Standard Music Contract

Standard Music Contract Template for New Zealand

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Key Requirements PROMPT example:

"I need a Standard Music Contract for a five-member rock band based in Auckland, with worldwide digital distribution rights and merchandising provisions, including specific terms for streaming platforms and social media content creation."

Document background

The Standard Music Contract serves as a foundational agreement in New Zealand's music industry, establishing the legal and commercial framework between artists and music industry entities. This document is typically used when formalizing professional relationships for recording, publishing, or distribution arrangements. It encompasses key aspects such as copyright assignments, royalty structures, recording commitments, and promotional obligations, all aligned with New Zealand's legal framework. The contract ensures compliance with local regulations including the Copyright Act 1994 and the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017, while providing flexibility to accommodate various commercial arrangements in the modern music industry. This Standard Music Contract is essential for protecting the interests of all parties involved while facilitating the commercial exploitation of musical works in both traditional and digital formats.

Suggested Sections

1. Parties: Identification of all parties to the agreement, including legal names and addresses

2. Background: Context of the agreement and brief description of the parties' intentions

3. Definitions: Definitions of key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Grant of Rights: Specific rights being granted (e.g., recording, distribution, publishing)

5. Term and Territory: Duration of the agreement and geographical scope

6. Obligations of the Artist: Artist's commitments, including recording, performances, and promotional activities

7. Obligations of the Company: Company's commitments regarding promotion, distribution, and support

8. Intellectual Property Rights: Ownership and licensing of copyrights, trademarks, and other IP

9. Recording Commitments: Details of recording requirements, schedules, and technical specifications

10. Royalties and Payments: Payment terms, royalty rates, and calculation methods

11. Accounting and Auditing: Financial reporting requirements and audit rights

12. Warranties and Representations: Guarantees made by each party

13. Termination: Conditions for ending the agreement and consequences

14. General Provisions: Standard legal clauses including notices, amendments, and governing law

Optional Sections

1. International Distribution: Additional terms for international markets and sub-licensing

2. Digital Distribution: Specific terms for streaming, downloads, and other digital platforms

3. Multiple Artist Provisions: Used when the agreement covers a group rather than a single artist

4. Producer Arrangements: Terms relating to production services and credits

5. Merchandising Rights: Terms for merchandise creation and sales

6. Publishing Rights: Detailed publishing arrangements if included in the deal

7. Live Performance Rights: Terms related to live performances and touring

8. Video Production: Terms relating to music video production and rights

9. Sponsorship and Endorsements: Terms governing commercial tie-ins and endorsements

10. Social Media and Content Creation: Requirements for social media presence and content creation

Suggested Schedules

1. Schedule 1 - Minimum Recording Commitment: Detailed specifications for required recordings

2. Schedule 2 - Royalty Rates: Comprehensive breakdown of royalty rates for different formats and territories

3. Schedule 3 - Advance Payment Schedule: Timeline and amounts of advance payments

4. Schedule 4 - Permitted Deductions: List of approved deductions from royalty calculations

5. Schedule 5 - Marketing Commitments: Specific marketing and promotion requirements

6. Appendix A - Recording Standards: Technical specifications for recordings

7. Appendix B - Approved Recording Studios: List of pre-approved recording facilities

8. Appendix C - Required Metadata: Required metadata for digital distribution

9. Appendix D - Territory Restrictions: Specific territorial exclusions or restrictions

10. Appendix E - Key Personnel: List of key team members and their roles

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ ��Ƶ | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

alex.den.21@genieai.co

Relevant legal definitions

Clauses

Relevant Industries

Music and Entertainment

Media

Digital Content

Publishing

Live Events

Retail (Merchandising)

Digital Distribution

Broadcasting

Advertising and Marketing

Relevant Teams

Legal

Artist and Repertoire

Business Affairs

Rights Management

Publishing

Digital Distribution

Marketing

Finance

Production

Artist Relations

Relevant Roles

Music Industry Lawyer

Artist Manager

A&R Manager

Music Producer

Recording Artist

Band Manager

Music Publishing Manager

Rights Management Coordinator

Business Affairs Manager

Contract Administrator

Legal Counsel

Music Marketing Manager

Digital Distribution Manager

Talent Scout

Record Label Executive

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