Sometimes the smartest thing to say is “No Thanks!”

Don’t sign the first deal that gets sent your way. Anyone that’s ever bought a car knows exactly what I’m talking about. It’s a negotiating game that if you play well, will prove to be worth it in the end. Signing a Record Deal is no different, it’s a game. Music Labels will usually never offer you a great deal unless they are pressed to. Chances are if you stand your ground, don’t act like you’re desperate to cash in on the first opportunity that comes your way, be clear and concise on what you want, and make sure you have Legal representation in the end you will get exactly what you want. I’ve seen one band say “Thanks but we’re going to keep looking for a better deal that gives us what we want” The label immediately responded with – “what are some of those things.” It shows you have the power over a label to choose your own destiny in your musical path or career. This doesn’t just apply to money. Don’t be afraid to stand your ground when it comes to other things like creative clause agreements for example.

Take the Strokes for example - The Strokes may be huge, but don't expect them to be lining up studio sessions with big time producers like Glen Ballard or the Neptunes.  When the New York garage-rockers begin recording their second album later this summer, Is This It their producer Gordon Raphael will again be behind the boards.  "It's not gonna be like, 'Oh, now that we're successful, we're gonna work with all these super-producer guys that are going to make us a top-selling hit,' " says singer Julian Casablancas. "That's never been the goal for us. We just want to do something special. We want to progress, but at the same time you still want that edge. You don't want to lose it."  

This mentality clearly shows a lot of creative integrity on the part of The Strokes, Sometimes in the Music Business No Thanks can be the smartest thing you could ever say.