Contract For Music Artist for the United States

Contract For Music Artist Template for United States

A Music Artist Contract is a legally binding agreement governed by U.S. federal and state laws that establishes the relationship between a recording artist and a record label or music company. The contract typically covers rights to recordings, publishing, performance obligations, compensation terms, and various other aspects of the artist-label relationship. It must comply with U.S. Copyright Law, the Music Modernization Act, and various state-specific entertainment industry regulations.

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What is a Contract For Music Artist?

The Contract For Music Artist is a comprehensive legal document used when a record label or music company wishes to sign an artist or band. This U.S.-governed agreement outlines the complete business relationship between the parties, including recording commitments, ownership of masters, royalty structures, and various rights and obligations. It's essential for protecting both parties' interests and ensuring compliance with federal copyright laws, state regulations, and industry standards. The contract typically serves as the foundational document for the entire artist-label relationship.

What sections should be included in a Contract For Music Artist?

1. Parties: Identifies the record label/company and artist, including legal names and addresses

2. Background: States the purpose of the agreement and basic context

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement including 'Recording', 'Territory', 'Net Receipts', etc.

4. Term and Territory: Duration of the agreement and geographical scope of rights granted

5. Recording Obligations: Artist's commitments regarding recordings, including quantity, quality requirements, and delivery schedules

6. Rights and Ownership: Specifies ownership of masters, publishing rights, and other intellectual property

7. Compensation: Details of royalties, advances, and other payment terms including accounting periods

8. Performance Obligations: Requirements for live performances, appearances, and promotional activities

9. Termination: Conditions for contract termination and consequences thereof

What sections are optional to include in a Contract For Music Artist?

1. Merchandising Rights: Terms for merchandise production, sales, and revenue sharing

2. Publishing Agreement: Terms for music publishing rights and administration

3. Digital Distribution: Specific terms for online platforms, streaming, and digital sales

4. Tour Support: Terms for touring financial support and recoupment

5. Image Rights: Terms for use of artist's image, likeness, and brand

What schedules should be included in a Contract For Music Artist?

1. Schedule A - Recording Schedule: Detailed timeline for recording deliverables and deadlines

2. Schedule B - Royalty Calculations: Detailed breakdown of royalty rates and calculation methods

3. Schedule C - Permitted Expenses: List of approved recording and promotional expenses

4. Schedule D - Territory Exclusions: List of excluded territories and any special territorial arrangements

5. Schedule E - Minimum Marketing Commitment: Detailed marketing obligations of the label including minimum spend

6. Schedule F - Technical Specifications: Required technical standards for recordings and delivery formats

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Music Agreement

Cost

Free to use
Relevant legal definitions
Clauses
Industries

U.S. Copyright Act of 1976: Fundamental copyright law governing musical works, sound recordings, and rights of creators in the United States

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Addresses digital copyright issues and online content protection for music artists

Music Modernization Act 2018: Updates music licensing legislation for the digital age, including streaming rights and royalty payments

Fair Labor Standards Act: Federal law establishing wage, overtime, and employment standards that may apply to artist employment relationships

Lanham Act: Federal trademark law protecting artist names, brands, and related intellectual property

State Publicity Rights: Laws protecting artists' rights to control and profit from their name, image, and likeness, varying by state

Talent Agencies Act: California-specific law regulating talent representation, important for artists operating in California

Union Regulations: Rules from organizations like AFM and SAG-AFTRA governing working conditions and minimum compensation for artists

Sherman Antitrust Act: Federal law preventing monopolistic practices in the music industry and ensuring fair competition

International Copyright Treaties: Agreements protecting artists' rights across international borders, including the Berne Convention and WIPO treaties

Sound Recording Act: Legislation governing the protection and licensing of sound recordings

State Contract Laws: State-specific regulations governing contract formation, enforcement, and interpretation

Statute of Frauds: Legal requirement that certain contracts must be in writing to be enforceable

Music Licensing Collective Regulations: Rules governing collective licensing and royalty collection for musical works

Digital Performance Rights: Laws governing rights and royalties for digital streaming and online performances

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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