Ethical Band Question

Aero · Post by **Aero** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 2:41 pm

What would you do if:

You and 3 of your other band members recorded a demo. All 4 of you split the costs of recording. One of the members (the drummer, who did not write any of the arrangements, lyrics, or melody) started to sell undocumented copies of your album before a release date agreement. He also charged more than what was agreed upon. He burned copies of the original onto his own blank CDs and pocketed all of the money generated from his CD sales.

Silencio · Post by **Silencio** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 2:45 pm

I'd shake him down for the band's portion of the proceeds of his personal sales, and put him on probation.

How many copies are we talking here?

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 2:46 pm

Show him the door! Send him a cease and desist letter from an attorney.

Aero · Post by **Aero** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:10 pm

It just started today, so only a few copies. Somehow he thinks it's right for any of the band members to "keep whatever they can sell".

The_Dude · Post by **The_Dude** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:13 pm

Cut him.

zenmandan · Post by **zenmandan** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:18 pm

What a douche.

I'd see if he'd cough up the cash for the rest of you to split.

bwohlgemuth · Post by **bwohlgemuth** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 3:36 pm

Legally, not much.

Personally, he ends the sales immediately. Lesson learned, let him keep the cash.

If he keeps it up, fire his ass....

Shaggydoo · Post by **Shaggydoo** » Mon Jun 04, 2007 7:29 pm

^^^^^^^what he said above^^^^^^^

that is quite a d*ck move though!

Big John · Post by **Big John** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 12:00 am

tell him to join a punk rock band.

MrSpall · Post by **MrSpall** » Tue Jun 05, 2007 6:46 am

I'd shake him down for the band's cut of the sales. Keep up a good front the entire time, talking about learning a lesson and making things right. As soon as you've gotten your money from him, drop him like a bad habit.

QuiNSANiTy · Post by **QuiNSANiTy** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 1:09 am

Just tell the 'old drummer' after the next show with the 'new drummer' he's been a great promoter!

conley · Post by **conley** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 6:51 am

Wow, that's a toughie. I may still continue to work with that person, but I'd never trust him again. You have to ask yourself, "what kind of person would do that?"

If it's a matter of ethics, you should fire him (but, keep in mind, it will more than likely be the beginning of the end of your band).

If you're keeping him in the band for monetary reasons, then you may very well be just a greedy as he is.

The whole act is bordering on theft. The fact that he didn't even pay for any of the recording is so fuucking "bush-league".

Recordstar · Post by **Recordstar** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:40 am

How many chances do you give him to screw you over before you take a stand on his unethical conduct. Losing him WILL NOT be the end of the band...but...having him around may very well be.

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 8:43 am

Recordstar wrote:How many chances do you give him to screw you over before you take a stand on his unethical conduct. Losing him WILL NOT be the end of the band...but...having him around may very well be.

yup

dump him now. hire a new drummer to replace all of his parts on the CD and put it off until it's ready to go. If you hire a pro session player, they can kick it out in a day. Then find a new drummer for live work.

Haggard · Post by **Haggard** » Thu Jun 07, 2007 11:38 am

Easy. Cut off horse head. Place in bed. Leave note.