It has been said that a verbal contract isn't worth
the paper it's written on. And for many bands, singers, DJs, producers
and many others whose work is in a creative field, it's often easier to
just have that verbal agreement than to worry about the financial aspects
of their art. Too many times, however, the lack of a written contract has
cost artists money, ownership of their work and, in some cases, even
their careers. Music contracts are too important to overlook just because
it seems easier to trust that those working around you will always do
what they say they're going to do.
Â
And the world of music contracts (and any
legal contract) is a convoluted one, filled with dense legalese that
often can be hard to wade through by anyone without a law degree. But
these contracts are ones that you will have to not only read, but also
understand as you enter into partnerships and working relationships with
others to help your career grow. Often, you will find you need a lawyer
to look over the contracts to ensure that you understand exactly what you
are signing, and that the contract will be a benefit to your art. When
your career reaches a point that you need to employ an entertainment
lawyer, you will even need a contract for your lawyer's services. Though
the amount of contracts is seemingly endless, once you begin to recognize
your needs, you realize just how helpful these contracts will be in the
future success of your career.
google_ad_channel = "7940249670, " + AB_cat_channel +
AB_unit_channel;
google_language = "en";
google_ad_region = 'test';
Â
In the following section, we'll lay out some typical cases in which
you need certain types of contracts. This is by no means a comprehensive
list, and it will vary from artist to artist, but it will give you an
idea of what contracts you'll need and when in your career that you will
need them.
Â
Band Partnership Agreements – If you're in a
band, this should be one of your starting points as you begin to look at
making a career of music. Your best buddies may be in the band with you,
but even the best of friends find ways to fight over money and song
rights.
Manager Contracts – Managers can play many
different roles depending on artist type and success level, but as soon
as your career succeeds to a level that you need someone on the outside
to look after the affairs of your career, it's time to find an manager
and ensure, with a Manager Contract, that everyone agrees to work for
fair terms.
Record Label Contracts – Oh, the dream…that
elusive record deal. You've been starry-eyed over this one since you
first strummed a guitar (or sang into a mic, or sat behind a piano,
etc.). But these can be some of the most dangerous and career killing
pieces of paper out there. Record companies, no matter how dedicated to
their artists, exist to make money, and tales of artists' careers dying
at the hands of a record label are all to common. On the other hand, a
good contract is still the dream, and record contacts make dreams come
true, as long as you understand what's in it for you.
Songwriter Contracts – These contracts are
important whether your songs are being recorded by someone else or if
it's your own band performing the songs. From the outset, a contract
should specifically state who wrote what percentage of each song; this
will help prevent fights and lawsuits when the money starts coming in
later.
Â
Again, this is by no means all the contracts that should be looked at,
nor is it all the contracts available on this site. But it should start
you thinking about which contracts you will need as your career
progresses, and how to ensure you get a good deal on each one you
sign.
Â