Music Business/Law Tips - Leaving Member

When a band signs an exclusive multi-album record deal it's important to know that the members are typically signing as a group as well as individually. This means that if a member quits, is fired, or the band breaks up during the term of the deal, then the label will still have the first right to put out solo records and side projects of the individual members for the remainder of the term of the group deal. This issue recently came to light with Zyan Malik leaving the popular band One Direction. Malik is signed to Syco (via Sony) both as a group member and individually by way of a "Leaving Member Clause" in the deal. Hence, the label has the option to pick up Malik's contract as a solo artist, and probably for a lower future royalty and fees since the original terms were contingent on him being part of a 5 member group. Based on the success of One Direction and since Malik is a good singer with a fan base, almost certainly the label will want to release his solo product instead of letting him go with no strings. Ben McLane Esq benmclane.com