Indie Label Contracts

Sunday August 5, 2007

Do you think that because you are a small label, and you know all of the artists with whom you're working, that you don't need a contract to release a band's album? Think again. Skipping the contract is the bane of the indie music world - usually it is done with the best of intentions, but you know what they say about the paving on that road to hell. If you're staying away from contracts because you think they have to be scary and filled with a lot of language you don't quite understand, don't. Contracts between bands and labels don't have to be long, complicated, or anything else you associate with contracts - in fact, one simple pages that covers all the basics will do just fine.

Exceptions? Sure, there are some. As the money involved increases, the complexity of the contract generally increases, and if one party in the contract has a lawyer involved, then you both should. However, if both label and band are operating on more passion than cash at this stage in the game, then spending too much money on contract negotiations may not be money well spent. You'd be much better off coming up with a good faith agreement on the major points - no matter what, the most important thing about a contract is that you have one. Not sure what to include in your DIY contract? Find out.