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.
I’m attempting to be transparent while still keeping sensitive business info private. But this page cannot and does constitute any legal agreement. Regardless, your specific contract will specifically outline ALL the details of our agreement.
We’ll stick to the services laid out in your proposal based on the specific package I offer, 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. It covers what will and what won’t fly with me.
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 at the time 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 Our 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.
Rather than retell everything, here’s a short refresher if you need it:
- Creative Kickstart: A short (2–4 week) preproduction boost for up to two songs—ideal if you need immediate clarity or want to test creative synergy with me. THIS SERVICE WILL HAVE A SIMPLER CONTRACT.
- 12-Week Songcraft Program: A structured, three-month production experience—great for mid-level artists wanting a streamlined process that preserves artistic integrity. THIS SERVICE WILL HAVE USE MY FULL CONTRACT TEMPLATE.
- Bespoke Projects: Highly customized for large-scale or unique visions. If you can’t fit a standard timeline or scope, we create a premium, tailor-made approach. THIS SERVICE WILL HAVE USE MY FULL CONTRACT TEMPLATE.
(You’ve likely already read the main descriptions—this is just a quick recap. If you’re new, see my Offers Page or chat with me for deeper info.)
Key Logistics Across All Services
Timeline & Scheduling
- Office Hours: 10 AM–6 PM (Mon–Fri). I’m flexible for recording sessions but might charge a surcharge if it’s outside these windows.
- Rescheduling: Please give 72 hours’ notice if you can’t make a session or major meeting. Emergencies happen, but repeated last-minute changes might incur fees.
- Communication: Primarily through email for official decisions, with phone/Zoom calls as needed. This ensures clarity and documentation.
Revisions & Feedback
- When I need feedback, I deliver work in batches, expecting consolidated notes from you (or your team) within a set timeframe (usually 1–2 weeks).
- If requests become excessive, we’ll pause to see if we need an extra service or budget extension. My aim is to reflect your vision, not get lost in indefinite back-and-forth.
Guest & Team Involvement
- General: I’m happy to accommodate your guests and team, but they are your responsibility, have good studio etiquette, and must abide by my ToS (section 9 talks about your guests and team that you can review).
- Management/Label: They’re welcome to attend sessions or weigh in, but I only take final direction from you unless you specify otherwise.
- Co-Writers: Perfectly fine—just note them in advance, especially if we’re doing a Creative Kickstart or a bigger production.
Pausing or Canceling
- Pause: If you temporarily halt the project beyond a short window, we might charge a postponement fee or re-evaluate scheduling.
- Cancel: Non-refundable deposit remains with me. Work completed so far is yours, but no incomplete or draft files are delivered.
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.
Visit my Payment Policy page for more info on how I handle payments.
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 (also here’s a helpful glossary of industry lingo).
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.
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.
Recording Royalties: Sometimes, I’ll cut artists a deal. If I lower my upfront fee in return for a portion of streaming/sales revenue, we’ll spell that out in your contract.
I’m selective: I only do this if I believe in your potential to succeed financially long-term.
Once you’ve paid in full, you own the masters. A royalty share doesn’t mean I keep ownership—it’s purely a share of the income those recordings generate. The exact percentage and payment frequency appear in your formal agreement.
Composition Rights: If I contribute original material to your songs, then I’ll retain a share of publishing income, composition rights, and writer’s credit. However, 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. But if you’d rather keep 100% of the writing, I’ll limit my input to “feedback and consultation,” avoiding any active writing that grants me ownership.
Royalty Payments & Accounting: If you owe me a royalty share, you’ll send statements within 14 days of receiving revenue. I can request an audit if something seems off, up to 2 years from the statement date.
Credits, Likeness, & Promotion
Credits: Credit is a key aspect of our agreement. Proper crediting helps us both grow and ensures our work is acknowledged. Our contract will outline that 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. The same goes for any collaborators I bring in for your project as well.
Typically my credits will look like “Produced by C. Jordan Alexander for Aural Alchemists”, “Written by [Your Name + My Name],” “Mixed by…” depending on my involvement. 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.
Name/Likeness: If you plan a big marketing push and referencing my brand would be helpful, then let me know. I generally support it, but I need to confirm or approve any controversial or unexpected usage in advance.
Promotion: I may share behind-the-scenes clips or final tracks on my channels once they’re publicly released, unless we arrange a specific privacy clause. My aim is to highlight our collaboration in a positive light that benefits both parties. Refer to my ToS for more details.
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. If you want to go in-depth with how payments work, then visit my Payment Policy page!
Liability and Warranties
This section of the agreement defines our responsibilities, limits financial risk, and ensures that both of us are legally protected. It’s not just legal jargon—it helps keep our working relationship clear and fair. Here’s a breakdown that avoids the legalese:
- Warranties: We each guarantee that we have the legal right to enter this agreement and that the work we contribute is original and doesn’t violate anyone else’s rights.
- Governing Law & Venue: If a legal dispute arises, it will be handled in the location specified in our contract, following that area’s laws to keep things fair.
- Limit of Liability: My financial responsibility is capped at the total amount you’ve paid for my services. I’m not liable for lost profits, indirect damages, or unexpected setbacks beyond my control.
- Indemnification & Release: If you face legal issues due to third-party claims (like copyright disputes or outside agreements), I’m not responsible for those costs. Each of us takes responsibility for our own actions.
- Third-Party Liability Release: I can’t be held accountable for issues caused by outside vendors, session musicians, or studios beyond my direct control.
- Force Majeure: If something extreme and unavoidable happens (like a natural disaster or emergency) that prevents work from moving forward, neither of us will be penalized for the delay.
Have More Questions? Let's Chat!
All the specifics—like exact milestone amounts, any co-writing splits, or advanced disclaimers—will appear in your proposal and my official contract. My Terms of Service holds my general policies for all services. If you ever have questions or special circumstances, reach out. I’d rather discuss nuances upfront than deal with misunderstandings down the line.
If you’ve read this far, you’re probably serious about working together. Let’s talk details—I’m happy to discuss any final questions you have about my production process, scheduling, or IP rights. Shoot me an email or schedule a short call to lock in your next steps.
(If you’re already finalizing your agreement, the details above should align closely with your contract. If you’re just exploring, hopefully this gives you a solid feel for how I handle the financial and legal side of music production.)