Don’t Sign That Yet: 5 Red Flags in Music Contracts Every Artist Should Know
Landing your first music contract can feel like your big break. But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s crucial to understand exactly what you're agreeing to—because not all deals are made in your favor. In fact, many artists have signed contracts that cost them their royalties, their rights, or even their careers. If you're an artist based in Tennessee—or planning to make it big in Music City—consulting a music lawyer in Nashville could be the smartest move you make. Here’s why, and what to look out for. 1. The Perpetuity Trap: Giving Away Rights Forever One of the biggest traps artists fall into is unknowingly signing away their rights in perpetuity —which means forever. Some contracts might ask for ownership of your masters or publishing rights without an expiration date, leaving you with zero control or profit from your own work decades down the line. A record label may argue they need long-term rights to recoup their investment, but perpetual ownership is often u...