Music Industry Contracts

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Music Industry Contracts and links to free example contracts. In today’s complex and ever-evolving music business landscape, it’s essential for artists, producers, managers, and other industry professionals to understand and protect their rights and interests through well-drafted contracts. Our extensive list of music industry contracts covers a wide range of agreements that help to establish clear terms, ensure fair compensation, and protect intellectual property.

From the foundational 360 Artist Contract and Artist and Record Label Contract to specialized agreements such as the Music Licensing Agreement for Film, TV, and Advertising and the Podcast Music License Agreement, our guide provides valuable insights into the nuances of each contract type. Additionally, we delve into niche agreements like the Music Sample Clearance Agreement and the Independent Contractor Agreement for Musicians, which cater to specific scenarios and collaborations within the industry.

Whether you’re an artist embarking on a new partnership, a songwriter negotiating royalties, or a manager securing endorsements and booking performances, our guide on Music Industry Contracts will provide you with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate these essential legal documents with confidence. Stay informed and protect your creative and professional interests with our in-depth exploration of the various agreements shaping the music industry today.

360 Artist Contract

A 360 Artist Contract, also known as a multiple rights deal, is an agreement between an artist and a record label or management company, wherein the company receives a percentage of the artist’s income from various sources, such as record sales, touring, merchandising, endorsements, and more. This type of contract is designed to benefit both parties by providing more extensive support and resources to the artist while allowing the company to share in a broader range of revenue streams.

Artist and Producer Agreement

An Artist and Producer Agreement is a contract that outlines the terms and conditions of a professional relationship between a musical artist and a music producer. This agreement covers various aspects, such as payment, royalties, production credits, deadlines, and ownership of the master recordings, to ensure a fair and transparent collaboration.

Artist and Record Label Contract

An Artist and Record Label Contract is an agreement between a recording artist and a record label that outlines the terms of their professional relationship. This contract typically includes provisions related to the production, distribution, promotion, and marketing of the artist’s music, as well as royalty payments, advances, and other financial terms.

Artist Concert Contract

An Artist Concert Contract, also known as a performance agreement or booking agreement, is a contract between a performing artist or band and a concert promoter or venue. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions for a live performance, including the date, location, fees, technical requirements, and other pertinent details.

Artist Development Contract

An Artist Development Contract is an agreement between an emerging artist and a record label or management company that focuses on developing the artist’s career. This contract typically includes provisions for recording, promotion, marketing, and other professional support, as well as financial terms and conditions.

Artist and Manager Contract

An Artist and Manager Contract is an agreement between a musical artist or band and their personal manager. This contract outlines the manager’s responsibilities, such as career guidance, contract negotiation, and business management, as well as the artist’s obligations and the terms of compensation.

Musician Services Contract

A Musician Services Contract is an agreement between a musician and a client, such as a venue, event organizer, or recording artist, for the provision of musical services. This contract outlines the scope of work, payment terms, and other details related to the musician’s services.

Singer Performer Contract

A Singer Performer Contract is a specific type of agreement between a singer and a client for the provision of live singing performances. This contract outlines the performance details, such as date, location, fees, and technical requirements, as well as payment terms and other conditions.

Copyright License Agreement for Music Industry

A Copyright License Agreement for Music is a contract that grants a licensee the right to use a copyrighted musical work for a specific purpose, such as synchronization in a film or advertisement, public performance, or mechanical reproduction. This agreement outlines the terms of the license, including duration, territory, and any applicable fees or royalties.

Live Performance Agreement

A Live Performance Agreement is a contract between a performer or band and a venue or event organizer that outlines the terms and conditions for a live performance. This agreement typically covers details such as the date, location, fees, technical requirements, and other pertinent information.

Music Collaboration Agreement / Songwriter Collaboration

A Music Collaboration Agreement is a contract between two or more musicians, songwriters, or producers who collaborate on the creation of a musical work. This agreement outlines the terms of the collaboration, including ownership of the work, division of royalties, and credit attribution.

Music Publishing Agreement

A Music Publishing Agreement is a contract between a songwriter or composer and a music publisher that grants the publisher the right to administer and exploit the songwriter’s musical works. This agreement typically covers issues such as royalty payments, copyright administration, and the promotion and licensing of the works for various purposes.

Sync Licensing Agreement

A Sync Licensing Agreement is a contract that grants a licensee the right to synchronize a specific musical work with visual media, such as film, television, commercials, or video games. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the license, including the scope of use, duration, territory, and any applicable fees or royalties.

Master Recording License Agreement

A Master Recording License Agreement is a contract between the owner of a master recording, usually a record label, and a licensee who wishes to use the recording for a specific purpose, such as synchronization with visual media or mechanical reproduction. This agreement outlines the terms of the license, including duration, territory, and any applicable fees or royalties.

Mechanical License Agreement

A Mechanical License Agreement is a contract that grants a licensee the right to reproduce and distribute a specific musical work in audio format, such as CDs, vinyl, or digital downloads. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the license, including the scope of use, duration, territory, and any applicable fees or royalties.

Performance Rights Organization Agreement

A Performance Rights Organization Agreement is a contract between a songwriter or composer and a performance rights organization (PRO) that enables the PRO to collect and distribute royalties on the songwriter’s behalf for public performances of their musical works. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the scope of the PRO’s services and the songwriter’s membership obligations.

Work for Hire Agreement – Music Industry Contracts

A Work for Hire Agreement is a contract between a client and a musician, songwriter, or producer, wherein the musician agrees to create a specific musical work as a commissioned piece. Under this agreement, the client typically retains ownership of the work, and the musician may be entitled to a one-time fee or other compensation.

Band Partnership Agreement

A Band Partnership Agreement is a contract between the members of a band that outlines the terms of their professional relationship, including profit-sharing, decision-making, and the division of assets and liabilities. This agreement helps to establish a clear understanding of each member’s roles and responsibilities within the group.

Band Member Buyout Agreement

A Band Member Buyout Agreement is a contract between a departing band member and the remaining members of a band that outlines the terms for the buyout of the departing member’s interest in the band’s assets, such as recordings, copyrights, and trademarks. This agreement helps to ensure a fair and orderly separation of interests.

Music Video Production Agreement

A Music Video Production Agreement is a music industry contract between a recording artist or band and a video production company for the creation of a music video. This agreement outlines the terms of the project, including the scope of work, payment terms, and ownership of the final video. Complement with a Non-disclosure agreement.

Publicity and Image Rights Agreement

A Publicity and Image Rights Agreement is a contract between a musical artist or band and a publicist, photographer, or other professional who is granted the right to use the artist’s name, likeness, and biographical information for promotional purposes. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the relationship, including the scope of use and any applicable fees or royalties.

Merchandising Agreement

A Merchandising Agreement is a contract between a musical artist or band and a merchandising company for the creation, distribution, and sale of merchandise featuring the artist’s name, logo, or likeness. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including product design, payment terms, and royalty rates.

Endorsement Agreement

An Endorsement Agreement is a music industry contract between a musical artist or band and a brand or company for the promotion of a product or service. Under this agreement, the artist agrees to endorse, promote, or appear in advertising for the product or service, in exchange for compensation, such as a fee, royalties, or products. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the scope of the endorsement and any exclusivity requirements.

Booking Agent Agreement

A Booking Agent Agreement is a industry contract between a musical artist or band and a booking agent who is responsible for securing performance opportunities, such as concerts, tours, and festivals. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the agent’s responsibilities, commission rates, and the duration of the agreement.

Concert Promoter Agreement

A Concert Promoter Agreement is a contract between a concert promoter and a venue, artist, or booking agent for the organization and promotion of a live music event. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the event, including the date, location, fees, and the division of responsibilities and profits.

Sound Engineer Agreement

A Sound Engineer Agreement is a music business contract between a sound engineer and a client, such as a recording artist, record label, or concert promoter, for the provision of audio engineering services. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the scope of work, payment terms, and any applicable warranties or indemnities.

Touring Agreement

A Touring Agreement is a contract between a musical artist or band and a tour promoter or booking agent that outlines the terms and conditions for a series of live performances, usually as part of a concert tour. This agreement typically covers details such as performance dates, locations, fees, technical requirements, and other pertinent information.

Session Musician Agreement

A Session Musician Agreement is a contract between a session musician and a client, such as a recording artist, record label, or producer, for the provision of musical services on a specific recording project. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the scope of work, payment terms, and ownership of the resulting recordings.

Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for Songwriters and Composers

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for Songwriters and Composers is a contract between a songwriter or composer and a client or collaborator that requires the recipient of confidential information, such as unreleased songs or creative ideas, to keep that information confidential. This agreement helps to protect the intellectual property and creative interests of the parties involved.

Neighboring Rights Agreement

A Neighboring Rights Agreement is a contract between a recording artist, record label, or rights holder and a neighboring rights organization for the collection and distribution of royalties related to the public performance or broadcast of sound recordings. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the scope of the organization’s services and the rights holder’s membership obligations.

Studio Rental Agreement

A Studio Rental Agreement is a contract between a recording studio and a client, such as a recording artist, record label, or producer, for the rental of studio facilities and services. This agreement outlines the terms of the rental, including the duration, fees, and any applicable rules or restrictions.

Equipment Rental Agreement

An Equipment Rental Agreement is a contract between a musical equipment rental company and a client, such as a musician, recording artist, or event organizer, for the rental of musical instruments, audio equipment, or other related items. This agreement outlines the terms of the rental, including the duration, fees, and any applicable warranties or indemnities.

Music Licensing Agreement for Film, TV, and Advertising

A Music Licensing Agreement for Film, TV, and Advertising is a contract that grants a licensee the right to use a specific musical work in audiovisual productions, such as movies, television shows, commercials, or trailers. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the license, including the scope of use, duration, territory, and any applicable fees or royalties.

Music Production Agreement / Music Producer Contract

A Music Production Agreement is a music industry contract between a music producer and a client, such as a recording artist or record label, for the production of musical recordings. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the scope of work, payment terms, and ownership of the resulting recordings.

Radio Promotion Agreement

A Radio Promotion Agreement is a contract between a musical artist, record label, or rights holder and a radio promotion company for the promotion of a specific song or album to radio stations and other broadcast outlets. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the scope of the promotion campaign, payment terms, and any applicable guarantees or warranties.

Royalty Collection Agreement

A Royalty Collection Agreement is a contract between a musical artist, songwriter, or rights holder and a royalty collection agency for the collection and distribution of royalties from various sources, such as mechanical, performance, and synchronization royalties. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the scope of the agency’s services and the rights holder’s membership obligations.

Songwriter Split Agreement

A Songwriter Split Agreement is a contract between two or more songwriters that outlines the division of ownership and royalties for a specific musical work. This agreement helps to ensure a fair and transparent distribution of income and creative control among the collaborators.

Songwriting Partnership Agreement

A Songwriting Partnership Agreement is a contract between two or more songwriters who agree to collaborate on the creation of musical works on an ongoing basis. This agreement outlines the terms of the partnership, including the division of ownership, royalties, and creative control, as well as any applicable decision-making processes or dispute resolution mechanisms.

Music Producer Royalty Agreement

A Music Producer Royalty Agreement is a contract between a music producer and a recording artist or record label that outlines the terms of the producer’s royalty payments for their work on a specific project. This agreement typically covers issues such as royalty rates, payment schedules, and any applicable advances or recoupment provisions.

Co-publishing Agreement

A Co-publishing Agreement is a contract between a songwriter or composer and two or more music publishers that agree to jointly administer and exploit the songwriter’s musical works. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the division of responsibilities, royalties, and other financial terms.

See all our free music industry contracts here.

Music Management Agreement

A Music Management Agreement is a music business contract between a musical artist or band and a personal manager that outlines the terms of their professional relationship. This agreement typically covers the manager’s responsibilities, such as career guidance, contract negotiation, and business management, as well as the artist’s obligations and the terms of compensation.

Music Licensing Agreement for Video Games

A Music Licensing Agreement for Video Games is a music contract that grants a licensee the right to use a specific musical work in a video game or related media. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the license, including the scope of use, duration, territory, and any applicable fees or royalties.

Podcast Music License Agreement

A Podcast Music License Agreement is a contract between a podcast producer and a musical artist, record label, or rights holder that grants the producer the right to use a specific musical work in their podcast episodes. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the license, including the scope of use, duration, territory, and any applicable fees or royalties.

Social Media Influencer Agreement

A Social Media Influencer Agreement is a contract between a musical artist or band and a social media influencer who agrees to promote the artist’s music, concerts, or merchandise on their social media platforms. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the scope of promotion, compensation, and any applicable exclusivity requirements.

Television and Film Composer Agreement

A Television and Film Composer Agreement is a contract between a composer and a film or television production company for the creation of original music for a specific production, such as a movie, TV show, or documentary. This agreement outlines the terms of the project, including the scope of work, payment terms, and ownership of the resulting musical works.

YouTube Music License Agreement

A YouTube Music License Agreement is a contract between a musical artist, record label, or rights holder and a YouTube content creator or channel owner that grants the right to use a specific musical work in their YouTube videos. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the license, including the scope of use, duration, territory, and any applicable fees or royalties.

Music Sampling Agreement

A Music Sampling Agreement is a contract between a musical artist, record label, or rights holder and a licensee who wishes to use a sample or portion of an existing musical work in a new composition or recording. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the license, including the scope of use, duration, territory, and any applicable fees or royalties.

Ghost Production Agreement

A Ghost Production Agreement is a contract between a music producer, often referred to as a “ghost producer,” and a client, such as a recording artist or DJ, for the creation of original music that the client will release under their own name. This agreement outlines the terms of the project, including the scope of work, payment terms, and confidentiality requirements.

Music Sub-Publishing Agreement

A Music Sub-Publishing Agreement is a music industry contract between a music publisher and a sub-publisher that grants the sub-publisher the right to administer and exploit a specific catalog of musical works in a particular territory or market. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the scope of the sub-publisher’s services, the division of royalties, and any applicable fees or advances.

Exclusive Songwriting Agreement

An Exclusive Songwriting Agreement is a contract between a songwriter or composer and a music publisher that grants the publisher exclusive rights to administer and exploit the songwriter’s musical works. This agreement typically covers issues such as royalty payments, copyright administration, and the promotion and licensing of the works for various purposes.

Producer and Engineer Points Agreement

A Producer and Engineer Points Agreement is a contract between a music producer or audio engineer and a recording artist or record label that outlines the terms of the producer’s or engineer’s royalty share, often referred to as “points,” for their work on a specific project. This agreement typically covers issues such as royalty rates, payment schedules, and any applicable advances or recoupment provisions.

Music Consultant Agreement

A Music Consultant Agreement is a music business contract between a music consultant and a client, such as a recording artist, record label, or film production company, for the provision of professional advice and guidance on various aspects of the music industry. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the scope of work, payment terms, and any applicable warranties or indemnities.

Music Subscription Service Agreement

A Music Subscription Service Agreement is a music contract between a music subscription service provider and a musical artist, record label, or rights holder for the inclusion of their music in the service’s catalog. This agreement outlines the terms of the relationship, including the scope of distribution, payment terms, and royalty rates.

Remix Agreement

A Remix Agreement is a contract between a musical artist, record label, or rights holder and a remixer who is granted the right to create a new version or adaptation of an existing musical work. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the remix, including the scope of use, duration, territory, and any applicable fees or royalties.

Soundtrack Album Agreement

A Soundtrack Album Agreement is a contract between a film or television production company and a record label, musical artist, or rights holder for the creation and distribution of a soundtrack album featuring music from a specific production. This agreement outlines the terms of the project, including the selection of musical works, payment terms, and ownership of the resulting recordings.

Summary of Music Industry Contracts

This comprehensive guide on Music Industry Contracts provides an overview of various types of contracts used in the music industry. These contracts are essential for artists, producers, managers, and other industry professionals to protect their rights and interests. The guide covers a wide range of agreements for:

1. Artist Contracts
2. Record Label Contracts
3. Music Publisher Contracts
4. Music Producer Contracts
5. Manager Contracts
6. Booking Agent Contracts

All free Music Industry Contracts available at Creative Counsel