Getting booked without a written agreement puts you one cancelled show away from losing your guarantee — with no legal recourse. This artist booking agreement template covers one live performance from start to finish: deal points, payment terms, technical requirements, cancellation provisions, and IP rights — all in a professional format venues and promoters recognize. Attorney-drafted for musicians, performers, and event organizers who want to protect the show and the money before anything goes sideways. What's Included Deal Points (Performance-Specific) Artist guarantee — the confirmed fee the artist receives regardless of ticket sales Deposit terms — how much is due upfront and when the balance is paid Performance date, time, and venue — all specifics documented and binding Set length and schedule — how long the artist performs and any opening/closing requirements Technical & Logistical Terms Technical rider reference — sound, lighting, and production requirements Hospitality provisions — green room, meals, accommodations if applicable Load-in and soundcheck times — schedule expectations for both parties Travel and accommodation — who covers travel costs and how Cancellation & Force Majeure Cancellation by promoter — what the artist is owed if the show gets cancelled Cancellation by artist — what happens if the artist cancels and when Force majeure provisions — how weather, emergencies, and unforeseeable events are handled Intellectual Property & Recording Recording restrictions — whether the promoter can record or livestream the performance Merchandise rights — who controls merch sales at the venue Photo and video approval — artist's rights over promotional content from the show Common Mistakes This Template Helps You Avoid ❌ No written guarantee — promoter pays less than agreed and claims "that's not what we discussed" ❌ No deposit requirement — show gets cancelled day-of with nothing in writing to recover ❌ Vague cancellation terms — artist has no legal basis to keep their deposit when the promoter pulls out last minute ❌ No recording restrictions — promoter livestreams or records the show without permission, creating IP ownership issues ❌ Missing merch provisions — venue takes a cut of merch sales that was never agreed upon ✅ This template addresses all of these issues upfront. Who This Is For Independent artists booking live performances without a manager or agent Event promoters who need a standard artist agreement for every show Booking agents who need a clean template to customize per engagement Festival and venue coordinators formalizing artist agreements Frequently Asked Questions Does this cover multiple shows or just one?This template is designed for a single live performance. If you need to cover a tour or series of shows, contact us — a tour agreement has different terms and should be drafted accordingly. Should I require a deposit?Yes. Industry standard is 50% upfront, with the balance paid at or before the show. The template includes deposit provisions you can customize to your deal. What if the promoter wants to livestream the show?The template includes recording and livestream restriction provisions. If you agree to allow it, those terms — ownership, revenue split, exclusivity — need to be negotiated and added to the agreement. What happens if either party cancels?The template includes cancellation provisions for both sides: what the artist is owed if the promoter cancels, and what happens if the artist cancels. You can customize the notice periods and penalties. Is this legally binding?Yes, when properly executed by both parties. For high-value or complex engagements, have an attorney review before signing. What Happens After Purchase ✅ Instant Download — Microsoft Word (.docx) file delivered immediately after checkout ✅ Fully Editable — Customize deal points, payment terms, and all provisions ✅ Lifetime Access — Download anytime from your account ✅ One-Time Payment — $20, no subscription Need this customized? Email [email protected] to discuss a contract review or custom drafting. *DISCLAIMER: These templates are for informational purposes only, and purchasing them doesn't make us your lawyer. It's impossible to make one version that fits every situation, so you should contact a lawyer to make sure it fits yours.
