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A Music Agreement sets out the legal rights and responsibilities between musicians, record labels, publishers, or other parties in the music industry. In New Zealand, these contracts typically cover key aspects like song ownership, royalty payments, licensing terms, and performance rights under the Copyright Act 1994.

These agreements protect both artists and industry professionals by clearly spelling out who can use the music, how profits will be shared, and what each party must deliver. They range from simple song licensing deals to complex recording contracts, and often include specific provisions about digital streaming, live performances, and local distribution requirements within the NZ market.

Get a Music Agreement in place before sharing or performing your music professionally in New Zealand. This becomes essential when collaborating with other musicians, signing with a label, licensing songs for commercial use, or working with producers and session musicians.

The agreement protects your creative work and income streams right from the start. Use it to lock in royalty rates, define who owns what parts of the music, and set clear terms for how your work can be used. This becomes especially important when dealing with streaming platforms, live venues, or international distribution - areas where New Zealand copyright law offers specific protections.

• Music Manager Contract: Outlines the manager's duties, commission rates, and term length for artist representation
• Music Label Contract: Covers recording rights, album deliverables, and royalty structures between artist and label
• Band Contract: Defines member roles, profit sharing, and ownership of band name and materials
• Composer Agreement: Details commissioning terms, rights transfer, and payment for original compositions
• Recording Studio Contract: Specifies studio time, engineering services, and ownership of recorded material

• Musicians and Artists: Solo performers, bands, and composers who need to protect their creative works and establish clear business relationships
• Record Labels: Companies managing artist development, recording, and distribution of music across New Zealand and internationally
• Music Publishers: Organizations handling song licensing, royalty collection, and copyright administration for songwriters
• Entertainment Lawyers: Legal professionals who draft, review, and negotiate terms to protect their clients' interests
• Music Managers: Professional representatives who handle business affairs and career development for artists
• Industry Bodies: Organizations like APRA AMCOS that oversee rights management and royalty distribution in NZ

• Party Details: Gather full legal names, contact information, and roles of all involved parties
• Project Scope: Define exact deliverables, timelines, and creative work covered by the agreement
• Financial Terms: Document payment structures, royalty rates, and revenue sharing arrangements
• Rights Assignment: Clarify who owns what rights under NZ copyright law, including digital and performance rights
• Term Length: Specify agreement duration, renewal options, and termination conditions
• Territory: Define geographical boundaries for rights and usage, especially for international distribution
• Special Requirements: Note any unique needs like moral rights protection or specific usage restrictions

• Parties and Definitions: Full legal names, roles, and key terms used throughout the agreement
• Rights Transfer: Clear specification of copyright ownership and licensing under NZ Copyright Act 1994
• Payment Terms: Detailed royalty rates, payment schedules, and revenue distribution mechanisms
• Duration and Territory: Agreement timeframe and geographical scope of rights granted
• Performance Obligations: Specific duties and deliverables expected from each party
• Termination Clauses: Conditions for ending the agreement and post-termination rights
• Dispute Resolution: Process for handling disagreements under NZ jurisdiction
• Execution Block: Proper signature sections with witness requirements if needed

A Music Agreement differs significantly from an Agency Agreement, though they're often confused in the entertainment industry. While both involve representation, their core purposes and legal implications are quite different under New Zealand law.

• Scope of Rights: Music Agreements specifically cover creative works, copyright, and royalties, while Agency Agreements focus on broader business representation and deal-making authority
• Duration and Flexibility: Music Agreements typically have longer terms with specific project milestones, whereas Agency Agreements often allow more flexible termination options
• Revenue Structure: Music Agreements include detailed royalty calculations and revenue sharing from various music uses, while Agency Agreements usually stick to straightforward commission structures
• Industry Protection: Music Agreements incorporate specific protections under NZ copyright law and industry standards, while Agency Agreements follow general commercial law principles