Legal Documents you may need
A sample letter formerly requesting a slot.
I’ve seen bands drive hundreds of miles in a van only to find they have either been dumped at the last minute for a bigger more profitable band, or double booked. Ensures the venue delivers what they promised you.
A more simplified version of the above document, made especially for smaller venues or a last minute gig.
This can be very important document to have. I’ve seen bands rehearse for years only to have the singer or some other high profile member whisked away by a label leaving you & the rest of the band out in the cold. Don’t let this happen to you! protect the integrity of the years you’ve invested into a band today with this document.
Photography/Artwork Licensing Agreement
So the hot new band photo on your newly released CD belongs to you right? Better make sure. I’ve seen this little problem turn into a major financial disaster mainly because the photographer now wants a piece of the action. Make sure the photographer knows what exploitation of his work he can expect before hand.
Looking to do Studio work or URL design for bands or hire someone to do it for you? Make sure you use this simple Work for Hire agreement to make sure all your Digital Art (Music, Videos, Photos, Branding, Logos) belongs to you.
Used if you intend on managing a band or artist.
Are you developing an artist with the hopes of someday shopping them to a label. I’ve seen up & coming Producers get burned when a label suddenly romances the artist in question away from the Producer. This can be especially painful if the artist wrote all the music, the end result the artist using you simply as their stepping stone after you’ve invested thousands of hours & dollars.
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Just in case your interested, below are a few Standard Record Contracts. The short Form contract is used primarily by smaller Indie Labels, whereas the Long Form Contract is primarily used by Major Labels.
Sample Record Contract (short Form
Sample Record Contract (Long Form)