Friends to Framework
If music is more than a hobby, write it down. A simple one-page agreement on money, gear, credits, and exits protects friendships and keeps the band moving.
'To be successful, you have to have your heart in your business, and your business in your heart' - Sr. Thomas Watson
Making sure everyone’s on the same page early makes band life easier - and kinder - as you grow. Plenty of hobby bands never sign anything; if you’re treating this like a business, a light, written agreement is smart protection for everyone, not just the founders.
You don’t need a 40-page contract or a scary invoice from a lawyer to start. In the early days, a one- or two-page document covering money, gear, credits, and exits will stop small misunderstandings from turning into big fallouts.
“Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.” - Warren Buffet
Friends fall out. Commitments change. Gigs and expenses don’t cancel themselves. If you’re unsure whether you need an agreement, ask the worst-case question: what happens if we break up?
What to decide (and write down)
Money, credits, and ownership
Songwriting credits: one writer vs. shared? How do arrangements factor?
Royalties: masters vs. publishing - who gets what, and how is it tracked?
Gig income: fixed splits or percentages; what about tips?
Merch: who fronts stock; profit after costs; how is it divided?
Band name & logo: who owns the IP now, and after someone leaves?
Costs, gear, and repairs
Expenses: who fronts costs; how/when reimbursed; approval threshold ($).
Band-owned gear: list it. Who stores it, who maintains it, who pays for repairs?
Personal gear: always owned by the player unless you agree otherwise.
Investments ledger: keep a running note of who paid what in the early days and whether there’s a plan to repay (even if the plan is “no repayments”).
People, membership, and exits
Full-time members vs. casuals: define roles so freelancers don’t assume equity.
New member policy: do they share back-catalog income? probation period?
Leaving notice: minimum weeks required; expectations during that time.
If no notice: consequences/recovering unrecoverable costs (flights, accommodation).
Break-up plan: how debts are paid; how band-owned assets are sold/split; who can use the name.
How you work (so the day-to-day isn’t a mystery)
Decision-making: MD/veto/consensus; how to break ties; who’s the point of contact.
Professional standards: punctuality, prepared sets, sober for paid gigs, respect for fans/crew/venues.
Review cadence: pick a date to revisit the agreement (e.g., every 6 months or post-release).
Keep it simple (and human)
Start with plain language and signatures.
Save it in a shared folder.
Revisit it as you hit new phases (first tour, first release, new member).
Red flags you avoid by writing it down
“We thought you were paying for the PA hire.”
“I wrote the riff - why don’t I get publishing?”
“He left the week of the tour and kept half the deposit.”
“Who actually owns the name on the poster?”
Friends to Framework: write a one-page agreement that covers money, gear, credits, new/exit policies, and basic standards - sign it, and set a 6-month review.
If you’d like my Band Agreement Starter Pack (checklist, one-page template, and a scenarios worksheet), just say the word and I’ll send it over.
This series, the content and any observations or suggestions made are based on my personal experience, anonymised to protect privacy. Nothing here is financial, legal, or medical advice - please seek professional guidance for your own situation.