Episode 15 - Why A Band Agreement Is Important

ManageMental Podcast with Blasko and Mike Mowery

Ghost Lawsuit

http://www.metalinjection.net/metal-crimes/the-entire-ghost-lawsuit-document-leaks-more-info-on-why-former-nameless-ghouls-are-suing-papa-emeritus

Do We Need A Band Agreement?

https://www.thebalance.com/do-we-need-a-band-contract-2460671

This week, we take on the topic of band agreements, suggested by listener Eric Peterson, who also happens to be Mike’s neighbor!

Eric writes: “I've been listening to managemental since the first episode and love it. Mike is my neighbor and I've been a metal/ music business enthusiast since I was a young kid. Really enjoying the insight between you and Mike.

I have a quick topic for you guys. Seems like the hot topic these days in the metal world is the drama going on with Ghost. Your guy's take on that I think would be really interesting…”

Do We Need a Band Contract?

Bands don't like discussing contracts, period, and of all the contracts they like to avoid considering, artist contracts top the list. It can be uncomfortable considering band member contracts because discussing contracts can feel like acknowledging a certain level of distrust. Usually, your band members are also your close friends - in many cases, they're like family to you - and you would like to think that your personal relationship means that no one in the band would take advantage of anyone else.

Beyond the current situation being hashed out in Swedish courts with Ghost, consider these reasons a band member contract may be exactly what your band needs:

1. If your band has one songwriter - or if you think all of your songs are group efforts. Songwriting royalties are a constant area of contention for bands. It is a good idea to make sure everyone is on the same page as to who gets credit for what.

2. One or two band members are paying most of the expenses for the band. Bands cost money, and some band members may be in a better place financially to be able to cover the costs of the band. Get it in writing as to how this person will be paid back when the band starts making money.

3. Your band works with session musicians. Whether you're bringing in extra help on tour or in the studio, a contract can help draw the line between who is actually in the band and who is being hired as a sort of "freelance" musician.

4. You have contracts with other people as a band. If your band has signed contracts with managers, promoters, agents or labels, it makes sense to have at least an informal contract between band members to make sure you can deliver on your contractual obligations. For instance, if you have signed on to do a 20 date tour, having the guitar player bow out of the band the night before you leave puts you in a sticky situation.

5. What happens to joint owned equipment - and jointly owned debt - if the bank should break-up or if one person wants to leave?

Find the answers and details in this episode.

We encourage you to email any questions or comments to [e-mail]

Find Blasko on Twitter and Instagram: @blasko1313

Find Mike Mowery on Twitter and Instagram: @mikeoloop

Join Mike's webinar “Sixty Days To Signable” at signup.outerloopcoaching.com. Classes are conducted online in seminar format with time for interaction nearly every week. Wednesdays 8 PM April 19 to June 7 with a fully interactive class session on June 7.

Get $30 your next order at ArtistFlags.com using the code: mentalflag

ManageMental is part of the Jabberjaw Media Network. www.jabberjawmedia.com