Stephanie Iken, Attorney at Law

Every musician eventually faces a contract that looks more like a foreign language than a fair deal. It might come from a venue, a manager, a record label, or even a friend. You want to protect yourself, but you also do not want to seem difficult or lose the opportunity. The good news is that you can handle a confusing contract intelligently without burning bridges.

1. Slow Down and Read It All the Way Through

Never sign anything on the spot, no matter how exciting it seems. Read the entire agreement once without taking notes. Then, read it again and highlight anything you do not understand or that feels off. Contracts often hide important terms in long sentences or “fine print” near the end.

Look especially for sections labeled “Term,” “Payment,” “Rights,” “Termination,” “Indemnification,” or “Exclusivity.” These usually carry the most risk for artists.

2. Identify the Key Questions

Before calling a lawyer, try to answer these basic questions:

• How long does this contract last?
• What exactly am I agreeing to do?
• When and how will I get paid?
• Who owns the music, recordings, or images created?
• Can I still work with other people?
• How do I get out of the deal if things go wrong?

If you cannot answer these questions from reading the document, the contract is not clear enough.

3. Watch for Common Red Flags

Musicians often run into similar problems across different types of contracts. Be cautious if you see any of the following:

• Vague language like “the artist agrees to provide services as reasonably requested.”
• Unlimited rights giving the other party ownership of “all materials created.”
• Automatic renewals that keep the contract going unless you cancel in writing.
• Broad indemnification clauses that make you responsible for their mistakes.
• Non-compete agreements that prevent you from working other similar gigs in the future.

A fair agreement should balance both sides’ responsibilities, not just protect the drafting party (or whoever wrote the agreement).

4. Ask Questions Politely

You have every right to ask for clarification. Approach it as a professional conversation, not a confrontation. You can say:

“I’m excited to move forward, but there are a few parts I’d like to understand better before I sign.”

You can also ask for time to review it with your attorney. Most reputable partners will respect that. Anyone who pressures you to sign immediately is a red flag.

5. Negotiate Clearly and in Writing

If you want to change something, explain why. Keep the focus on fairness, not distrust. For example, you can suggest:

“Would you be open to making this a one-year agreement with the option to renew if both sides are happy?”

Always confirm any agreed changes in writing. Do not rely on verbal promises. If it is not written into the final version, it does not count.

6. Know When to Get Legal Help

You do not need a lawyer for every small gig, but you should get help when the contract involves:

• Exclusive rights to your music or image
• Long-term commitments or large payments
• Recordings, licensing, or publishing rights
• Complex business relationships

A short legal review is often inexpensive compared to what it could cost you to fix a bad deal later.

7. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off, pay attention. The best deals benefit everyone involved. A professional contract should make you feel secure, not trapped or confused.

The Bottom Line

You do not need to be a legal expert to protect yourself. Take your time, read carefully, and ask questions. Good contracts build trust. Bad ones can end careers. Knowing when to slow down and when to call for help keeps your music career on solid ground.

About the Author
Stephanie Iken is a Florida attorney who helps musicians and creative professionals understand and protect their rights. Her work focuses on practical legal guidance that helps artists build sustainable careers.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.