Home Q&A Forum Can an artist terminate an Artist Management Agreement if the manager fails to fulfill their obligations?

Contracts

Artist Management Agreement

Florida

Asked on Jun 5, 2025

Can an artist terminate an Artist Management Agreement if the manager fails to fulfill their obligations?

I am an aspiring musician who recently signed an Artist Management Agreement with a manager, but I am now facing issues with their lack of commitment and failure to fulfill their obligations outlined in the contract, such as securing gigs and promoting my music. I want to understand if I have the legal right to terminate the agreement and seek a new manager who can effectively support my career.

Answers from 1 Lawyer

Answer

Contracts

Florida

Answered 332 days ago

Ralph S.

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I would begin by looking at your contract first. Usually, there is a termination clause that talks about what happens in the event of a material breach. It may well be that there's conduct such as repeated breaches, prolonged breaches etc that allow for the contract to terminate. Also- look in the dispute resolution section- if you can sue or if you have to arbitrate or follow some procedure. If one side fails to perform, they are in breach- but a breach of contract doesn't automatically terminate it. You can send a letter notifying the other side of the breach, you can tell them you believe the contract should terminate - but they can disagree. And the risk is that you decide that you are not bound by the contract and refuse to perform they can pursue you for breach. Additionally, Florida courts have consistently recognized that a material breach goes to the essence of the contract, allowing the non-breaching party to terminate the agreement. The situation is tricky as both sides can end up stuck litigating what was and what was not "material" and what was terminated when. But if we are looking at whether there is a legal theory that supports rescinding the contract in the event of the other side's unwillingness to perform the answer is yes- Under Florida law, anticipatory repudiation occurs when one party to a contract unequivocally refuses to perform its contractual obligations before the time for performance has arrived. This doctrine is well-established in Florida contract law and allows the non-breaching party to take specific actions in response to the repudiation. However, the non-breaching party must demonstrate that it was ready, willing, and able to perform its obligations under the contract at the time of the breach.

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