We’re back with another episode of FAQ Friday!
As always we have a ton of marvellous questions this week!
Our featured question this week: “How do you protect a final mix that you’re sending to a client if you’re sending it before they pay you?”
What a marvellous question, I think there are several things you could do, Firstly send an MP3 and not a WAV, you might argue the mp3 is not as high of quality as a WAV, obviously there is a difference in quality between MP3 and WAV however every single mixer I know sends MP3’s for approvals and recalls.
Firstly it’s quick and easy to upload and download, not that WAV files are big but if you give out your WAV file and they haven’t paid you that could obviously be a problem. – I would stick to an MP3 and not send a WAV.
Secondly, If its a mix get paid half up front before you even start. I never start working on anything unless I have had at least a 50% deposit, that’s just the way it is it doesn’t matter if it’s a label or an independent artist give me 50% up front and then I will work on your music. – Simple as that
You should already have half of your cost covered so if they do decide to walk away which is rare but I suppose it does happen. At least you have the deposit.The other thing is you could do a contract to protect yourself most people have simple 2 paragraph contracts that they do saying x number of visions you will do, recalls if you like, and stipulate exactly the terms of payment that you expect to be paid immediately on delivery of the final master.
I would honestly say have a good dialog with your client. I think one of the difficulties is when there are automated systems that people can upload their files and you can do everything via email, with that form of communication, you don’t get a feel for the person.
I would say its worth a phone call, several emails, and the time to communicate because frankly if they’re going to be a little shady it’s pretty obvious.I have had a couple of clients over the years do that but it has only been a couple and I heard early warning signs and I should have walked away.
So, establish a good relationship with the client, make sure you’re talking all the time whether it be email or phone or both so that you have a really good understanding of how quickly you’re going to get paid and how easily you’re going to get good communication from them.
We cover the following questions during this episode of FAQ Friday!
• How do you protect a final mix that you’re sending to a client if you’re sending it before they pay you? (0:50)
• Is there a future for immersive sound if the public is graduating to single source devices that are voice controller? (3:40)
• To what extent are production techniques tied to the type or style of music? Would some techniques applied today sound right on songs recorded years ago? (6:56)
• Have you ever had to deal with a client whose vision for the song totally clashed with yours? (12:01)
• When you’re done with the project for a client what files do you provide for them as part f the final product? I know most provide stems but at the pro level, what are you usually asked to provide? (14:12)
• Do you have any music of your own available? You are an absolutely marvelous musician. (18:38)
