Whether you realize it or not, the creative side and the business side of the music industry is inevitable linked. Unfortunately, for artists, the business side of the industry is boring and overly technical but that does not change the fact that you must be informed to stay successful. These two sides become linked with talk of music contracts. Music contracts are legal documents that specify terms and conditions for all parties involved in any type of situation.
No matter how great of an artist you are, when it comes to music contracts, you need to operate like a professional businessman or businesswoman. Aside from just contracts, your music career can be affected legally by record contracts, publishing contracts, copyright law, name protection and business organization.
The legal aspect of the music business is unavoidable, that is why you have to educate yourself. And don’t just educate yourself on the legal requirements of the artist in music contracts, study how a music contract can affect everyone involved, engineers, agents, managers, producers, recorders etc…
Every individual working in the music business today should convert themselves into a business person in addition to being an artist. Here are some things you should understand to be a success in your music career.
- Learn who is involved in the music industry, the main players, who they are and when you may need them.
- Your music career is your business, so aside from just music contracts, you need to know how to run your business, your finances, your administration and your rights.
- What legal issues are a unique concern to artists and songwriters? You need to grasp copyright law, recording agreements and publishing agreements.
- Explore the common types of music contracts including club contracts, distribution agreements, production contracts and label agreements.
- In music contracts there are several parties that play a role including; managers, agents, producers, club owners and investors. Understand the roles of everyone involved.
- Lastly, keep yourself informed of changes in legal issues concerning artists in the music industry.
I completely understand if this all sounds overwhelming to you but at the same time, it is vital to your success. Take a course on the legal aspects of music contracts and the music industry. At the very least, read some books on the subject. You really need to arm yourself with knowledge in this industry before you sign any music contract. Don’t be apart of the rising statistics of great artists who failed because of signing bad music contracts.
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