A Quick Primer About Our Production Agreement
Before we move forward, it’s helpful to get a quick overview of how my production agreement works, so you’re clear on what to expect when the time comes to sign.
Welcome!
In the midst of creating something that moves people, paperwork can feel like a nuisance. But contracts are essential; they keep us on the same page, protecting our collaboration and ensuring every part of the process stays smooth. Here, we’ll walk you through what our production contract entails — not in legalese, but in clear and concise terms that reflect our shared purpose.
You’ll be booking me to create a set number of master recordings based on the agreed-upon proposal I give you (that will also be attached to the main contract). We’ll stick to the services laid out in that proposal, with all work following the guidelines in the Terms of Service (also referred to as Terms and ToS).
My Terms of Service will be part of the contract we sign. The ToS contains important info on my procedure, some definitions, conduct, etc. I did my best to make sure that I didn’t get a document that wasn’t too complicated.
I don’t budge or negotiate on the ToS. The point of the document is to make our work clear for 99% of artists and cover my tail for that 1% of times where I don’t realize an artist is bat s%$! crazy before starting work with them.
Some info from the ToS is discussed on this page, but it’s best if you read it directly for yourself. You can actually access my ToS here. When we finalize a contract, the current version of the ToS will be attached for your records.
When we finalize a deal, the contract will kick off once three simple things happen: you sign the contract, pay the booking fee, and I countersign it. The contract itself will include all the finer details, protections, and responsibilities for both of us. If you have any specific questions about the terms, I’ll be happy to walk you through them when we cross that bridge.
Why a Production Contract Matters
A music production contract isn’t just legal jargon—it’s an important safety net for both you and me. It lays out exactly what we’re each bringing to the project and what we can expect from each other.
It shields us from miscommunications and surprises, helping us stay focused on creating the music you envision. Here’s a quick look at what our contract covers and why each piece matters.
Key Parts of Our Agreement
Scope of Services
Here, we define what’s included in the production process—whether it’s pre-production meetings, engineering, or mixing. We lay out the exact services so that we both have a clear understanding of what’s covered. Specific limitations are also outlined — like the number of hours for sessions and the maximum files that can be edited and mixed. This keeps expectations realistic and avoids overextending resources.
Project Schedule
Timelines are crucial to make sure we’re moving forward efficiently. This section sets out key milestones, such as when recording starts, postproduction phases, and tentative delivery dates. It keeps us both aligned and accountable, while still allowing space for creative flow.
Fees & Royalties
This section is all about payment—how much, when, and how. There’s nothing worse than confusion over finances, so we make it all clear upfront.
- Upfront Fee: I offer my services on a flat fee rather than hourly rates, which helps avoid scope and budget issues. This fee will be clear about what’s included, such as studio costs or additional expenses.
Producer Royalties: While I typically don’t do master royalties, it may be ideal depending on your situation. For indie artists, this is typically around 15-20% of net income after certain deductions.
Delivery and Revisions
Once the work is complete, you’ll receive the final deliverables—fully produced and mixed tracks, alternate versions, and more as needed. This section also details how revisions work, including the number of rounds and the process for providing feedback. We want your vision to come through while making sure we’re efficient with our time.
Rights and Ownership
One of the most crucial sections: who owns what.
Two Separate Copyrights: It’s important to understand that there are two types of copyright. The Song Copyright covers the composition and lyrics, which are owned by the songwriter(s). The Sound Recording Copyright (Master Rights) covers the recorded performance, which I will assign to you upon full payment. If you need clarifications on the copyrights for music, then check this article out.
Recording Rights: Our agreement for the recordings is a work-for-hire. Once payment is complete, you will own the sound recordings. This will be the case whether or not I get paid royalties for the sound recording.
Composition Rights: If I co-write any material, I will retain my share of the composition rights, but you will still have control over how the music is used. My co-writing covers arranging, lyrics, composition, and any parts or beats I create. If you are not comfortable, with sharing composition ownership, then I don’t have to offer those services for your project.
Credits
Credit is a key aspect of our agreement. Proper crediting helps us both grow and ensures our work is acknowledged. You’ll credit me as the producer and mixer in places like the liner notes for your project, official release posts on social media, and streaming. Additionally, if changes are made without my involvement, I retain the right to withdraw my credit. This also applies to crediting me for any writing that I do.
Payment Procedures
We clarify the logistics of payments—how and when they are made, what happens if a payment is late, and handling costs like session musicians or studio rentals. This section aims to keep everything transparent and stress-free.
Liability and Warranties
This section covers our responsibilities and what happens if something goes wrong. It’s about making sure we both feel confident and protected as we move forward.
Have More Questions? Check Out My FAQ Page
For more details about how we work together, including answers to common questions about the production process, payment structures, and more, please visit my FAQ Page. It’s a great resource to make sure you have all the information you need before we get started.