1. Who Gets the money ?
Think of your music as candy. The contract says how much candy you keep and how much the other people get. Always look for how the money is split.
2. Who Owns the Music ?
If you make a toy (song), the contract decides if it’s still yours or if you’ve given it away forever. If it’s not clear, you might lose your toy for life.
3. How Long Do You Play Together ?
Contracts love long games. Some say “We play for 1 year,” others sneak in “We play until I say stop.” Always check the time limit.
4. Where Can They Play Your Song ?
Your song could travel around the world like a balloon. Does the contract let them play it just in your backyard (local) or the whole planet (global)?
5. What must I do ?
Some contracts say you must make X albums, or show up for X shows. If you don’t, you might break the rules. That’s like skipping chores after you promised to do them.
6. What do I get ?
Don’t just look at what you owe. Look at what they promise you—like promotion, recording, or payment. If they don’t promise anything, it’s like shaking hands with someone who never brings snacks.
7. Hidden Words (Tiny Print).
Tiny words can be tricky. They may say, “We own everything you make, even outside music.” Always squint at the small stuff.
8. Who’s the Boss of...? (Control).
Contracts decide who’s in charge—who chooses your songs, your release date, even your image. Make sure you’re not giving away all your power.
9. What Happens If You Want to Leave?
If you ever want to quit the game, the contract should say how to get out. If not, you might be stuck like glue.
10. What If Things Go Wrong?
Every playground fight has rules. The contract should say what happens if you disagree—do you argue in court, or do you play rock-paper-scissors first (mediation/arbitration)?
