Weeping Buddha Records

I recently had an interview with one of the best producers in California, Richie Stites, a veteran in the music industry. Richie Stites has produced albums with everyone from Michael Jackson, Outkast, Sleepy Brown, Tupac, to Tim Armstrong, The Transplants, Hollywood Undead, George Clinton, Candyman 187 and Optimus.

I requested an interview with him and he graciously accepted my invitation. I posed a few questions concerning negotiation deals in the music industry. Here is the result of our discussion:

Please tell us a little bit about your current company, Weeping Buddha Records, and what you are working on?

Weeping Buddha is a label comprised of four companies providing production, development, marketing, promotion, and tour support for artists.  Besides producing and creative development I also oversee all A&R administration for the label, which includes album budgets, backend payments, sample and side artist clearances for soundtracks, and compilation albums. 

In past negotiations, what were some ways that you were able to separate the people involved from the problem or issue being negotiated?

It is important to remain calm and stay focused on the key points of the negotiation.  Compromise enough to make sure that you get what you want, without giving in to all the demands that are being made.  The client needs to trust you and know that you have their best interest at heart, which is very important!

Finally, creative people such as music artist can bring a lot of emotions to a negotiation. What are some ways to effectively deal with potential negative emotions?

Creative people such as recording artist will almost always bring a lot of emotions to the negotiation.  The important thing we have found is to let the artist know that we understand their vision and that we have a common goal of doing what is best for their career. We present the outlook of possible outcomes of the situation, if they can look at it calmly and clearly, the management/production viewpoint, so that he or she can have a clearer understanding of both sides.  Often by repeating back what they have said and then offering positive solutions and alternate ways to look at it, we then make sure that they know that we are on the same side and for a common goal, which is the success of the artist.