Music Contract Template – Label/Artist Agreement Template

Here’s a basic contract template for an artist and a record label. Please note that this is a general framework, and legal advice from an attorney should be sought to tailor it to specific circumstances and legal requirements.

100% free, reusable record label contract template for indie labels and artists. This legal contract covers the basics that make up a traditional record label recording contract. Feel free to use this template for your own record label. When you’re ready, you can hire your own music lawyer to help you create a more bespoke contract. Go To Download ⤵️

Music Contract Template

LABEL/ARTIST AGREEMENT

This Recording Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made and entered into on this [Date] by and between:

Record Label/Company Name: [Record Label/Company Name], with its principal place of business located at [Address] (hereinafter referred to as the “Company” or “Label”)

AND

Artist Name: [Artist’s Name], an individual with an address at [Address] (hereinafter referred to as the “Artist”)

Collectively referred to as the “Parties.”

1. ENGAGEMENT

The Artist agrees to render exclusive recording services for the Company, and the Company agrees to engage the Artist on the terms set forth in this Agreement.

2. TERM

The term of this Agreement shall commence on [Start Date] and continue for a period of [number of years/albums] (the “Term”), unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement.

3. DELIVERY OF RECORDINGS • The Artist agrees to deliver to the Company [number of albums/singles/EPs] during the Term of this Agreement.
   • All recordings shall meet professional standards, and the quality shall be determined solely by the Label.
4. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS • The Artist grants the Company the exclusive right to distribute, market, promote, and sell the Artist’s recordings during the Term and for a period of [X] years after the expiration of the Term (the “Exclusive Period”).
   • The Artist agrees not to perform recording services for any other person or entity during the Term of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Company.
5. COMPENSATION • The Artist will receive [percentage] of all net profits derived from the sale, licensing, and exploitation of the Artist’s recordings, after recoupment of all expenses advanced by the Company.
   • Advances: The Company will provide an advance of [amount] upon signing this Agreement. Any advance provided will be recoupable from future earnings.
6. ROYALTIES • The Artist shall be entitled to a royalty of [X]% from all sales, streaming, and licensing of the recordings.
   • Royalties shall be calculated and paid quarterly, within [X] days after the end of each quarter.
7. EXPENSES • The Company shall cover reasonable recording, mixing, mastering, marketing, and promotional costs.
   • The Company shall recoup these costs from the Artist’s earnings, including royalties and any other income generated from the recordings.
8. CONTROL • The Company shall have the exclusive right to make all decisions regarding the production, release schedule, promotion, and marketing of the recordings.
   • The Artist agrees to cooperate fully with the Company in all promotional activities, including but not limited to interviews, public appearances, and social media promotion.
9. ARTISTIC DIRECTION

The Artist retains the right to creative input regarding the production and sound of the recordings, but the final decisions on matters of artistic direction rest with the Company.

10. MERCHANDISING

The Company shall have the exclusive right to create and sell merchandise featuring the Artist’s name, likeness, and brand. The Artist shall receive [percentage]% of all net profits from the sale of merchandise.

11. TERMINATION • Either party may terminate this Agreement in the event of a material breach by the other party, provided that written notice of such breach is given and the breach is not cured within [X] days.
    • Upon termination, the Company shall retain all rights to the recordings created during the Term.
12. WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS

The Artist warrants that:

•   They have the legal capacity to enter into this Agreement.
•   They are not under any contract, obligation, or restriction that would prevent them from fully performing under this Agreement.

13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION • Any dispute arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be resolved by arbitration in accordance with the rules of [Arbitration Body] in [Location].
14. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [State], without regard to its conflicts of law principles.

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties and supersedes any prior agreements, oral or written, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Recording Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

Company:
[Record Label/Company Name]
By: _____________
Name: ___________
Title: ____________
Date: ____________

Artist:
[Artist Name]
By: _____________
Date: ____________

This Label/Artist Agreement contract can be customized based on the specifics of the record label’s business model, the nature of the artist’s engagement, and other legal requirements.

Feel free to copy this music contract template, make adjustments and use as a template for your contract with your artist or producer. Remember to get a professional legal adviser to go through this to see if it suits what you want. This Label/Artist Agreement template is free to use. Read about the importance of contracts here

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