RECORDING ARTIST CONTRACT

Contract Number: [________________________________]

This Recording Artist Contract ("Agreement") is entered into as of [__/__/____] ("Effective Date"), by and between:

RECORD COMPANY/LABEL:
Legal Name: [________________________________]
d/b/a: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
Phone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Federal Tax ID: [________________________________]

(hereinafter "Company" or "Label")

AND

ARTIST:
Legal Name: [________________________________]
Professional/Stage Name: [________________________________]
Address: [________________________________]
City, State, ZIP: [________________________________]
Phone: [________________________________]
Email: [________________________________]
Social Security Number: [________________________________] (for tax purposes)
Date of Birth: [__/__/____]

(hereinafter "Artist")

AND (if applicable):

ARTIST'S LOAN-OUT COMPANY:
Company Name: [________________________________]
Federal Tax ID: [________________________________]

ARTICLE 1: TERM

1.1 Initial Period

The initial term of this Agreement ("Initial Period") shall commence on the Effective Date and continue for:

☐ One (1) Contract Year
☐ The later of: (a) one (1) Contract Year, or (b) [____] months after delivery of the Minimum Recording Commitment for the Initial Period

"Contract Year" means a period of twelve (12) months from the Effective Date or any anniversary thereof.

1.2 Option Periods

Company shall have the following options to extend this Agreement:

☐ [____] Option Periods of [____] Contract Year(s) each
☐ Each option exercisable within [____] days following the end of the preceding period
☐ Exercise by written notice to Artist

1.3 Maximum Term

Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall not extend beyond [____] years from the Effective Date, subject to applicable law (including California Civil Code § 2855).

1.4 Suspension

The term may be extended by any period during which Artist:

a) Fails or refuses to perform services as required
b) Is subject to any force majeure event
c) Is in material breach of this Agreement

ARTICLE 2: RECORDING COMMITMENT

2.1 Minimum Recording Commitment

Artist agrees to deliver:

Initial Period:
☐ One (1) full-length Album (minimum [____] tracks, [____] minutes)
☐ [____] Singles/EPs

Each Option Period:
☐ One (1) full-length Album (minimum [____] tracks, [____] minutes)
☐ [____] Singles/EPs

2.2 Recording Schedule

Artist shall commence recording for each period's commitment within [____] days of:

a) The Effective Date (for Initial Period)
b) Company's exercise of the applicable option

And shall deliver masters within [____] months of commencement.

2.3 Additional Recordings

☐ Company may request up to [____] additional tracks per period
☐ Additional recordings subject to mutual agreement on budget and schedule

2.4 Recording Budget

Company shall provide a recording fund/budget for each Album:

Initial Period Album: $[________________________________]
Option Period Albums: $[________________________________] (or as mutually agreed)

Budget includes:
☐ Studio costs
☐ Producer fees
☐ Engineer costs
☐ Session musician costs
☐ Equipment rental
☐ Travel and accommodations
☐ Mixing and mastering

ARTICLE 3: ADVANCES

3.1 Signing Advance

Upon execution of this Agreement, Company shall pay Artist:

Signing Advance: $[________________________________]

3.2 Recording Fund/Advances by Period

3.3 Advance Payment Schedule

Recording fund advances shall be paid:

☐ 50% upon commencement of recording; 50% upon delivery
☐ 1/3 upon commencement; 1/3 at midpoint; 1/3 upon delivery
☐ As costs are incurred (cost reporting required)

3.4 Recoupment

All advances are recoupable from:

☐ Artist's royalties only (not cross-collateralized)
☐ All royalties under this Agreement
☐ All royalties from all agreements between the parties (cross-collateralized)

Advances are NOT refundable, except in case of material breach by Artist.

ARTICLE 4: ROYALTIES

4.1 Basic Royalty Rate

Artist shall receive royalties at the following rates:

A. Physical Sales (CDs, Vinyl):
[____]% of Published Price to Dealers (PPD)
OR
[____]% of Suggested Retail List Price (SRLP)

B. Digital Downloads:
[____]% of Net Receipts from digital download sales

C. Streaming:
[____]% of Net Receipts from streaming platforms

D. Other Formats:
[____]% of Net Receipts from other exploitation

4.2 Royalty Escalations

Artist's royalty rate shall escalate as follows:

Sales Escalations (per Album in the U.S.):
☐ [____]% additional after [________] units sold
☐ [____]% additional after [________] units sold
☐ [____]% additional after [________] units sold

Contract Escalations:
☐ [____]% increase for Option Period [____]
☐ [____]% increase for Option Period [____]

4.3 Reduced Royalty Categories

Artist's royalty rate shall be reduced as follows:

4.4 Royalty Deductions

The following deductions apply to royalty calculations:

☐ Packaging deduction: [____]% for CDs; [____]% for vinyl
☐ Free goods allowance: [____]% of units
☐ Reserve for returns: [____]% (liquidated within [____] periods)
☐ New technology reduction: [____]% for first [____] years of new format
☐ No deductions apply (all-in rate based on net receipts)

4.5 Net Receipts Definition

"Net Receipts" means amounts actually received by Company from third parties, less:

a) Collection costs and commissions
b) Third-party costs (distribution, digital service fees)
c) Taxes
d) Returns, credits, and bad debts

4.6 Producer Royalties

Artist's royalty rate is inclusive of producer royalties. Artist is responsible for paying producer royalties from Artist's share.

☐ Company may pay producer royalties directly and deduct from Artist's account (with Artist consent)

ARTICLE 5: ACCOUNTING

5.1 Accounting Periods

Royalty statements shall be rendered:

☐ Semi-annually (within [____] days of June 30 and December 31)
☐ Quarterly (within [____] days of each quarter end)

5.2 Payment

Royalty payments shall accompany each statement for earned, unrecouped royalties.

Minimum payment threshold: $[________________________________]

5.3 Audit Rights

Artist (or Artist's representative) may audit Company's books:

a) Upon [____] days' prior written notice
b) During normal business hours at Company's offices
c) Not more than once per calendar year
d) At Artist's expense (unless audit reveals underpayment exceeding [____]%, in which case Company pays)
e) Audit must commence within [____] years of applicable statement

5.4 Objections

Artist must object to any statement in writing within [____] years of receipt, or the statement becomes binding.

ARTICLE 6: GRANT OF RIGHTS

6.1 Exclusive Recording Services

During the term, Artist's recording services are exclusive to Company. Artist shall not:

a) Record for any other person or entity
b) Perform for the purpose of recording by others
c) Authorize use of Artist's performances in sound recordings

6.2 Master Recording Ownership

All master recordings made during the term shall be:

☐ Owned by Company as works made for hire
☐ Owned by Company pursuant to assignment herein
☐ Jointly owned by Company and Artist

Company shall own:
a) Perpetual, worldwide rights in all masters
b) Copyright in all sound recordings
c) All physical materials and digital files

6.3 Rights Granted

Company has the exclusive right to:

a) Manufacture, distribute, and sell records in all formats
b) License masters for streaming and digital distribution
c) License masters for synchronization (films, TV, advertising, games)
d) Use Artist's name, likeness, and biography in connection with records
e) Create audiovisual content (music videos)
f) Remix, edit, and create derivative works
g) All other rights of exploitation now known or hereafter devised

6.4 Territory

Company's rights extend to:

☐ Worldwide
☐ Specific territories: [________________________________]

6.5 Term of Rights

Company's rights in masters shall continue:

☐ In perpetuity
☐ For [____] years following delivery of each master
☐ For the life of copyright

Subject to Artist's statutory termination rights under 17 U.S.C. § 203.

ARTICLE 7: CREATIVE MATTERS

7.1 Recording Process

The following matters require Company approval:

☐ Selection of producer(s)
☐ Selection of recording studio
☐ Selection of songs/material
☐ Recording budget allocation
☐ Final masters (technical acceptability)

7.2 Artist Creative Input

☐ Artist shall have meaningful consultation on all creative matters
☐ Artist shall have approval over: [________________________________]
☐ Company has final creative control

7.3 Producer Selection

Producers shall be selected by:

☐ Mutual agreement between Company and Artist
☐ Company, with Artist consultation
☐ Artist, with Company approval

7.4 Material Selection

☐ Artist shall record at least [____]% original compositions
☐ Company may require up to [____] outside songs per Album
☐ All material subject to Company approval for legal clearance

ARTICLE 8: MARKETING AND PROMOTION

8.1 Release Commitment

☐ Company shall commercially release each Album within [____] months of delivery
☐ Release commitment applies to physical and/or digital release
☐ Failure to release constitutes breach (Artist remedy: [________________________________])

8.2 Marketing Support

Company agrees to:

☐ Prepare and execute marketing plan for each Album
☐ Provide minimum marketing budget of $[________________________________]
☐ Consult with Artist on marketing strategy
☐ No guaranteed marketing commitment

8.3 Music Videos

☐ Company shall produce at least [____] music video(s) per Album
☐ Video budget: 50% recoupable from Artist royalties
☐ Video budget: [____]% recoupable from Artist audio-visual royalties
☐ Artist has approval over video concept and director

8.4 Tour Support

☐ Company may provide tour support, 100% recoupable
☐ Tour support budget: $[________________________________] per Album cycle
☐ No tour support obligation

ARTICLE 9: ARTIST OBLIGATIONS

9.1 Recording Services

Artist agrees to:

a) Render exclusive recording services to Company
b) Perform to the best of Artist's ability
c) Comply with recording schedules
d) Cooperate in promotional activities

9.2 Promotional Activities

Artist agrees to make reasonable promotional appearances including:

☐ Press interviews
☐ Radio/podcast appearances
☐ Television appearances
☐ Social media promotion
☐ Retail appearances (record signings)
☐ Industry showcases

Artist shall receive reasonable per diem for promotional travel.

9.3 Social Media

☐ Artist grants Company access to/control over official social media accounts
☐ Artist maintains control over social media with consultation on promotional posts
☐ Artist agrees to post [____] promotional posts per single/album release

9.4 Name and Likeness

Artist grants Company the right to use Artist's:

a) Professional name and any variations
b) Approved photographs and likenesses
c) Biographical material
d) Voice and artistic performances

For promotion and exploitation of recordings during and after the term.

9.5 Warranties

Artist warrants that:

a) Artist is free to enter this Agreement
b) Artist is not subject to any conflicting agreement
c) Artist's performances will be original
d) Artist will not infringe third-party rights

ARTICLE 10: COMPANY OBLIGATIONS

10.1 Payment

Company agrees to:

a) Pay all advances as and when due
b) Account for and pay royalties as specified
c) Pay recording costs within approved budgets

10.2 Recording

Company agrees to:

a) Fund recording sessions as required
b) Provide reasonable recording facilities
c) Make creative personnel available

10.3 Quality

Company agrees to maintain quality standards in:

a) Manufacturing and distribution
b) Digital delivery
c) Marketing materials

ARTICLE 11: WARRANTIES AND INDEMNIFICATION

11.1 Artist Warranties

Artist represents, warrants, and agrees:

a) Artist has full right and authority to enter this Agreement
b) Artist's services are not subject to conflicting obligations
c) Materials provided by Artist do not infringe third-party rights
d) Artist shall not make any recordings during the term except as authorized
e) All information provided is accurate

11.2 Company Warranties

Company represents, warrants, and agrees:

a) Company has authority to enter this Agreement
b) Company shall comply with applicable laws in exploitation
c) Company shall pay all required third-party royalties (mechanical, performance)

11.3 Indemnification

Each party shall indemnify the other for breaches of representations and warranties.

ARTICLE 12: TERMINATION

12.1 Termination for Breach

Either party may terminate upon:

a) Material breach not cured within [____] days of written notice
b) Bankruptcy or insolvency of the other party

12.2 Artist's Right to Terminate

Artist may terminate if Company:

a) Fails to pay advances when due and doesn't cure within [____] days
b) Fails to release an Album within required timeframe
c) Fails to account and pay royalties for [____] consecutive periods

12.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

a) Company retains rights to masters recorded during the term
b) Artist's recording exclusivity ends
c) Royalty obligations continue for exploitation of existing masters
d) Unrecouped advances remain unrecouped (no refund required)

12.4 Reversion (if applicable)

☐ Masters revert to Artist [____] years after termination if: [________________________________]
☐ No reversion rights

ARTICLE 13: MISCELLANEOUS

13.1 Controlled Compositions

For songs written/controlled by Artist:

☐ Mechanical royalty rate: [____]% of statutory minimum
☐ Maximum mechanical royalties per Album: [____] × minimum statutory rate
☐ Statutory rate applies

13.2 Sideman Performances

Artist may perform as a sideman/guest on others' recordings with Company's prior written consent, provided:

a) Artist is not billed prominently
b) Performances credited as "Courtesy of [Company]"
c) Artist receives no advance or royalty

13.3 Re-Recording Restriction

Artist shall not re-record any composition recorded hereunder for [____] years following:

☐ Initial recording
☐ Later of initial release or end of term
☐ Expiration of this Agreement

13.4 Notices

All notices shall be in writing to addresses above.

13.5 Governing Law

This Agreement governed by laws of [________________________________].

13.6 Arbitration

Disputes resolved by arbitration in [________________________________].

13.7 Entire Agreement

This Agreement (with exhibits) is the complete agreement.

13.8 Amendment

Amendments must be in writing signed by both parties.

13.9 Assignment

Company may assign. Artist may not assign without consent.

13.10 Severability

Invalid provisions severed; remainder enforceable.

SIGNATURES

COMPANY:

Signature: ________________________________
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Title: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

ARTIST:

Signature: ________________________________
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

ARTIST'S LOAN-OUT COMPANY (if applicable):

Signature: ________________________________
Company Name: [________________________________]
By: [________________________________]
Title: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

PARENT/GUARDIAN (if Artist is a minor):

Signature: ________________________________
Printed Name: [________________________________]
Relationship: [________________________________]
Date: [__/__/____]

EXHIBIT A: RECORDING COMMITMENT SCHEDULE

EXHIBIT B: ROYALTY RATE SCHEDULE

EXHIBIT C: APPROVED PRODUCERS

This Agreement involves significant and long-term commitments. Artist is strongly advised to have this Agreement reviewed by an experienced entertainment attorney before signing. Recording contracts are complex and terms are often negotiable.