Ipecac is distinguished from most labels (
independent labels included) by their policy of signing bands to only one-album contracts, as opposed to most other labels whose contractual agreements usually consist of a multiple-album agreements. Werckman claims that "when starting our label we decided that it did not feel right to 'own' the artists on our label. Instead we would rent or license records from artists that we liked." "Lawyers or businesspeople call us morons for only doing one-record deals," Werckman scoffs. "They say, 'You're not really anything, then.' Well, we like our catalogue. We like the records we put out. Our bands aren't rushing away. Our job isn't to own any artist. We're here to put out the art that people create." Low overhead and no video or promotional cost partnered with very little distribution costs allow for hearty royalties. "Every six months I send those guys royalty checks," Werckman says. "It's great. It's the way it should be. Even bands that are very successful — when they get royalty checks from us, they're stunned." ==Artists released on Ipecac Recordings==