Advances and recoupment

If you received an advance, or the label paid costs for a release such as marketing or production, that amount is recovered from the release’s earnings before your split applies.

If you received an advance, or the label paid costs for a release such as marketing or production, that amount is recovered from the release’s earnings before your split applies. This is called recoupment. The Recoupment card on the release shows how much has been recovered so far.

​

See your recoupment progress

1. Open Releases and click the release.
2. On the Overview tab, find the Recoupment card: “Advance and costs recovered before your split applies”. If the label shares expense details with you, the card is called Marketing Activity and also lists spending by category.

The card shows Recouped: how much has been recovered out of the total advance and costs, with a progress bar.

​

What the message on the card means

The line under the progress bar tells you how recoupment works for your release. The terms come from your agreement.

Message	What it means
”N% recouped. New earnings go toward the balance until it is cleared, then your split applies.”	The release’s earnings go toward the balance first. Your split starts once it’s paid back.
”N% recouped. Your share of new earnings goes toward the balance until it is cleared.”	Your share of the earnings goes toward the balance. The label’s share isn’t affected.
”Fully recouped. Your split applies to all new earnings.”	The advance and costs are paid back. You now earn your full split.
”The recoupment period has ended. Your split applies to all new earnings; the balance is recovered from the label’s share only.”	The time limit in your agreement has passed. Anything still owed comes from the label’s share, not yours.

​

How it shows on your statement and balance

Recoupment is applied when each monthly statement is calculated. The amount recovered is taken before your earnings are added to your balance, so your balance and statements already reflect it.

​

Costs that can be recouped

When expense details are shared with you, they’re grouped as Marketing, Production, Clearance, Creative, Travel and Other. Which costs are recoupable is set in your agreement.

​

Common questions

​

Do I have to pay the advance back if the release doesn’t earn enough?

Recoupment comes from the release’s earnings as described on the card. For anything beyond that, your agreement sets the terms. Ask your manager or contact us.

​

I think the amount is wrong.

Send us a message from the chat on this page, or email [e-mail], with the release name.

Related: How earnings work · Download and read your royalty statement · Split royalties with collaborators