Music contracts:
What to look for BEFORE you sign
Though they may not be as fun as writing a new song or performing for an audience, contracts are a big part of the life of a musician
Need some guidance before signing a contract?
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It doesn’t matter if you’re setting up your music on a streaming platform or gearing up to work with a label. If you’re a musician, at some point you’re going to have to sign on the dotted line.
The contracts you sign will have a big impact on how you’ll get paid, when you’ll get paid, who owns your work, and more.
However, navigating the legal terms of a contract can be tricky, to say the least. There’s plenty of jargon involved, and with pages and pages on end to read, it’s easy to get lost.
KEEP CALM – WE’RE HERE TO HELP.
Your guide to navigating music contracts
We’ve teamed up with Sam Padbidri, WHABBY! Music’s consulting lawyer, to give you the inside scoop on music contracts. As a fellow artist, lawyer, and record label owner, there’s nobody better placed to help indie musicians navigate the legal-speak and pitfalls that come with contracts.
In this eBook, we cover:


When you need a music contract

The importance of signing a contract

The most common types of music contracts out there, from record contracts to distribution and performance deals

The anatomy of a good contract, and what to keep an eye out for in each section
Sam also sheds light on common mistakes that artists make when signing contracts, along with real-world examples from some of his clients.
A must-have guide for all musicians
Spending time learning about music contracts is single-handedly the best investment you can make for the future of your music career.
Whether you’re trying to get signed or looking to distribute your music online, this eBook is a must-read if you want to understand what you’re reading in a contract, and what to look out for before you sign.
Note: The information contained in this eBook is a general guide and should be used for reference only. It’s important to seek legal advice from an entertainment lawyer before signing a contract.

This eBook is part of our series exploring the legal side of the music industry. Be sure to check out our other eBooks:
- Royalties: How musicians make money
- Copyrighting your music: What musicians need to know