Hate lawyers
Yet there are also examples of deals where Kees agreed that the proportions were no longer correct. “That has happened a number of times, often with artists with whom you have been working for a long time. Those contracts then come from an older time, so the agreements are no longer fair.” According to Kees, he has no problem admitting that and re-examining the deal. What he does find difficult is that it is often done in an unfriendly way. “I initially feel very attacked, because my intentions are pure and good. The best for everyone is what I always strive for.”
Since its founding, Top Notch has been trying to distinguish itself from other labels by making good deals and distributing rights and income well, Kees explains. “But at the same time you are also an entrepreneur, so that can sometimes clash. I find it very painful when artists start involving lawyers.” That is not the way he envisions a collaboration. “These are people with whom I have a deep personal bond. Artists who I have helped build their careers from scratch. When I receive a letter from a lawyer, I think: we don’t do that, do we? We should Shouldn’t we talk to each other to solve this?”
