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Music Distribution Agreement

For an independent artist or label partnering with a distributor to get music onto Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms — covers distribution fees, marketing support, catalog rights, and accounting.

Drafted by a Harvard Law entertainment attorney.

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Is this the right contract for your release?

This contract is built for an artist or label working with a distributor to deliver recordings to streaming services and stores. It fits deals where you keep ownership of your masters and pay a fee or revenue share for delivery, and where both sides want the rights, term, payment timing, and exit terms in writing.

Good fit for

  • Independent artists releasing their own music
  • Labels distributing a catalog
  • Artists keeping ownership of their masters
  • Deals based on a fee or a revenue share
  • Anyone setting accounting and payment timing

You may also need

Before you start

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

  • Artist or label name and distributor name
  • What recordings or catalog are covered
  • Whether the distributor takes a fee or a revenue share
  • Whether the deal is exclusive or non-exclusive
  • Term and territory
  • How and when income is paid out
  • The takedown and termination process
  • That ownership of the masters stays with you

What's Inside This Contract

Distribution rights

Sets what recordings are covered and the rights granted to the distributor.

Term

States how long the deal lasts and the territory it covers.

Compensation

Covers the distribution fee or revenue share and payment timing.

Marketing and promotion

Addresses any promotion the distributor provides.

Delivery and quality

Sets how recordings are delivered and any quality standards.

Representations and warranties

Each side confirms it has the rights to enter the deal.

Disputes and general provisions

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

Points Worth Negotiating

  • Whether the distributor takes a fee or a revenue share
  • Whether the deal is exclusive or non-exclusive
  • How long the term lasts and how to exit
  • How and when income is paid out
  • Whether you keep ownership of your masters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a music distribution agreement?
It is an agreement to deliver recordings to streaming services and stores, setting the fees or revenue share, term, and how income is accounted for.
Who should sign it?
The artist or label and the distributor both sign. The signatures confirm what is covered, the fee or revenue share, and how income is paid.
Does a distributor own my music?
No, in most deals. Distribution deals leave ownership of the masters with the artist or label, but confirm this in the agreement.
What is the difference between a fee and a revenue share?
A fee is a fixed or per-release charge, while a revenue share gives the distributor a percentage of income. Some deals combine both.
How do I leave a distribution deal?
Follow the term and termination terms, including the takedown process and how long it takes for your music to come off services.
How is this different from a label deal?
A distributor only delivers your finished recordings to services for a fee or share. A Record Label Agreement funds and releases recordings and usually takes ownership of the masters.
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 music distribution agreement?

These are common issues to watch for in any music distribution agreement:

  • Long exclusive term with no easy exit
  • Distributor claims ownership of your masters
  • Unclear fees or hidden deductions
  • No takedown or termination process
  • Slow or vague accounting
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