Welcome to Band Agreements
If you are a working artist or band, this may be the most important site you have ever visited.
The business of being a professional musician is much like operating any business, with all of the same functional and legal considerations and concerns. If you were to start a business with one or more business partners, all contributing money, property, and expertise to the enterprise, would you do it on a handshake? The first step to starting a business is to define the ownership, rights, restrictions and responsibilities of each of the business partners.
Unfortunately, since musicians are chiefly creative creatures who are driven by passion for their art, they often don’t take the steps that are necessary to protect themselves. Record labels make certain to protect themselves against issues that would create risk, but often disregard many issues that would only affect individual band members. Not only is a well-written band agreement vital for bands and artists at all levels, but the absence of this agreement has also resulted in some of the most publicized litigation in the history of the music industry, affecting the members of notable bands including the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Bruce Springsteen, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Journey. It has been estimated that over 99% of bands do not have a band agreement in place, exposing them to potential litigation and a multitude of serious problems and ongoing legal issues.
Typically, the most serious arguments, disputes, and problems come with success, and can damage or destroy lifelong working relationships and friendships.
Luckily, it is never too late to put a band agreement in place, but it is important to do so as soon as possible, as any number of issues affecting a band can take place at any time. Once in place, you will have a true operational template and a new level of protection and control over your affairs.
Legal Protections
Music is your life and your business. Take the proper steps to protect your success and be legally protected.
Stable Business
Every successful business operates with a plan, and the most successful businesspeople leave nothing to chance.
Keep Relationships
The more organized and planful you are, the less risk you present to anyone who stands behind you and with you.