how much to offer an indie band?
- Thread starter ugafan
- Start date
If they have a label, don't even think about it. The label will most likely be owned by a much larger label that will make it ridiculously difficult for you. I wanted to use a song by an artist who was on an indie label and right before I talked to them, the label got bought by Sony and they put me through the ringer, waited months to hear from a rep who told me to go fist myself, so I just went and made my own song.
If they're truly independent, then what I've done is show them the footage, the scene cut together and ask what we can do to get it in there. Many times they don't charge anything because the publicity is worth it. It depends on the artist, but lots of compliments and a put-together scene to show them that this is actually happening will do wonders for getting an okay.
If they're truly independent, then what I've done is show them the footage, the scene cut together and ask what we can do to get it in there. Many times they don't charge anything because the publicity is worth it. It depends on the artist, but lots of compliments and a put-together scene to show them that this is actually happening will do wonders for getting an okay.
Herman Witkam
Well-known member
What kind of a song are we talking? (style)
Capt Quirk
Veteran
I say that if you play it right, they'll pay you to do it.
ryan brown
lOwEr CaSe Member
Capt Quirk said:
same here
Capt Quirk
Veteran
They'll owe you 
Totally agree: they'll pay you.
The #1 problem for an indie band is exposure. Any way they can get it, they're ahead. They'd pay for advertising, and this is no different.
Of course, I'm not advocating anything harsh or exploitative. I'm just saying that if you have a good product (your film), and they need the exposure, you should be able to swing it for the credit.
The #1 problem for an indie band is exposure. Any way they can get it, they're ahead. They'd pay for advertising, and this is no different.
Of course, I'm not advocating anything harsh or exploitative. I'm just saying that if you have a good product (your film), and they need the exposure, you should be able to swing it for the credit.
Capt Quirk
Veteran
Throw them a bone by doing a music video featuring clips and whatnot from the movie. It would make great filler stuff on the DVD too.
Lt_Col_Wade
Active member
While I second some of these opinions, I think theres a little more hope than some make there out to be. Im working on a 15 min short with a well below 10k budget, and so far I have secured songs from several rather well known indie bands (the weakerthans, amfm, matt pond pa, maritime) and am even in talks to use some of Nick Drake's music - all gratis so far.
The key is in finding the right person to talk to. If you e-mail the record label first, their likely first demand is going to be a check. Find out who owns the rights - talk to the band first, if you can get a hold of them and they're interested in the project they might put a word through their people to talk to the label, or try to find someone from the band who handles these sort of things - try to avoid a single person or address that handles all inquiries for all artists on a label - Ive had very little luck with these. Be professional and up front, tell them your budget and situation (if youre a student production this helps), and give them info on the project and how you plan on using the song.
Also, be willing to work around what they want. If you run into a band or label who isnt going to give you anything without a big fat check, look for some other music. There are plenty excellent bands out there that are looking for exposure. And this doesnt mean you have to settle for some completely unsigned local band either (who Ive also worked with, but sometimes recording quality is meh...). Anyways, good luck and if you play your cards right you might not have to pay anything at all!
The key is in finding the right person to talk to. If you e-mail the record label first, their likely first demand is going to be a check. Find out who owns the rights - talk to the band first, if you can get a hold of them and they're interested in the project they might put a word through their people to talk to the label, or try to find someone from the band who handles these sort of things - try to avoid a single person or address that handles all inquiries for all artists on a label - Ive had very little luck with these. Be professional and up front, tell them your budget and situation (if youre a student production this helps), and give them info on the project and how you plan on using the song.
Also, be willing to work around what they want. If you run into a band or label who isnt going to give you anything without a big fat check, look for some other music. There are plenty excellent bands out there that are looking for exposure. And this doesnt mean you have to settle for some completely unsigned local band either (who Ive also worked with, but sometimes recording quality is meh...). Anyways, good luck and if you play your cards right you might not have to pay anything at all!