The 8 Most Important Contracts in a Music Artist's Career

Introduction

As an artist grows, opportunities increase... and so do contracts. Knowing the most common agreements in the music industry is essential to protect your art, receive your royalties, and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Here we discuss the 8 fundamental contracts that every artist and manager should know and master.

Recording Contract

Established between a record producer and an artist or band.

• The producer finances the recording of singles, EPs, or full albums.

• In return, the producer obtains ownership of the master and pays the artist a percentage of royalties (usually between 20% and 30%).

💡 Tip

Always carefully review the terms regarding master ownership before signing, as this affects your future income and control over the recording.

Music Publishing Contract

Signed with a music publisher, granting them the management and commercial exploitation of your copyright rights.

• The publisher maximizes the use and monetization of your works.

• They can negotiate syncs, licenses, and more.

💬 Advice

Choose publishers with a solid track record and transparency in royalty management.

Work for Hire Contract

A creator (for example, a beatmaker) is hired to create a commissioned work.

• The economic rights pass to the hiring party.

• Very common in beats, jingles, and custom productions.

⚠️ Warning

If you are the requester, make sure to include an explicit assignment of rights to avoid future claims.

Split Sheet or Share Agreement

Document that defines the percentage of rights between co-authors or co-producers.

• It must total 100% participation.

• Essential to avoid disputes and ensure royalty payments.

💡 Quick Tip

Always sign it before releasing the song. The paper rules!

Management Contract

Agreement between artist and manager for representation and career development.

• The manager seeks shows, collaborations, agreements with brands, and strategic opportunities.

• They are your key ally for growth.

💬 Advice

Make sure to detail responsibilities, contract duration, and commission percentages.

License Contract

Allows you to authorize another person or company to use your work or part of it.

• Example: sample licenses for producers or exclusive and non-exclusive instrumental beat licenses.

• The licensor remains the owner but grants controlled use.

⚠️ Caution

Always define the scope (territory, time, permitted uses) to avoid misunderstandings.

Featuring Agreement

Formalizes collaborations between artists (the famous feat.).

• Regulates rights distribution, production costs, and promotion strategies.

• May include details such as the number of posts on social media.

💡 Pro Tip

The more detailed, the fewer problems at the time of promotion and revenue sharing.

Music Distribution Contract

Agreement with digital distributors to deliver your music to platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and more.

• The distributor receives a percentage of the royalties (between 20% and 30%).

💬 Final Advice

Read carefully the conditions for commission and payments before uploading your music.

💡 Final Thoughts

Signing a contract is not just a bureaucratic step: it’s a strategic tool that protects your music, your work, and your future.
Knowing and understanding these key contracts will allow you to make informed decisions, avoid legal issues, and focus on what matters most: creating and connecting with your audience.

Tools like Divisi can help you manage and sign these contracts securely and digitally, so your career can advance without brakes.