Major Label Exploitation

I thought Nabeel's post about the Bratz soundtrack opportunity offered by Geffen records makes for a great example of major label exploitation.

When reading through the 'terms and conditions' it is apparent that the artist selected will be paid nothing and lose all rights to the works used. So basically any artistic intentions that originally accompanied the work can be manipulated for whatever purposes the record label deems necessary....most likely advertising, promotions etc but as the terms are vague the realm of possibility is open to anything.

You may ask why this is such a bad thing if it gives the artist publicity? Surely this could then lead to a major label record contract, fame/fortune and the rest of it? The problem is IF the record company then decides to sign the artist, the artist has no choice but to accept their terms as they are legally obligated to sign with Geffen. And the likelihood of a major label offering an unknown artist a contract where they receive decent backing and support by the label? Very low. The most likely outcome is the band ends up another artist on the scrapheap pile of those exploited to make a major label money at very little cost to the label and huge cost to the band/artist.

I point you to an essay by Steve Albini: "The problem with music" where he explains how such a scenaro works. Steve Albini is an independent musician and engineer most well known for recording artists such as Nirvana, Pixies, and PJ Harvey. He also recently recorded NZ group Die! Die! Die!'s debut record.