Producer Agreements - What Music Artists and Producers Need to Know

In this video, we explain all about music producer agreements. We discuss the key points that all artists and producers should understand and agree on before they start recording music together. There is much confusion for independent artists and producers about what these agreements contain and exactly which copyrights and royalties it relates to.

We guide you through the essential knowledge required to understand and negotiate what is in a producer agreement, not just for major labels and signed artists, but for independent DIY artists and producers trying to create simple agreements themselves in the real world. This video will help you understand how producer fees, advances, royalties, and copyright ownership are handled.

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[tiowe]

you are VERY clear and accurate....unfortunately, Producers right now, we are in a state of SHOCK with these younger producers thinking they own everything. Thanks for clarifying.

[azul]

you’re so well spoken and your voice is so soothing. thank you for the much needed advice!

[ariadarabi]

Oh, I've had this issue in the past. I'm an ex-producer that worked with a vocalist. He really liked what I was working on and asked if he could lend his voice. Of course, I accepted and we worked together.

After the song was written, I sent it to him and he happened to release the track without asking if I thought it was ready for the public. I would've said no, but regardless, I wasn't asked. After he released it, I didn't see a single penny from him. It's still up there on Spotify and he's earning commission while my foolish self hasn't seen a cent.

I let him have the track. I took this as a lesson and, truth be told, my song is probably the only good song he has lol. I've since made a new artist profile and I will always write everything down from here on out. I will also never send unfinished work to people as I am now aware that they'll just claim it was theirs.

[jenniejohanssonmusic]

Most helpful video I've watched since I decided to embark on my journey to release music as an independent artist.. Thank you!!!! Hugs from Madrid

[phases_of_nora]

When you say owning the recording are you also talking about if the producer makes the beat usually they give full ownership of that as well?

[kadongokamumusic]

Thanks for this good message and clarification.
I am from Kampala Uganda, there's a radio presenter in Uganda called DJ. Bantam who said exactly what you are saying, I happy that it's the same here

[richreitz]

Been confused about this all my life. Best explanation I have ever heard. Thanks so much!

[RyanAndersonWilliams]

Thank you for sharing this free game in the music law space! I found it very insightful and useful.

[rebelsentertainment]

getting knowledge is always awesome....I appreciate the opportunity to learn much about music business

[WizeChoice]

🚨New Subscriber Alert! ... Such an amazing video. Gratitude much!!!

[kaiengel]

What a great video! Thanks for your work, I’m send this over to my artists right now.

[Jesus.]

I can’t believe you out all this out here for free. Thank you!

[mpcjunkie]

what a great video! Question - I am a dance music producer. I make my tracks at home but my skills stop at mixdown of the song. I do not have the ears or skills to mixdown and master a song (make is sound really punchy). An indie label wants to pick up some tracks but they want 50/50 ownership since they'll pay for mixdown and mastering. I think that is fine (final mixdown product) but I made the track and idea so is it typical for a label to also own 50/50 of the dance track composition/idea? I'm mainly asking what is "standard."

[libraaima]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙏

[henrycleinow]

thanks for the helpful video. But what about Engineers? (Mixing & Mastering), is it usual to just collect a one time fee and move on, or does the enigneer also get some percentage of the royalties?

[riasure]

Really helpful advice here, thank you! I tend to find a lot of information in text books mostly relates to the USA and so I am especially grateful to find some information which is also applicable to the UK. Thank you once again and look forward to watching more of your videos😄👍🏾

[amosranking]

Your release was flagged due to the inclusion as a Featured artist on this release. As a result of this flagging, we will need you to please provide a Featured artist agreement ? Can you pls explain why this happen

[eliseintheclouds]

Thank you so much for this lesson! I've learned so much in such a short time! Your explanations were succinct and thorough. Felt myself at uni again :)

[remycooper]

Very well explained! Sharing this with some friends

[daniellareed]

Thank you. Very easy to follow, great explanations and performance in the clip. Can you please do band- merch- and musicians agreements (touring) + basic negotiation techniques.