Summer Walker’s ‘Brutal’ Recording Contract Surfaces, Singer Allegedly Had $85,000 Advance, 15 Percent Royalty Rate & Gave Up Masters

Summer Walker’s ‘Brutal’ Recording Contract Surfaces, Singer Allegedly Had $85,000 Advance, 15 Percent Royalty Rate & Gave Up Masters

Summer Walker is a trending topic amid the release of her sophomore album Still Over It, but is she under a “brutal” recording contract?

Details of her agreement with record label and management company Love Renaissance (LVRN) and Interscope have been released, and it’s said to be one that’s not favorable for the singer.

One draft for the contract, which was ultimately signed in November 2017, suggested that Summer Walker would have to hand over any earnings not related to music, such as acting. The contract she actually signed reportedly included an $85,000 initial advance (bumped down from $115,000 in a previous draft), which would increase for each album. It also had a royalty rate of 15% (after being listed as 16% in a previous draft). The advance and royalty rate are said to be below the industry’s average. She also surrendered rights to her masters.

Under another draft, Summer Walker would receive more benefits if she let LVRN manage her, despite the conflict of interest that would create considering LVRN also serves as the label.

Tech and entertainment lawyer Peter Scoolidge said of the draft,

“They’re getting a lot without having to give her much.”

He added that Summer Walker is

“is locked into a low royalty structure for what appears to be a somewhat indeterminate amount of time.”

Jordan Bromley, partner and entertainment group leader at the firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips added,

“If you compare [the music] industry to other industries with creative products, you’ll notice that this is the industry where creators get paid the least.”

Many managers who reviewed the document described it as “brutal” and said they wouldn’t advise their own clients to agree to the terms.

What are your thoughts on Summer Walker’s alleged recording contract? Comment and let us know.

[VIA]