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Band & Group Agreement

For group members formalizing their working relationship — covers who owns the group name, how income is split, voting on decisions, and what happens when someone leaves or a new member joins.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Is this the right contract for your group?

This contract is built for bands, duos, trios, and music groups who want their business relationship in writing. It fits groups that share income, use a shared band name, make decisions together, handle group expenses, add or remove members, or want clear rules for what happens if someone leaves.

Good fit for

  • Bands or music groups that share income or expenses
  • Members using a shared name, logo, or brand
  • Groups that want written voting rules
  • Founding members adding or removing members
  • Groups that want clear terms for a member's exit

You may also need

Before you start

It helps to have these details on hand before you create your contract:

  • Band or group name
  • Member names
  • Ownership percentages or agreed splits
  • Who owns the name, logo, and brand
  • How income and expenses are handled
  • Voting rules for major decisions
  • What happens if a member leaves
  • Whether the group has an LLC or other entity

What's Inside This Contract

Formation and name

Identifies the group and its members and sets how the band name is owned and used.

Revenue and expenses

Explains how group income is collected, how expenses are paid, and how money is split among members.

Decision-making and voting

Defines how everyday and major decisions are made and what needs a vote.

Member obligations and conduct

Covers member responsibilities, participation, and outside activities.

Departure, removal, and new members

Sets how members join and what happens when a member leaves or is removed.

Intellectual property

Addresses ownership of the band name, logo, artwork, and other group property.

Disputes and general provisions

Covers standard terms such as notices, how disputes are handled, and signatures.

Points Worth Negotiating

  • Who owns the band name if the group breaks up
  • How income and expenses are split among members
  • What decisions need a vote and what counts as a majority
  • What a departing member keeps or gives up
  • Whether new members get an equal or reduced share

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Band / Group Agreement?
It is a written agreement among group members that sets ownership of the band name, how income is split, how decisions are made, and what happens when someone joins or leaves.
Who should sign a Band / Group Agreement?
Every member of the group signs, including founding members and anyone who joins later. Each signature confirms the ownership splits, voting rules, and exit terms.
Is this the same as a Songwriter Split Sheet?
No. A split sheet records who wrote a specific song and each writer's share of it. This agreement covers the group's overall business, such as the band name, income, voting, and member changes. Many groups use both.
Does this contract decide who owns the songs?
Not on its own. It can set how the group handles music it creates, but ownership of specific songs is usually recorded in a Songwriter Split Sheet.
What should I have ready before creating it?
Have the group name, member names, ownership splits, who owns the name and logo, how income and expenses are handled, voting rules, and what happens if a member leaves.
What happens if a member leaves the group?
The departure section covers buyout terms, future income from past work, and whether the leaving member can keep using the band name.
Should I choose the custom contract or the editable template?
Choose the custom contract to answer a few questions and have it filled in for you. Choose the editable template if you prefer a blank version with labeled fields to complete yourself.
What are common warning signs in a band / group partnership agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any band / group partnership agreement:

  • No clear owner of the band name
  • Unequal splits with no explanation
  • No process for a member leaving
  • No voting rules for major decisions
  • Vague handling of debts and expenses
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