What if I told you that major record labels are still charging artists for "broken records" in the streaming era?
I remember when I first laid eyes on a major record label recording contract.
It was 200 pages long.
The first few pages outlined what the artist would get.
The remaining 195 pages outlined how they would take all of that away.
One clause stopped me dead in my tracks.
A deduction for "breakages of physical records."
This clause went back to the vinyl era when a reasonable percentage of records would literally break during shipping.
But here's the thing - they were applying this same deduction to streaming and digital royalties.
I couldn't believe what I was reading.
They were charging artists for broken records that don't exist.
But it got worse.
Another clause deducted money for "packaging."
Again, a relic from the days of vinyl, tapes, and CDs.
But they were taking these deductions from Spotify streams.
What packaging costs are there for a digital file?
The answer is none.
It was an outright scam disguised as "industry standard."
When I challenged them about these archaic clauses, suggesting they simply reduce the overall royalty rate and remove the outdated deductions, they refused.
"This is how we've always done our contracts," they said.
"It's just how it is."
That moment crystallized everything wrong with the traditional music industry.
They're stuck in the ice age, using 1970s contract language in a streaming world.
While technology has revolutionized how music is created, distributed, and consumed, the major labels are still operating like it's 1975.
They refuse to evolve because the current system works perfectly - for them.
These deductions aren't mistakes or oversights.
They're features designed to extract maximum profit while giving artists minimum transparency.
It's time for a new world.
One where transparency and progressive contracts are standard.
Where agreements evolve with technology instead of exploiting outdated language.
Where fairness isn't negotiable, but fundamental.
This shouldn't be revolutionary - it should be as simple as updating terms and conditions.
Especially when it means removing clauses that are no longer relevant in the world we live in.
But the major labels won't change voluntarily.
They've built their empires on these 200-page scams.
Which is exactly why I'm standing on a stage in Mexico City on September 10th, 2025.
To unveil contracts that make sense.
Revenue sharing that's transparent.
An ecosystem where artists aren't charged for broken records that don't exist or packaging costs for digital files.
Where the first page tells you what you'll get, and the remaining pages show you exactly how we'll help you get more.
If you're tired of being scammed by outdated contracts...
If you believe artists deserve transparency in the digital age...
If you're ready for an industry that operates in 2025, not 1975...
Then September 10th is your moment.
Free live stream for everyone who registers.
101 artists can attend the live event, the after party and then join me + my team in person for three days of masterminding together.
Because the 200-page scam ends now.
You can register for the live stream and find out about how to be there in person here:
The time to do is now.
Kind Regards
-The Baker
Solving The World's Problems Through Art | #thetimetodoisnow