Contract Negotiation and Music Business Agreements
How do I Negotiate Music Contracts?
Record labels, distributors, managers, and others will ask you to sign contracts. Understanding what you’re signing is critical. Bad contracts lock you in bad situations for years. Good contracts protect you and ensure fair treatment. Never sign without understanding what you’re agreeing to.
Get Professional Help
Hire an entertainment lawyer. This costs $1000-3000, but it prevents mistakes that cost ten times that. A lawyer reviews contracts, explains what you’re agreeing to, negotiates on your behalf, and protects your interests. This is money well spent.
Red Flags
Avoid contracts giving away everything in exchange for vague promises. Avoid life-long agreements. Avoid agreements where you have no say in creative decisions. If something feels bad, trust that instinct. Don’t sign until you’re happy.
Auf Wiedersehen, amigos.
