Artist development deal

An artist development deal (also known as a demo deal) is a recording artist contract with a record label that promises to develop the skills and public profile of the artist in lieu of high royalties or other desirable rights. These types of deals are sometimes most helpful to the artist, but the label often takes control of the artist's management and publishing rights. Historically, such deals have been abused by both labels and managers.

References

• "Divided Soul: The Life of Marvin Gaye" - David Ritz 1984
• "Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme" - Mary Wilson