Music Contracts and Clauses

There is no perfect music contract for every single7. If the gig is out of town, you need to define who will
situation. First and foremost, it is important that youcover the cost of meals, transportation and lodging.
have a wide variety of music contracts to choose8.  In a music contract , sound and production, how
from and that you and all parties involved understandand who needs to be stated. Do you provide or do
the content within each specific music contract . Thereyou allow your artist or band to choose who?
are hundreds and hundreds of music contract clauses9. Acts of God are often mentioned to protect
to pick from but we are going to review some of theeveryone involved. This includes weather and/or
standards that should always be included. If need be,illnesses. 
you can add clauses or take away where is needed.10. What if there is a cancellation? How will it be
1. Clearly define the time, date, amount ofhandled? Will there be a penalty? Cancellation policies
compensation of performance and have a signatureneed to be clearly defined in all music contracts . 
from both parties. 11. Depending on the performer, royalties and licenses
2. Precisely define the expectations of theis a clause that needs to be added, especially if the
performance. What do you expect and what does thework is copyrighted.
performer expect? How many breaks? How long12. Next, in music contracts any specific requirements
should the minimum performance be?or restrictions directed toward the performer needs to
3. Set the location, date and time. This is obvious butbe undoubtedly stated. Dress, language, smoking,
necessary so everyone is on the same page.drinking or anything along those lines.
 4. Payment. How will the parties be paid? Is it a fixed13. If there is an agent involved their terms need to be
amount, percentage of door? When will the artist beincluded as well. What kind of compensation do they
paid? What is the method of payment? This is areceive? Do they have any sort of obligations?
crucial part of a music contract because after all,14. Finally, a clause for insurance and security should be
money can cause people to become angry if thewritten. Who provides or should have what?
terms are not unmistakably defined.Obviously, there are many more types of clauses that
 5. Identify who has the recording, reproduction,can be included in music contracts . These are your
transmission and photography rights in the musicvery basic but should always be included in your basic
contract .music contract. It is up to you to decide which clauses
6. A merchandise clause is always essential. Someapply to each situation. But as long as everyone is
venue have different terms for the sale ofclear on all terms then your music contract will be fair
merchandise so this needs to be revised to match theand of high-quality.
venue they will be performing at.