Things I must know before launching an Album

Hey,

Several of you already know my album Sway, posted here in YC-Electronic ...

Is possible that may be launched in CD by a local company called C&R Mexico, but before going to those guys to discuss this matter I want to know what do I have to be aware of before and during this process, before signing documents and all that stuff,

What's the contract say?

I don't know yet, ... what would be bad for me in the contract ? an example of "bad thing"

EDIT:

Wednesday I'm going to see that guy, the Director of C&R

What'd I'd really suggest is this:

Get the contract in hand, ask him if you could look at it overnight and call him in the morning (I mean 8-9am) with your answer and a time to meet regarding it. Get face time, even if you think it's a bad idea.

Look it over as you surf, any terms you don't know, google and wiki it. It might be worth it to find your local version of Free Lawyers for the Arts. Do a budget following the terms of the contract -- how many albums do you have to sell to break even?

What you can do now, is search and see which artists are on this label, see how they're promoted. You'd get the same or likely worse. Maybe even email them, see if they'll answer.

All good ideas, thanks I'll do that,

I think that company is small, but I'll search what they have done and how good/bad is it

I don't know anything about record labels and signing stuff... but maybe you should get everything copyrighted as a sound recording before you even talk to those guys. That way, if you run into anyone with shady intentions, you can prove all the music is yours.

I still want to buy your album, by the way, so let me know when it's out, or if it doesn't work out I still want it somehow!

Yes, but then the copyright would have to be reassigned, because when you copyright something like that you copyright the music as a work AND the recording too, and they will want to own the recording rights, that's for sure, ...

But thanks you all, I'll try to keep my eyes wide open, ...

and yes, I'll let you know if is released or not, ....

I would consult a lawyer if I were you... can never be too sure with intellectual property laws, its a pretty gray area to work in.

Get a lawyer and an expensive haircut or you're begging to have your scraggy stolen from right under your nose. Document every interraction you have. Make sure you look good mostly naked.

People who buy music are in the business of comodities. They're looking to sell anything they can, and so they overbuy. If someone buys something from you, they own it. If you wish to retain any right whatever over your creative work you will need some weight to throw around. (see above paragraph)