Beware of Geffen Open Audition

Filed in archive Artists , Major Labels on April 19, 2007

Geffen Records, part of the Universal Music Group, launched open tryouts for the upcoming film bratz: The Movie. Selected tracks will be included on the movie's soundtrack, along with music from Interscope, Geffen and A&M. Artists can fill out a short application via the web. Geffen staff will visit the artist's web site and review their music. Applications are open through May 15th. The movie is produced by MGA Entertainment, Avi Arad Productions and Crystal Sky Pictures. It's scheduled for national theater release August 10th.

To Geffen's credit it sounds like a fun campaign. They tried to keep the submission agreement short. Who doesn't like a talent contest?

But be verrrrrrrrry careful. There is no indication of what type of music or sound they're looking for. So artists are working blind. What I find most objectionable is that the submission agreement isn't just an application that tells them who you are or an agreement that warrants that you own your music and it's otherwise kosher. It also is a contract that gives Geffen substantial rights to your music. So make sure to review it in detail before you apply.