Leftover Stock
If you have self released your record, what happens to your stock when the group is no more? This one really depends on how acrimonious the split is. If you can maintain a professional relationship, then it is in everyone's interest to continue to try and sell the stock. If you do so, then make sure you all are on the same page as to how it will work - who will shoulder the responsibility and how income and expenses will be handled.
If you just can't do it, then the stock is a wash. Note the important thing here - you all have to agree what will happen. You can't decide unilaterally to sell the stock over the objections of everyone else.
Band Break Ups: More Issues and Karma Boosters
The above list of issues is in no way exhaustive. Your specific circumstances will dictate the issues you have to handle. If you handle everything methodically and with a level head, and if you remember that you all used to be friends if the split is getting nasty, then you should be able to address everything you need to and keep your sanity at the same time.
In the absences of contracts - and most independent musicians will find themselves dealing with band break ups without contracts - it all comes down to treating each other with respect. It's not always easy. Everyone has seen band break ups get REALLY mean. But even though you might not have many legal obligations, sticking to these few rules are good karma. The music industry is surprisingly small. If you treat people badly, word will get out, and you'll pay for it some day. Save yourself the trouble and consider these band break up niceties:
What happens in the band stays in the band - don't go blabbing everyone's secrets around town. Your bandmates likely have a few things on you that you don't want everyone to know, right? Exercise some discretion.
Similarly, don't bad mouth people. It's bad form. There's usually enough blame to go around, and it doesn't really fool anyone.
If you owe people money, try to pay them back. At least acknowledge the debt and do your best to make it right.
If some of you plan to continue to play together, don't use this bond to bully other band members when you're trying to come to an agreement on how to work out issues in the break up. Don't withhold recordings, gear, money or anything else just because the balance of power happens to be in your favor for the moment.
Get some perspective. As intense as these situations can be, if you take a step back, you'll see that the future of civilization is not hinging on your actions. It will help you keep a level head.
Band break ups can be incredibly stressful, but you can mitigate that by taking the right approach. It's a learning experience, and when things calm down, you'll realize you've come away with some good lessons that you can apply to your music career in the future. You might even laugh. Someday!
The following articles will give you some help in managing your band:
