Advice!

This page is an attempt to share around some practical advice. It's not a how-to page- there are heaps of those on the internet. Look in particular under The Indie Game. If you have some advice to share here contact us. Expect to see this page keep changing and expanding.

MAJOR MAJOR ADVICE! If you are setting up a web page for God's sake don't put up a direct link to an email contact. It will get harvested by spambots and then you'll be STUFFED - with up to 100 spam emails a day...Do a contact address like we've done ours ( under "Contact") It's a pain for users but it's essential...and seems to work.

Useful Advice Part 1.
Yes, there are still disreputeable types in the music business ( I don't just mean the musicians.) Before you get involved with any organisations, businesses or individuals GOOGLE THEM! If you find heaps of online flames about that business from disgruntled musicians- well, you've learned something. Look thoroughly- don't expect to find the beefs showing up in the first few Google listings. Try various searches- for instance, try "Music Sharks Inc. SUCKS" or "Fuck Music Sharks Inc." Of course, almost everyone will show up like this to some extent. However, if you find extensive discussion threads full of horror stories- be warned.

Oh, and by the way, remember that there is a huge contrast between Australia's draconian defamation laws and the relative " anything goes" culture of free speech in America. Expect to see some much more frank discussions on American forums.

Remember that legal safeguards only get you so far. A contract will only protect you to a limited extent if someone decides to screw you over, especially if you are a small fish. If someone decides simply to ignore the contract, or not bother to pay you- what are you going to do? Basically, trustworthy individuals will deal fairly with you and untrustworthy ones will give you a hard time. Reputation and track record probably count for far more that a piece of paper.

For a really eye opening look at the way things can work in practice, check out Moses Avalon's book "Confessions Of A Record Producer."

Also remember that there may be more options available than you think. You can deal with businesses internationally via the internet, there may always be a better deal available. Again, look under The Indie Game. Most of those players are very willing and eager to deal with indie musicians on a professional and non condescending basis.