Music Business/Law Tips - Band Agreement

Once a band is formed the members are in business with each other. If the band gets successful or breaks up there will be issues about money and rights that can be quite nasty if the rules have not been agreed to in advance. An internal band agreement is the recommended method to handle it. A band agreement will address issues such as: (1) who owns the name, (2) profit splits, (3) voting on band decisions, (4) songwriting, and (5) leaving members. If there is no agreement, the law presumes a general partnership between the members where all assets (including the name/logo), profits and losses are equally shared. It is recommended to work this out early in the band’s career because it may be harder to come to an agreement once there is a dispute. Ben McLane Esq Benmclane.com