Aaron Foreman asked:


There are millions of dollars to be made in the music industry.  However making the big bucks requires that you compete successfully against the competition.  In order to succeed, you must prove your superiority by not only being the best at what you do but also by conducting your dealings with entertainment business professionals in a business-like way.

The music business is an exceedingly challenging business for newcomers to get into.  If you plan on building a career in the music industry, then you can\’t afford to not get every contract in writing if the understanding involves money or any rights that you would like to protect.  Your role in the music business is not important.  Whether you are a musician, a songwriter, a producer, an agent, a DJ, a record label owner, a technician, an engineer, if your contract is in writing there will be no confusion about the terms of the deal.  The contract will spell out the functions of all the parties involved and who gets what.

Whether you are a newbie, or an experienced veteran, music business professionals will only take you seriously if you represent yourself in a business-like manner. Having a contract in writing proves to them that you know how to handle yourself, and that you refuse to be taken advantage of.

Of course, you can hire a lawyer and have agreements written for you but this can get very pricey and you can in most cases accomplish the same goal by downloading a standard agreement from a website offering such contracts.  You could then take the time to customize the agreement to your own situation for much less than a lawyer would charge you to make changes.  This is a possible choice if can\’t afford to consult an attorney.

Experienced entertainment attorneys can cost $400 per hour or more plus additional hiring fees if you can even get an appointment.  Why spend all that time and money when you can download more than one hundred different types of standard agreements for a low price and get back to focusing on your career quickly.  These downloadable contracts will address the needs of almost everyone in the music business.



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Ty Cohen asked:


Brace yourself, because the music industry is full of lies. But what industry doesn’t have its share of truths, lies and exaggerations? I am sure there isn’t one without issues. But you are in the music industry so you need to be aware of some of the issues that pertain to you, especially when dealing with music contracts and recording contracts. Being naive is something that can hurt you the most. That is why I am here to reveal some of the biggest lies to look for and how you can prepare yourself. The music industry can be tough but you will do fine as long has you know what you are getting into.

One of the first lies that you need to avoid is, “I can’t throw “that” in the contract right now, but you have my word on it.” If you hear this, red flags should go up. Most of the time little idiosyncrasies can be worked out later but you have to be on guard. A man’s handshake is not what it used to be. If you feel the detail is crucial then demand it be in writing in your music business contracts or else you may find yourself in an unwanted situation.

The next big lie when it comes to music contracts is, “You don’t need to show this to your lawyer.” Hmm…It makes you think, right? Well, at least it should! There should be nothing in writing that you shouldn’t show to your lawyer when someone says that. That should throw up another red flag because why can’t you show it to your lawyer? Don’t believe it!

Another big lie you need to watch out for may come up in simple conversation about your recording contracts. This one is…”Of course, everyone has agreed to this…” or “That’s standard, it is in every contract.” They may be telling the truth but then again, they may not be. If you feel uneasy about what it is you are about to sign, then seek help from a trusted friend, manager, lawyer, colleague, whoever. Don’t be afraid to take time to read over ANY contract.

The bottom line is that if you feel that a situation is uncomfortable or unfair for any reason, then always trust your instincts. Don’t assume that because you have become friends with a person that their word is enough. Business is business when it comes down to music contracts. Never mix friendship and business because they don’t mesh. If you keep everything in writing then no one gets hurt and everyone stays aware and happy.



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Ty Cohen asked:


If you are involved with any aspect of the music industry, then you will run across a time where music contracts will be involved. But you have to be very careful in the music industry. If you are one of the lucky ones that have made it so far to be offered a contract then you are definitely on the right track. Unfortunately, recording contracts can be tricky and you need to make sure you have someone watching your back before you sign.

Some top dogs in the music industry have notoriously taken advantage of the young, naive or just plain desperate. Don’t fall victim to bad music business contracts! That is the best advice you can be given. The excitement of being offered a contract should never alter your judgment of the terms in music contracts or recording contracts.

You have to be on the defense at all times in the music industry. I mean, we are talking about your career and your money, after all. People who only have your best interest in mind are the only people you should be involved with. That is the bottom line. Recording contracts, for example, should allot you the biggest share of any profits just to start.

Always keep in mind that when you sign music business contracts that you are signing a real, no holds barred legal document. This document can make you or absolutely break you so you have to be on guard. Also, you need to make sure that everything promised to you is written down and included in the music contracts. Unfortunately, a man’s word is just not as good as it used to be. You can’t argue a handshake in court.

You may be wondering if you need legal help at this point. Well, you do not technically need a lawyer to read a document for you. If you don’t feel confident that you understand absolutely every word contained within, then you should question it. If you feel like your question about the recording contracts is being avoided, then consult legal assistance.

The music industry is a tough business. Fully understanding music contracts is an even harder business. Not every company, manager or label is devious and out to get you. But you do need to be aware of those that are. Don’t become overzealous and sign anything placed before you. Take the music business contracts home, review them with your band members. Then make notes on questions you may have or areas that you feel are up for revision.



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Ty Cohen asked:


Whether you are a newbie to the music industry or a seasoned professional, you are going to run across music contracts, no matter what! Record companies, managers, agents, songwriters, musicians, bands, independent artists, producers, directors will all have to deal with music business contracts at one time or another, you can count on it. The only question is, will you be prepared.

Let’s say you have decided to start your own record label. You must already know that recording contracts are going to play a huge role in your day-to-day business. But the bottom line is that lawyers are extremely expensive so you may not be able to run to them to write every single legal document you need. What do you do about this?

Maybe you are an independent artist, just starting out, trying to get signed. The available cash just isn’t there! There is no way you could hire a legal team to protect yourself let alone even one lawyer to review your music contracts. You are not alone and there is something you can do about this.

You don’t have to be put in a tough situation like the ones above. It is true, having a lawyer on the side is a great idea but the hourly rate is sky high. So, cut your costs were you can, you know? Since everyone in the music industry is going to have to deal with music business contracts, you need a plan.

Don’t worry, your plan does not have to involve you going to law school or business school. All you have to do is purchase some music business contracts templates. Yes, it is as simple as 1-2-3. This way you don’t leave anything out, you are free to edit it to your liking and you display professionalism to every person you come in contact with. You can’t go wrong here. You don’t need fancy lawyer’s that charge hundreds of dollars an hour. But you do need to be prepared for any situation that may arise in the music world. The music industry is tougher than nails and you have to have a thick skin and a plan no matter what role you are trying to play.

Music business contracts, recording contracts and music contracts can get confusing and complicated if you don’t have a plan. Acquire these templates so that they can be your guide to creating contracts and using them to protect yourself, your music, your company, your job, whatever! Don’t look like an amature and don’t get taken advantage of in this industry.



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Ty Cohen asked:


The real question is do you know how to write music contracts from scratch or even at all? I am going to assume that your answer is no and that is why you are here. Your typical music business contracts are extremely thorough and full of jargon and terms that the average person would not be familiar with. But there is no reason to be worried because you do have options.

You have to take into consideration that there are hundreds of types of music business contracts inexistence. So, there is no possible way you could learn to write them all. That would require you taking extensive coursework and maybe even studying for years. And who has time for that? I mean think about it, there are contracts for songwriters, artists, licenses, royalties, for managers, producers, photographers…The list goes on and on.

Recording contracts and music contracts can contain all sorts of things. Licensing, Publishing, Performance, Commercials and Merchandise are only a few of the terms covered in music contracts. There is no way an inexperienced person could remember to include everything. That is why you are going to need some help. It is obvious that most people can’t afford $400 per hour for an entertainment lawyer so they have to explore a different route.

Were you aware that there templates and forms for music business contracts available? That is absolutely right. These are forms that you can edit anyway you would like. They are also available for every single genre or situation that you may encounter. It is amazing if you think about it. You no longer are forced to obtain a ridiculously expensive lawyer to write these bad boys for you. It will definitely make your life in the music industry that much easier. No more insane lawyer’s fees, no more worrying about what to include in a contract or worrying about music contracts in general.

You do need to remember that these contracts need to be industry standard, related to any genre, compatible with all computers, up to date and easy to edit. Then all you have to do is fill in the blanks with your information, print the contract and sign, just like that! Investing in these types of music business contracts will undoubtedly be one of the best investments you will ever make for yourself as a musician or your company.



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