MusicRadar

1. DO have a music lawyer look over your contracts

"Before signing any contract, you have to assume that the guy on the other side of the desk is handing you a shifty piece of paper that works to his advantage," says Carlos. "I know that sounds cynical, but it's really that simple.

"I don't care if it's the record company, the manager, the booking agent, the publisher - anybody you deal with, they're handing you something that's designed to make them the most money. And they have lawyers on their end who have drafted these contracts. So what are you to do? Trust them? C'mon, that's kind of naïve.

"Ask your musician friends, particularly if you know somebody who's making money from his music: 'Who can I hire to look over this contract?' If they've done their homework, they can help save you a lot of headaches, and heartbreak - and money!

"Every musician in the known universe has signed a bad piece of paper, myself included. But it's really very simple. You're the artist. It's your picture that's going on the CD cover, nobody else's. Protect yourself. Get a good lawyer. You'll kick yourself later if you don't."

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