contract signed between a band’s members to spell out items such as split of income and writing credit, their aims and objectives, and how a leaving member is dealt with and what happens when the entire band (partnership) breaks up.

royalties based on gross earnings in an overseas territory, minus only deductions such as taxes by the foreign government or holdings by the overseas company.

an instrument that is not amplified electronically.

agreement between songwriter and publisher where the latter will administer the writer’s work and collect royalties, but will usually not actively promote the copyright catalogue; will attract a smaller royalty share for the publisher but they do less work and probably won’t pay a significant advance.

a sum of money paid in anticipation of future earnings to the artist by a record company, publisher or merchandiser. An advance is not repayable but may be recouped by the company from monies which in due course may be payable to the artist.

acoustic nature of a room, whether it’s a studio or a live music venue.

gains authority from the artist to represent them to promoters and venues and the like, to work with them on a game plan for the ‘live’ advancement of their careers, to gain them appropriate gigs and often collects money on their behalf.

a practice common in some European countries, especially the UK and now increasing in other countries where an artist themselves or possibly through their record company ,are required to pay a headline act or the promoter in order to get on a tour as a support.

a joint composition between two or more writers who may or may not be members of a group.

a subjective phrase that often appears in record agreements (If you agree to deliver to the record company a commercially acceptable recording). Generally means one that is reasonably consistent with your previous work and has a chance of selling in the present market. The wording should be avoided.