A music producer contract is a legally binding contract between artists and music producers. It defines what their working relationship will be like and everything it will entail. The specific terms and conditions from both sides are specified in a music producer contract. Moreover, it includes details such as rights, responsibilities, compensation, and so on. It also pertains to a lot of details when there involves different artists, musicians, and record labels in an arrangement.
Why Do You Need a Music Producer Contract?
Music producer agreements are necessary to keep the interests of all the parties involved in creating the music in question or bringing it together. These contracts are required to know who owns the master recordings.
The points owned by the producer are yet another reason to formulate a music producer contract. Points refer to the net record revenues in the world of music. The industry standard is usually some percentage for points, either on the published price to the dealer (PPD) or the suggested retail price (SRLP). Music producer contracts should determine the payment structure of the artist/artists and the producer/producers.
What Should Music Producer Contract Templates Include?
The following elements should be a part of every music producer contract template:
Engagement: The engagement bit specifies that the company will engage the producer to produce one or more masters embodying the recorded performances of the artist and that the names of the compositions will be identified.
Term: This refers to the duration of the music producer contract. The parties can decide that the term begins with the signing of the music producer agreement and ends with delivering the final mixed versions of the masters and after the company has accepted them.
Delivery/control: Consult with the producer to determine factors such as the producer rendering their services at places and times as decided by the company.
Recording costs and advances: List out in detail what comes under recording costs. Advances refer to the money given to the music producer upfront. This advance is against producer royalties. It cannot be refunded. The one half of it is being paid at the beginning of the producer’s services and the other half being paid after the delivery and acceptance by the company.
Royalties and samples: Producer royalty usually equates to a percentage of net record sales. The music producer agreement should also have a detailed section regarding samples. The producer must obtain and deliver samples for the approval of the company as well as the distributors.
Name and credit: State in the contract that the company and distributors hold the right to use the producer’s name and likeness in connection with the masters and advertising. Also, jot down the credit that the producer will receive on ads, records, and so on.
Exclusivity: Mention it in the music producer contract that the producer will not remix, engineer, perform, produce or re-record the recording of a performance of any composition embodied in the master for a certain period, typically a few years following initial commercial release.
Things to Know Before You Sign a Music Producer Contract
Before you sign a music producer agreement, it is important to learn the lingo. Know what the different terms mean, such as an agent, manager, producer, and so on. Be aware of what everyone’s job is with regards to producing music. Research what a producer advances and how much they are eligible for in different scenarios. Understand more about mixing rights as well before signing the contract.
Conclusion
Music producer contracts are very detailed and involve numerous features. Make use of our music producer contract templates. Gain access to a contract with all the information you need for your agreement.
