Contract template for music producers

Music disputes usually start after a track does well. The producer remembers a verbal promise of points; the artist remembers paying a flat fee. Or a co-written hook appears on the song with no writing credit. Put splits and credits in writing while everyone still agrees, ideally on a split sheet signed at the session.

The other risk is samples and session players. A release with an uncleared sample can be taken down, and a session musician who never signed anything may later claim rights in their part. The contract should say who clears samples and that everyone who played on the track was paid and agreed to their contribution being used.

Clauses specific to music producers

• Fee and royalties. The client pays the production fee set out in the quote. In addition, the producer receives the royalty share and publishing share recorded in the signed split sheet.
• Credit. The producer is credited as stated in the quote on all releases and listings where credits are shown.
• Masters and stems. On full payment the client owns the master recordings for release. Stems and project files are delivered only if listed in the quote.
• Samples. The producer discloses all samples used. The client is responsible for clearing samples before commercial release unless the quote says otherwise.
• Session musicians. Musicians booked by the producer are paid in full and agree that their performances may be used on the released recordings.
• Revisions. Each stage includes the revision rounds in the quote. Further revisions are billed per round. Approval of the final master closes the job.

The clauses every freelance contract needs

• Parties. Who the agreement is between: your legal name or business, the client's legal entity, and the addresses of both.
• Scope of work. What you will deliver, in what form, and what is explicitly not included. Refer to the quote or proposal by number if it lists the details.
• Fees and payment terms. The total fee or rate, the currency, any deposit, when invoices are issued and how many days the client has to pay.
• Late payment. What happens when an invoice is late: interest or a fixed fee if you want one, and your right to pause work until the account is settled.
• Changes and revisions. How many revision rounds are included, what counts as a change of scope, and how extra work is priced and approved.
• Timeline and client delays. Key dates, and that deadlines move when the client is late with feedback, content or approvals.
• Ownership and licence. Who owns the finished work and when (usually on full payment), what the client may use it for, and what you keep, such as your tools, templates and know-how.
• Confidentiality. Both sides keep the other's non-public information private, during the project and after it.
• Cancellation. How either side can end the agreement, the notice required, and payment for work done up to that point.
• Liability. A cap on what either side can claim, often the fees paid under the agreement, and no liability for indirect losses.
• Governing law. Which country's law applies and where disputes are heard. Usually where you are based.

A plain-language sample

Copy it, fill in the brackets, and cut what doesn't apply. Shorter is fine as long as the scope, the money and the rights are clear.

Questions music producers ask

Also for music producers: invoice template and quote template. Contract templates for related trades: voice actors, video editors, videographers, game developers. Or browse all contract templates.