Contracts Every Independent Artist Should Have in Place

The path of an independent artist can be very exciting, but it’s also filled with business decisions that can make or break your career. Whether you’re a musician, producer, visual artist, or digital creator, protecting your work and ensuring fair compensation begins with one thing: solid contracts.

Below are the key agreements every independent artist should have in place to protect their rights, finances, and creative freedom. Please keep in mind that every artist’s situation is different and the terms that you are able to get in a contract are almost wholly dependent on the amount of leverage the artist has and how much the other party is willing to concede to get the artist to sign with them. 

1. Collaboration Agreement

When you collaborate with another artist, producer, or writer, everyone should know who owns what. A collaboration agreement outlines:

• How songwriting and/or production credits are divided

• Each party’s ownership share

• How revenue (streaming, licensing, publishing, etc.) will be split

• What happens if one person leaves the project or wants to use the work elsewhere

Without it, you risk losing control, or worse, having your work used without credit or pay.

2. Work-for-Hire Agreement

If you hire someone to create beats, design album art, or shoot a music video, you’ll want to be sure all the parties are in agreement about who will own the final product. A work-for-hire agreement ensures:

• You hold all intellectual property rights to the commissioned work

• The contractor can’t later claim ownership or request royalties

• Payment terms and delivery deadlines are clearly defined

It’s one of the simplest ways to avoid disputes down the line.

3. Management Agreement

Once your career starts to grow, you may bring on a manager to help guide business decisions and opportunities. A management agreement sets clear expectations for:

• The manager’s duties and authority

• The commission rate and payment terms (both during the contract term AND after the contract term)

• The duration of the relationship and termination rights

Whether it is a personal or business manager, having a management agreement in place, ensures your partnership stays professional and mutually beneficial.

4. Performance Agreement

Before stepping on stage or performing at an event, always secure a performance agreement. It should cover:

• Compensation and deposit terms

• Cancellation policies

• Technical requirements and set times

• Liability and insurance details

This protects you in case of cancellations, non-payment, or other unexpected issues.

5. Licensing Agreement

If a brand, show, or platform wants to use your song, artwork, or likeness, you’ll need a licensing agreement. It should specify:

• The scope of use (where, how, and for how long)

• Payment terms or royalty structure

• Whether the license is exclusive or non-exclusive

Licensing can be a great income source, but only if the terms are fair and transparent.

6. Distribution Agreement

For artists releasing music independently, distribution deals with platforms or aggregators (like TuneCore or DistroKid) are common. Make sure you understand:

• Who owns the master recordings

• How and When royalties are paid

• What costs are going to be recouped against the royalties earned

• What rights you’re granting to the distributor

A short review by a lawyer before signing can prevent costly misunderstandings and disputes down the line.

7. Producer or Beat Lease Agreement

For musicians, especially in hip-hop and pop, using leased or purchased beats is standard. Always have a written agreement detailing:

• Whether the beat is exclusive or non-exclusive

• Royalty splits or buyout terms

• Usage limits and credit requirements

While I am sure it is customary these days in the age of technology and social media to text and DM about these things, don’t rely on a casual text conversation or DM. Be sure to make it official.

Final Thoughts

Contracts aren’t just paperwork — they’re protection. As an independent artist, every deal you make should safeguard your rights, clarify obligations and expectations, and ensure you’re paid fairly for your talent and effort.

Before signing (or drafting) any agreement, consider consulting with an attorney who understands entertainment and intellectual property law. The right contracts can give you peace of mind and the freedom to focus on what truly matters and what you do best: creating.