For when an artist and a manager put their deal in writing: what the manager does for the career, what they can’t sign for you, the commission, the expenses, the trial period and how it ends. In English or Spanish, filled in with both parties’ details and signed online. Starting from a template uses no credits.
TONTRIA Law guides you and drafts your documents. For a lawsuit or a big negotiation, consult a lawyer.
Exclusive or not, for music activities in the territory you choose. Creative decisions and the final approval of every deal stay with the artist, and you can still hire your own lawyer, accountant, booking agent or publicist.
Career strategy, finding and negotiating record, publishing, distribution, sync, sponsorship and live deals subject to your approval, release planning, tours, and keeping an eye on payments, statements and rights registrations.
Sign or accept anything for you without your written OK each time, give away rights in your songs, recordings, name or image, commit you to endorse a brand, delegate the job, or act as a booking agent where the law requires a licence they don’t have.
Three years by default, with a six-month trial period in which either side can leave on 15 days’ notice. If the targets you write in (for example a record or publishing deal and ten paid shows) aren’t met in twelve months, the artist can end it.
20% by default, on gross income less the deductions you list (for example the direct costs of shows: musicians, crew, backline, travel and the booking agent’s commission), and only once the money has actually come in.
Deals signed before the contract, income from outside music, money paid to fund recordings, videos or tour support, reimbursements and loans, and income from any business the manager has a stake in.
Payments go straight to the artist’s account; if the manager collects, it is held separately and sent on within ten business days. Expenses only if documented, with a cap (USD 200 by default) above which you approve them first; no office overheads.
A monthly written report with copies of every offer and contract, records kept for three years and one audit a year. The manager declares the artists and companies they already work with and gets no commission on deals with their own businesses unless you agree.
After the end, a reduced commission (10% for two years by default) only on deals signed during the term, never on new deals or renewals. Termination for breach after 30 days’ notice, or immediately if they misuse your money; within 30 days they hand back documents, passwords and accounts.
Every clause explained, with typical commissions and terms: what an artist management contract says. Before signing one: how to get a music manager, and when you need one.
Upload your next contract or start a split sheet today, and get your deals on paper.
