It is always best to have an attorney who is not your manager look over any recording agreement offers.

It is always best to have an attorney who is not your manager look over any recording agreement offers.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not always
• D. Depends

Answer: (B)

Having independent legal counsel review recording offers is essential because a manager, who is often compensated based on deals closed or on future opportunities, may have incentives that don’t always align with the artist’s long-term interests. A lawyer who represents you and only you can explain complex terms, negotiate improvements, and flag issues that affect ownership, control, and future earnings. This includes understanding who owns masters, how royalties are calculated, recoupment rules, term length, and any restrictive rights or side letters that could limit future opportunities. Because lawyers owe a fiduciary duty to you, they’re positioned to prioritize your best interests over speed or party-pleasing terms, providing a crucial independent check on the deal. While there can be exceptions in rare cases, the best practice is to always use independent counsel rather than a manager’s counsel when reviewing recording agreements.

Having independent legal counsel review recording offers is essential because a manager, who is often compensated based on deals closed or on future opportunities, may have incentives that don’t always align with the artist’s long-term interests. A lawyer who represents you and only you can explain complex terms, negotiate improvements, and flag issues that affect ownership, control, and future earnings. This includes understanding who owns masters, how royalties are calculated, recoupment rules, term length, and any restrictive rights or side letters that could limit future opportunities. Because lawyers owe a fiduciary duty to you, they’re positioned to prioritize your best interests over speed or party-pleasing terms, providing a crucial independent check on the deal. While there can be exceptions in rare cases, the best practice is to always use independent counsel rather than a manager’s counsel when reviewing recording agreements.