the first place!

[Allen Corneau]

Table Of Tone wrote on Tue, 02 November 2010 12:44

Tell the label you've got em and that you want double the amount of what you should have been payed in the first place!

It's called a "storage fee" plus late fees on the debt owed.

[$a1Ty]

Allen Corneau wrote on Wed, 03 November 2010 07:10

Table Of Tone wrote on Tue, 02 November 2010 12:44 Tell the label you've got em and that you want double the amount of what you should have been payed in the first place! It's called a "storage fee" plus late fees on the debt owed.

plus inflation and interest

[mastermind]

About 10 years ago, I had a label (a fairly major indie, that was distributed by a major) owe me around $4000. After about a year of invoicing, discussion and waiting I was tired of getting the run around.

I sent a registered letter stating that if I did not receive payment in full within 30 days, the masters would be destroyed.

Their lawyer sent a registered letter saying that if I destroyed even a single master I would be sued from "now 'till forever" (I am paraphrasing here).

I responded, stating all that could be avoided if my balance owing was simply paid, I'd be more than happy to return the masters.

Their attorney responded, making arrangements for the masters to be returned, COD delivery, for the shipping charges and my amount owing. I received a cashier's check the day after delivery.

At the time I sort of felt like an ass going to that degree, but in hindsight I'm glad I went that route. Screw it, fight fire with fire.

t

[bigaudioblowhard]

to all, thanks for your replies,  sorry for taking so long to get back about this, been swamped with work

we have the original half inch mix tapes, as there were no safeties, and the mix sessions were all live through an analog desk,
and not "layback" from files, except for about two songs, I think I have enough "analog ammo" to try and hit someone up besides the producer

wondering what people think, should I go to the artist management first, or the label, should I get a lawyer to write a letter etc. ? I thought it might be a good idea to come out guns blazing (attorney) and not be run around anymore

bab

[Tidewater]

Self-negotiation seems like a bad idea!

[turtletone]

you could look into placing a lien on the project. A lawyer is the best place to pursue this.

[bigaudioblowhard]

TurtleTone wrote on Wed, 10 November 2010 20:53

you could look into placing a lien on the project. A lawyer is the best place to pursue this.

Thats a great idea Michael, thanks. I may pursue this route.

In fact, a client (artist) is a music business attorney and I called him for a one minute chat. He suggested I reach out to A&R first to see if they would be willing to pay the bill in exchange for the the masters.

Turns out I already know the A&R person, so it was easy to open the conversation when I called him today.

I forwarded the invoice to them, and they'll look into it. Letcha all know how it goes.

bab