That's right....NEVER pay a producer under these circumstances, unless you're prepared to self-publish and promote. Then, he's your employee...you call the shots and are responsible for project success or failure. A legit deal usually involves a recording contract with a label, who pays the producer and other expenses. Sometimes, draws and recording and other expenses come as a percentage of record sales. The guys in Exile told me that it took three years to pay back all the "up-fronts" after they started selling records.

One of their producers was Mike Chapman, who was paid by the label.

The guy probably has a marketing staff selling production talent. It's not unheard of for an individual to hire a producer, especially if he/she creates a label.

This is probably a legit person, but it's definately not a recording contract offer.

Don't do it!


R.