Document to sign in a new artist

Here is a sample document that an artist may be asked to sign when joining a record label, management company, or other music industry organization:

ARTIST AGREEMENT

This Artist Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into on [DATE] ("Effective Date") by and between [ARTIST NAME] ("Artist") and [LABEL/COMPANY NAME] ("Label").

ARTIST REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

  1. The Artist represents and warrants that:
    • The Artist is the sole owner of all rights, title, and interest in and to the Artist's music, including but not limited to compositions, recordings, and performances.
    • The Artist has the right to enter into this Agreement and to grant the rights and licenses set forth herein.
    • The Artist has not assigned, transferred, or encumbered any rights in the Artist's music to any third party.
  2. The Artist represents and warrants that all music submitted to the Label is original and does not infringe on the rights of any third party.

LABEL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

  1. The Label agrees to:
    • Record, manufacture, distribute, and promote the Artist's music.
    • Pay the Artist royalties and other compensation as set forth in this Agreement.
    • Use its best efforts to promote the Artist's music and career.
  2. The Label reserves the right to:
    • Exercise creative control over the production, mixing, and mastering of the Artist's music.
    • Approve or reject any music submitted by the Artist.
    • Make changes to the Artist's music as it deems necessary.

ARTIST OBLIGATIONS

  1. The Artist agrees to:
    • Deliver high-quality music and recordings to the Label in a timely manner.
    • Cooperate with the Label in the production, promotion, and marketing of the Artist's music.
    • Perform and promote the Artist's music as reasonably requested by the Label.
  2. The Artist agrees not to:
    • Engage in any activity that may harm the Label's reputation or business.
    • Enter into any agreement or contract that conflicts with this Agreement.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  1. The term of this Agreement shall be [LENGTH OF TERM] years from the Effective Date.
  2. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [STATE/COUNTRY].
  3. Any disputes arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be resolved through [DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS].
  4. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements.
  5. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in writing signed by both parties.

INDEMNIFICATION

The Artist agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Label, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, and expenses arising out of or related to the Artist's breach of this Agreement or the Artist's use of the Label's name, logo, or other intellectual property.

GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [STATE/COUNTRY]. Any disputes arising out of or related to this Agreement shall be resolved through [DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS].

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, understandings, and agreements.

AMENDMENTS

This Agreement may not be amended or modified except in writing signed by both parties.

BINDING EFFECT

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their respective successors, assigns, and personal representatives.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Artist acknowledges that the Artist has read, understands, and agrees to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

SIGNATURES

Artist: __ Label: __

Date: __ Date: __

Please note that this is a sample document and should be reviewed and customized to fit the specific needs and circumstances of the artist and the label. It is recommended that both parties seek legal advice before signing any agreement.