After all the grind, your music is now gaining traction. Suddenly, someone wants to manage you. An exciting new page.
But before you shake hands and pop bottles, you need to protect yourself. And that starts with understanding artist management contracts.
Whether it’s your cousin with connections or a legit industry head offering to manage your career, what you sign can either build you up or tear you down in the long run.
Without legal mumbo jumbo that would cause migraine, let’s unravel the insights that guide a favorable deal.
First, What Exactly Is an Artist Management Contract?
It’s a legally binding agreement between you (the artist) and your manager. It spells out the manager’s responsibilities, your obligations, and how money will be split.
Let’s call it a professional relationship blueprint. If things go south, this is the document everyone turns to. So it better be clear, fair, and written with your interests in mind.
Key Clauses You Must Understand
Let’s unpack the main parts of the contract, piece by piece:
➤ Term (How Long It Lasts)
- How many years will the agreement last?
- Is there an option to renew or walk away if things don’t work out?
Red Flag: A 5-year contract with no exit clause. Run!
➤ Commission (How They Get Paid)
- Managers usually take between 15%–20% of your gross income (sometimes net).
- Clarify what that percentage covers — live shows, merchandise, brand deals, streaming?
Tip: Exclude things like touring expenses or equipment purchases from their cut.
➤ Duties (What They’re Supposed to Do)
- A manager should help with bookings, networking, strategy, negotiating deals, etc.
- The contract should list these clearly. If they promise the moon, it should be written down.
Note that vague words like “assist” or “support” with no measurable responsibility.
➤ Exclusivity (Can You Have Other Managers?)
- Most contracts are exclusive, meaning you can’t have other managers at the same time.
- If you’re collaborating internationally, make sure you can appoint regional managers or reps where needed.
➤ Sunset Clause (Money After You Split)
- Even after you leave, managers might still earn commission for deals they helped secure.
Fair? Yes. But only for a reasonable time (6–12 months), not forever.
Common Mistakes Indie Artists Make
- Signing too fast: Always take time to review with a lawyer or trusted advisor.
- Not negotiating: Everything in a contract is negotiable. Don’t be shy.
- Mixing personal & professional: Your best friend might not be the best manager. Keep it business.
How to Protect Yourself
➤ Get a lawyer who knows entertainment law, not just any family friend.
➤ Negotiate shorter terms with extension options. That way, if it works, great. And if not, you’re not stuck.
➤ Clarify income sources. Know exactly what your manager earns commission on.
➤ Put everything in writing. Even “side” agreements made over WhatsApp should go into the main contract.
It’s YOUR Career
No one will care more about your career than you. Management can be a step in the right direction, but only when the contract is fair and clearly understood. Don’t rush. Don’t assume. And definitely don’t sign anything you don’t fully get.
