Home Q&A Forum Can you please explain the key terms and clauses that should be included in an Artist Management Agreement?
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Business Contracts

Artist Management Agreement

California

Asked on Sep 8, 2024

Can you please explain the key terms and clauses that should be included in an Artist Management Agreement?

I am an aspiring musician who has recently been approached by a talent manager who wants to represent me and help advance my career. While I am excited about this opportunity, I have heard horror stories about artists being taken advantage of by unscrupulous managers. I want to ensure that I am protected and have a fair agreement in place, so I would like to understand the essential terms and clauses that should be included in an Artist Management Agreement to safeguard my interests and outline the responsibilities and obligations of both parties.

Answers from 1 Lawyer

Answer

Business Contracts

California

Answered 620 days ago

Dolan W.

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September 8, 2024

Hello! Congrats on this! You should be excited and cautious at the same time. So there are a few things to consider: 1. You have to be clear about the manager's duties. You have to outline what the manager is going to do, such as booking gigs, securing recording deals, handling publicity and promotion, negotiating contracts, and advising on career decisions. You must also be clear on what you will do, such as fulfilling performance obligations, creating music, etc. 2. It needs a specific duration of the agreement, like 1 to 5 years. Consider starting with a shorter term to assess the manager's performance before committing for a longer period. You should also have a provision regarding termination of the agreement, such as if the manager doesn't do their job. 3. You need compensation information. Usually, it's something like the manager gets 10 to 20% of whatever the value of it is you book every month. 4. Specify whether the manager will be the artist's exclusive representative for all professional activities or whether the artist can engage other managers or agents for specific purposes and also include who owns the intellectual property. Best of luck to you on this!

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