The artists you sign aren't traditionally tied to you?
How is that?
In terms of the contract that each artist signs, the form is traditional, but the mantra behind it is not. Canon obviously has to maintain certain legal rights, but we are not interested in forcing artists to do things that they are unwilling to do. This creates a poor environment for art, and quite frankly, we would rather spend our efforts in different ways.
What if a Major wants to poach one of your artists?
If the artist wants to be "poached," then we will enter negotiations to reach a fair and equitable deal for everyone in which a third party could buy out an artist's contract from Canon. If an artist wants to move labels, we aren't in the business of detaining them. We just hope that the time at Canon is rewarding for everyone: fans, artists, and us!
As an artist, if I submit my CD to you and you like it, will I get signed?
Perhaps. It would be a very strange thing indeed to sign an artist strictly on a demo, but it does happen. It would be more likely that we would get in contact, come and see you perform, and just generally feel you out. We want to know your passions, your goals, and what you are skeptical about in a label.
If I am an artist with a CD already recorded, but without representation, would you have to record a whole new album for me if I signed with Canon?
The answer is 'yes' or 'no'. If you are happy with the album you have made, and Canon agrees that there are not any major problems with it (such as gross musical errors or fundamental legal artwork, recording, or packaging problems) then we can sign the rights to the Master over to the label and begin marketing immediately. The advantage to this is that there are fewer costs to recoup, so the artist will see profits sooner (this is fitting, since the artist put up the money and time for the original master). Alternatively, we will record a new album. It is completely up to the artist, however the new albums costs will have to be recouped (at varying percentages) before any profits or royalties go to the artist.
