by Angela Green, Esq.
As an independent artist you enter into a variety contracts / agreements for your services over the course of your career. You start off with the managers contract. Then you pray for the recording contract. If you are in high demand, you may need to retain a Booking Agent via contract. The list goes on and on. Every move that you make as you build your career in the music industry is governed by a contract. That is why you need to know some contract rules of conduct.
Rule #1: Never sign a contract or agreement on the spot. No matter how good the deal sounds, it can wait a reasonable amount of time for you to read over the terms of the deal before agreeing to them.
Rule #2: Never sign a contract or agreement that you do not understand. You are going to be held responsible for the terms of the agreement, so you need to know what is expected of you as well as what to expected from the other party.
Rule #3: If the contract needs negotiating, never use the other parties attorney. You need someone who is looking out for your best interest.
Rule #4: If a service contract requires a large payment, never pay the full amount up front. You should be able to make a reasonable down payment. Then you can evaluate and make sure you receive the service promised, paying the balance in full once services have been completed.
These rules could go on from now to infinity because every contract / agreement and situation is different. The four rules above will help you to get through those on the spot situations, buying you the time to consult with your manager and or attorney for guidance.
The articles provided by Angela Green, Esq. are for informational purposes only, concerning general legal principles. You should consult your legal counsel for answers to specific legal questions.
Angela Green is an entertainment attorney in Memphis, Tennessee and part owner of Key II Entertainment, an artist management company.
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