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Mike Check, post: 14780, member: 1342 wrote: When reviewing the contract look for exclusivity language …as these clauses are the ones that will tie you down & prevent you from taking other gigs. You didn’t make mention of how the promoter is compensated but I’d shy away from any upfront or flat monthly fees & structure it to where his compensation is related to getting you work that way there’s more incentive for him to hustle for you (around here typical booking agency take a 10% cut). And don’t jump into a 2yr, make it a 6month or 1yr with an optional extension period if executed by both parties, this way if he sucks you aren’t contractually locked to him.

Since you’re producing as well you need to make sure there is language that addresses this specifically in the contract. Essentially anything you create is your copyright with full ownership and rights and in no way does this agreement impact or apply to that area of business. What you don’t want is for him to have rights or take a cut out of anything you make from an original track/production b/c he’s a club promoter not a record label promoter. Now if he actually wants to manage that aspect too and you want to compensate him for say getting a song on the radio then you need to address this specifically w/ language.

In the end more language is better & don’t assume that if it’s not mentioned in the agreement you’re clear b/c that’s an argument waiting to happen e.g. the 1st time you get compensated for an original song. One of the biggest reasons for a contract is protection & CYA so try to think of every possible scenario and address it head on in language. And BTW, I do this in my day job 🙂

thanks for the wonderful advice. I was thinking i would do a 6 month contract. He told me to go to the office to sign it. I told him email it to me so i can send it to me fictional lawyers. no way will i just go to a place and sign on the dot with out reviewing it for at least a week or 2. he initially told me the local beer company wants to sponsor me and have me do the big events as an opener for the big acts they bring here. So i don’t know if he is blowing hot air on that. so the 6 months will be my only option to see if he can deliver. well thanks every one again. very helpful.

reason808, post: 14522, member: 831 wrote: Make sure there’s a REAL plan to promote you. I had a record contract and the person didn’t promote it. Then another label wanted the song and I couldn’t get out of it. Sucked. Same for when a short film company wanted to ‘distribute’ one of my short films. Never did anything with it. Nice honor, and some small money, but not much else.

Why not build a relationship with this guy, see how a few gigs go first? If this manager/promoter is genuine, he/she can wait to have things grow and make sure you’re comfortable. If they’re pushing you into an restricted situation, be suspicious.

Usually people want contracts to sign you for exclusivity and lock you out of other stuff. Makes sense, business wise, but you could easily be stuck for 2 years not able to work certain clubs. Or worse, they could steal your image.

thanks excellent advice. he has been getting me gigs in the top clubs here, he also discussed having this major local beer company sponsor me. they do major events and concerts here. i just don’t want to be tied down. i told him to email the contract so i can view it. i will change things and put in provisions and if he is not happy with it then i take my chances. before him no one was really giving me a chance.