Q&A: Has a band ever negotiated a 1-album contract with a major record label to start their career? Impossible?

Question by e: Has a band ever negotiated a 1-album contract with a major record label to start their career? Impossible?
I imagine it would not be in the record labels best interest to have a one album contract. If the band is not successful they can just stop putting money into promotions and production and such and if the band is succesful they can milk future albums as well right? If I’m wrong tell me.

So if this is the case….have there ever been any exceptions?

What is the best terms a band ever negotiated on their freshman release (RECENTLY….like in the last 10-15 years)

Are there any sites with information about bands/artists and the contracts they have with record labels

Best answer:

Answer by Wolfgang2049
Labels don’t operate like that. When you sign a record deal you are taking a loan and taking orders. Has nothing to do with how many albums are made.

You don’t sign a contract for the release, you sign a contract to be owned by the label. Then, you hope and pray that they actually promote you and that you have enough time with them to do 3 or 4 albums so you can pay them back what you have borrowed before they drop you.

The best terms for an unknown band would be soemthing like having a tour bus with a sober driver, a toilet that doesn’t leak onto the floor, and opening up a couple shows for one of the labels more popular acts. New bands are barely surviving (if they survive at all). You can thank the filesharing generation and their ignorant excuses, lack of morality, and flawed reasoning for that.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!