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Recording Artist Contract for the United States

Recording Artist Contract Template for United States

A Recording Artist Contract is a legally binding agreement between a record label and a recording artist, governed by U.S. federal and state laws, particularly copyright and entertainment law. The contract establishes the terms under which the artist will create recordings for the label, including rights assignments, compensation structures, delivery requirements, and marketing obligations. It covers intellectual property rights, royalty calculations, and various revenue streams while complying with relevant federal statutes and state-specific entertainment industry regulations.

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Recording Artist Contract

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What is a Recording Artist Contract?

A Recording Artist Contract serves as the foundational document defining the business relationship between recording artists and record labels in the United States. This agreement is essential when an artist signs with a label to create and commercialize recorded music. The contract typically covers multiple album cycles, specifying recording commitments, advance payments, royalty structures, and rights assignments. It must comply with U.S. copyright law, state-specific entertainment regulations, and industry standards while protecting both parties' interests. The complexity of modern music distribution and revenue streams makes this contract particularly important for establishing clear terms regarding digital exploitation, streaming rights, and potentially broader revenue participation.

What sections should be included in a Recording Artist Contract?

1. Parties: Identification of the record label and artist, including legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the agreement and basic premises of the relationship

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement including 'Recording', 'Territory', 'Term', etc.

4. Grant of Rights: Artist's grant of exclusive recording and exploitation rights to the label

5. Term and Territory: Duration of the agreement and geographical scope

6. Recording Commitment: Number of recordings/albums to be delivered and specifications

7. Compensation: Royalty rates, advances, and payment terms

8. Intellectual Property Rights: Ownership and control of recordings and related materials

What sections are optional to include in a Recording Artist Contract?

1. 360 Rights: Label's participation in non-recording revenue streams when broader rights beyond recorded music are desired

2. Marketing Commitments: Specific promotional obligations of the label when artist negotiates specific marketing guarantees

3. Creative Control: Artist's rights regarding creative decisions, typically included for established artists with negotiating power

4. Tour Support: Label's touring financial support obligations when tour support is part of the deal

What schedules should be included in a Recording Artist Contract?

1. Schedule A - Recording Specifications: Technical requirements for recordings

2. Schedule B - Royalty Calculations: Detailed breakdown of royalty rates and calculations

3. Schedule C - Permitted Professional Names: Approved artist names and variations

4. Schedule D - Territory Exclusions: List of excluded territories if any

5. Schedule E - Mechanical License Terms: Standard mechanical license provisions

6. Schedule F - Producer Agreement Template: Standard producer agreement form

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ tiktok成人版 | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

United States

Document Type

Music Agreement

Cost

Free to use
Clauses









































Industries

Copyright Law: Primary legislation includes Copyright Act of 1976, Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), Music Modernization Act of 2018, and Sound Recording Act. These laws govern the protection and exploitation of musical works and sound recordings.

Labor Laws: Includes Fair Labor Standards Act, state-specific labor laws, and child labor laws if the artist is a minor. These regulate working conditions, minimum compensation, and special protections for underage performers.

Contract Law: Encompasses state-specific contract laws, Statute of Frauds requirements, and common law principles of contract formation. These govern the basic validity and enforceability of the recording agreement.

Intellectual Property Laws: Covers trademark laws for artist name/brand protection, right of publicity laws, and state-specific IP protections. These protect the artist's brand and image rights beyond just their musical works.

Entertainment Industry Regulations: Including California's Seven-Year Rule, state-specific talent agency laws, and union regulations like SAG-AFTRA. These are industry-specific rules that affect artist contracts and representation.

Digital Distribution Laws: Encompasses Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act and streaming rights regulations. These govern how music can be distributed and monetized through digital platforms.

Rights Management: Covers mechanical licensing requirements, performance rights considerations, and synchronization rights. These determine how the artist's work can be used and monetized across different formats.

Financial Regulations: Includes royalty payment requirements, tax implications, and banking regulations for payment processing. These govern how artists are compensated and how payments are handled.

Anti-Trust Laws: Including Sherman Act and Clayton Act provisions. These ensure fair competition and prevent monopolistic practices in the music industry.

International Rights: Covers international copyright conventions and foreign rights exploitation rules. These govern how the artist's work can be used and protected internationally.

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks, 聽Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination, 聽Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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