How Much Do Artists Make Per Album Sold?

Question

I was just reading on wikipedia about Pro Tools - GZA, and he said once he paid $150,000 for a beat, and it made me wonder:

How much do artists get paid per each album sold?

(If you are just going to guess and say around $2 - $3 don't say anything, i'd appreciate it if you could back it up with sources.)

Answer 1

It depends on the details of the contract that they signed. That's why TLC went bankrupt in 95, their album CrazySexyCool went Diamond (10 million + in sales) but their negotiation was horrible.

edit: TLC was getting .65 cents per album sale and since they were a trio, it had to be split 3 ways.

Answer 2

i remember hearing the CAm and 50 argument on radio, Cam was saying artists at Koch get like 6-7$ which was more then what artists on 50's label were getting

Answer 3

As other people have stated it all depends on the deal they make and of course the majority of rappers coming from low income families and growing up hard with very little or no money at all are quick to jump at $.65 cents per album which means they aren't getting paid ****.

As one of the posters above stated, TLC got just over $300,000 each for selling 10 million albums with that deal after all was said and done. Same with ATCQ they were all over MTV and broke as h**l still living at home with their parents.

But the way a rapper or any musician can make a **** load of money is to get the rights to own their music, which most do not. That's how Master P made $300 million dollars, he owned all of his music and just had deals to distribute it.

Owning your originals or producing is where you really make money in the music industry. If you don't as a few others have stated you have to tour and merchandise.

INDUSTRY RULE NUMBER 4,080/ RECORD COMPANY PEOPLE ARE SHADYYY!!!/ SO KIDS WATCH YOUR BACK CAUSE I THINK THEY SMOKE CRACK/ I DON"T DOUBT IT LOOK AT HOW THEY ACT

Answer 4

I agree with Choc1. It depends on their managers, labels, and contracts. TLC was 2-timed by Laface and that b*tch pebbles.

Answer 5

it depends on the contract or production deal with whom the artist is signing...if its a big artist like Usher or an Independent label those types of royalties are usually way higher. I once read that Ushers last album he got 75% of each album sale. I dont know how much of that is true, but its a very rare thing...Most average artists may only make a few dollars an album if that, and newer artists may make less than a dollar if that...I know because I have family in the music industry. Besides music artists really dont depend on album sales for profits anyway, doing shows and touring are the main cash cows these guys have.

Answer 6

On a major label like interscope it's usually $1-$2 per album sold.. But on an indie label you usually get $9 per album sold..

But like people have said.. It varies with different contracts..

Answer 7

depends on the contract label and artist

but it is pretty minimal, most income is from concert tours and other product sales like shirts and things

edit ringtones too

Answer 8

Excellent question. Hmm.. I honestly don't know. Let me know when you do.

Answer 9

Don't need a source. Need the contract!!

Each artist signs a contract to perform a certain amount of albums or singles or whatever, with the label that is distributing and fronting the money to make the record. They will receive either a flat fee or a percentage of sales, dependent on their contributions to the album/single and what is signed for in the contract.