An artist management contract grants a manager 15–20% commission on the artist's entertainment income for a 1–3 year term (often with option extensions tied to performance milestones). The clauses that decide whether the deal ages well: the commission base (gross vs. net, and which income streams), the sunset clause that tapers post-term commissions (e.g., full rate for 1–2 years on deals made during the term, then stepping down to zero), key-person protection, expense approval thresholds, and California/New York rules that bar managers from procuring employment without a talent-agency license.
Artist Management Agreement Template
Reviewed by the Agiled editorial teamUpdated June 2026
A management deal is the longest financial relationship most artists will sign — and the terms that matter aren't the commission percentage everyone fixates...
Part of our free contract template library — 75+ agreements in Word and PDF, ready to customize and sign.
Full template text
ARTIST MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
Date: _______________
PARTIES
This Artist Management Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between:
Artist: _____________ ("Artist"), professionally known as _____________, with a mailing address of _____________
Manager: _____________ ("Manager"), doing business as _____________, with a mailing address of _____________
Key Person (if Manager is a company): _____________ shall serve as the primary individual responsible for managing the Artist's career.
CLAUSE 1 — ENGAGEMENT AND EXCLUSIVITY
The Artist hereby engages the Manager as the Artist's exclusive personal manager in the entertainment industry, including but not limited to music, live performance, recorded media, digital content, merchandising, endorsements, and related activities ("Entertainment Activities"). The Manager accepts such engagement and agrees to perform the duties set forth herein.
This engagement is exclusive. The Artist shall not engage any other personal manager for Entertainment Activities during the term of this Agreement without the Manager's prior written consent.
CLAUSE 2 — MANAGER'S DUTIES
The Manager shall use best efforts to advance the Artist's career, including but not limited to:
(a) Advising the Artist on all matters relating to the Artist's Entertainment Activities, including creative direction, branding, and public image.
(b) Coordinating with the Artist's booking agent, attorney, accountant, publicist, and other representatives.
(c) Reviewing and advising on contracts, deals, and business opportunities presented to the Artist. The Manager shall not provide legal advice but shall coordinate with the Artist's attorney on legal matters.
(d) Seeking and developing opportunities for the Artist in recording, performing, publishing, licensing, endorsement, and media.
(e) Overseeing the Artist's day-to-day business affairs as they relate to Entertainment Activities.
(f) Managing the Artist's social media presence and digital brand in coordination with the Artist's approval.
(g) Preparing and maintaining budgets and financial reports related to the Artist's Entertainment Activities.
CLAUSE 3 — ARTIST'S DUTIES
The Artist shall:
(a) Devote sufficient time and energy to their Entertainment Activities.
(b) Attend meetings, rehearsals, performances, and promotional events as reasonably required.
(c) Cooperate with the Manager's efforts and make timely decisions on business matters.
(d) Conduct themselves professionally in all public and industry interactions.
(e) Promptly notify the Manager of any offers, inquiries, or business opportunities received directly.
CLAUSE 4 — COMMISSION
The Artist shall pay the Manager a commission of _____% of the Artist's Gross Income from Entertainment Activities.
"Gross Income" means all income, compensation, fees, royalties, advances, guarantees, bonuses, and other earnings received by the Artist from Entertainment Activities, before deduction of expenses, taxes, or other costs, but excluding:
- Income from non-entertainment employment
- Gifts and inheritances
- Investment income unrelated to Entertainment Activities
- Songwriting/publishing income on works created before the date of this Agreement (if applicable)
The commission shall be calculated and paid as income is received by the Artist. The Artist shall pay the Manager's commission within _____________ days of receiving the commissionable income.
CLAUSE 5 — TERM
The initial term of this Agreement shall be _____________ year(s) from the date of execution ("Initial Term").
The Manager shall have _____________ option(s) to extend the term for additional periods of _____________ year(s) each ("Option Period(s)"), provided the following performance benchmarks are met during the preceding period:
- The Artist's Gross Income from Entertainment Activities equals or exceeds $_____________ during the preceding term/option period, OR
The Manager shall exercise each option by providing written notice to the Artist at least thirty (30) days before the expiration of the current term or option period.
CLAUSE 6 — SUNSET CLAUSE (POST-TERMINATION COMMISSIONS)
Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement, the Manager shall continue to receive commissions on:
(a) All income derived from agreements, contracts, and commitments entered into or substantially negotiated during the term ("Existing Deals").
(b) Income from Existing Deals shall be commissioned as follows:
- Year 1 after termination: _____% (full commission rate)
- Year 2 after termination: _____% (reduced rate)
- Year 3 after termination: _____% (further reduced rate)
- Thereafter: No further commission
(c) The Manager shall not earn commission on new agreements entered into after termination that are not renewals or extensions of Existing Deals.
CLAUSE 7 — EXPENSES
The Manager shall bear their own overhead expenses (office, phone, general travel). The following expenses shall be reimbursed by the Artist upon submission of receipts:
- Travel expenses for trips specifically undertaken on the Artist's behalf (pre-approved by the Artist)
- Promotional materials and marketing costs (pre-approved by the Artist)
- Third-party professional services retained on the Artist's behalf (attorney, accountant, publicist)
Expenses exceeding $_____________ individually or $_____________ in aggregate per month require the Artist's prior written approval.
CLAUSE 8 — POWER OF ATTORNEY
The Artist grants the Manager limited power of attorney to:
[ ] Endorse and deposit checks payable to the Artist for Entertainment Activities income
[ ] Sign performance agreements and appearance contracts with a value of $_____________ or less
[ ] Sign routine administrative documents on the Artist's behalf
The Artist does not grant the Manager power of attorney to:
- Sign recording contracts, publishing agreements, or management/agency agreements
- Enter into agreements exceeding $_____________ in value
- Take any action that creates a financial obligation exceeding $_____________ without the Artist's express written consent
CLAUSE 9 — ACCOUNTING AND AUDIT
The Manager shall maintain accurate books and records of all income received and commissions collected on the Artist's behalf. The Manager shall provide the Artist with quarterly statements within thirty (30) days of each quarter's end.
The Artist shall have the right to audit the Manager's books and records upon thirty (30) days' written notice, at the Artist's expense. If the audit reveals a discrepancy of more than ___% in the Manager's favor, the Manager shall bear the cost of the audit and promptly refund the overpayment.
CLAUSE 10 — KEY PERSON
If the Key Person identified in this Agreement ceases to be actively involved in the day-to-day management of the Artist's career (due to departure from the management company, disability, or other reason), the Artist shall have the right to terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days' written notice.
CLAUSE 11 — TERMINATION
(a) By Either Party for Cause: Either Party may terminate this Agreement upon thirty (30) days' written notice if the other Party materially breaches any provision and fails to cure within the notice period.
(b) By Artist for Non-Performance: The Artist may terminate if the Manager fails to meet the performance benchmarks set forth in Clause 5 during any term or option period.
(c) By Artist — Key Person Departure: As provided in Clause 10.
(d) By Either Party — Disability: If either Party is unable to perform for a continuous period of _____________ days due to disability or incapacity.
(e) Upon Termination: All rights and obligations terminate except for the sunset provisions in Clause 6, the accounting and audit provisions in Clause 9, the confidentiality obligations, and any accrued but unpaid commissions.
CLAUSE 12 — CONFIDENTIALITY
Each Party shall keep confidential all non-public information about the other Party's business, finances, and personal affairs. This obligation survives termination of this Agreement.
CLAUSE 13 — REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
Each Party represents that they have the legal authority to enter into this Agreement and that this Agreement does not conflict with any other agreement to which they are a party.
The Manager represents that they are not a licensed talent agency and will not procure employment for the Artist in jurisdictions where such activity requires a talent-agency license, unless the Manager holds such a license.
CLAUSE 14 — DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Any dispute arising under this Agreement shall first be submitted to mediation. If mediation fails to resolve the dispute within thirty (30) days, either Party may pursue binding arbitration in _____________ (city/state) or litigation in the courts of the State of _____________.
CLAUSE 15 — GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of _____________.
CLAUSE 16 — ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties and supersedes all prior negotiations and agreements. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both Parties.
SIGNATURES
Artist: ___________________________ Date: _______________
Printed Name: ___________________________
Manager: ___________________________ Date: _______________
Printed Name and Title: ___________________________
- Commission
- 15% – 20% of entertainment income
- Term
- 1 – 3 years + option periods
- Sunset clause
- Tapers to zero over 1 – 3 years post-term
- Booking gigs
- Licensed agents only, in CA & NY
What your artist management contract should cover
Scope of management
Career guidance, strategy, deal oversight, and day-to-day representation across named activities (recording, live, brand partnerships, sync). Anything excluded — acting, an existing side business — listed explicitly.
Commission rate and base
15–20% is standard, but the base decides the money: gross income versus net after expenses, and which streams count. Touring often commissions on net after costs; many deals exclude songwriter royalties from co-writes predating the term, advances earmarked for recording costs, and the artist's own invested capital.
Term and option periods
An initial 1–3 year term, with extensions the manager earns — options exercisable only if income or milestone targets were met. Automatic multi-year renewals without performance gates are the artist-side red flag.
Sunset clause
The most negotiated clause in management: post-term, the manager commissions deals substantially negotiated during the term at the full rate for 1–2 years, stepping down (e.g., to half rate) and ending entirely by year 3–5. No sunset means paying two managers simultaneously after a switch.
Talent-agency boundary
In California (Talent Agencies Act) and New York, procuring employment — booking shows, soliciting roles — legally belongs to licensed agents. Managers who book without a license risk having the entire contract voided and commissions disgorged. The contract should route booking through licensed agents.
Expenses and approval thresholds
Which expenses the manager fronts versus the artist funds, recoupment terms, and an approval threshold (expenses above, say, $500 need the artist's sign-off). Itemized monthly statements, always.
Key-person clause
When the artist signed for a specific manager at a company, the deal should terminate or become assignable at the artist's option if that person leaves. Without it, the artist belongs to a company, not a manager.
Accounting and audit rights
Where money flows (ideally to the artist's account or a business manager, not through the manager's), monthly statements, and the artist's right to audit on notice. Money handling is where management relationships end badly.
Authority limits
What the manager may approve alone versus what needs the artist's signature — long-term agreements, spending over thresholds, and anything binding the artist's name and likeness should require the artist.
Termination
Notice period, what triggers cause-based exit (failure to perform duties, money mishandling), and the survival of the sunset terms — which is the whole point of having negotiated them.
Standard artist management terms (U.S., 2026)
| Term | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commission | 15% – 20% | 25% appears in development deals |
| Initial term | 1 – 3 years | Plus milestone-gated options |
| Sunset: full commission | 1 – 2 years post-term | On term-era deals only |
| Sunset: step-down to zero | By year 3 – 5 | Half-rate middle period common |
| Expense approval threshold | $250 – $1,000 | Above needs artist sign-off |
| Touring commission base | Net after costs | Gross-based deals disfavored |
| Booking authority | Licensed agents | CA TAA / NY licensing rules |
Management terms vary with leverage and career stage. California and New York regulate employment procurement strictly; have any management deal reviewed by an entertainment attorney before signing — both sides benefit from an enforceable contract.
How artist management contracts work in practice
The development-stage signing
An emerging artist signs with a manager investing real time before real income exists. The fair structure: a shorter initial term (1–2 years) with options the manager earns by hitting milestones (a label deal, an income threshold, a touring level), commission at 15–20% with development expenses tracked and recouped transparently rather than a higher rate forever. Artists should resist long automatic terms at this stage — the leverage asymmetry is at its peak, and the sunset clause negotiated now is the one that governs later success.
The established artist's renegotiation
When the option period arrives with momentum behind the artist, the renegotiation typically moves three levers: the commission base narrows (touring to net, exclusions for passive catalog income), the sunset shortens, and authority thresholds tighten. Managers trade these for longer committed terms. The deals that survive are the ones where both sides accept the principle: the manager earns on what the manager builds, at rates that step down as their contribution recedes into history.
The manager who books the shows
In most states a manager booking club dates is just hustle. In California it's a Talent Agencies Act violation that can void the entire management contract retroactively — artists have escaped managers and clawed back commissions through the state Labor Commissioner on exactly this theory, and New York runs a similar licensing regime. The compliant structure: the manager strategizes and coordinates while a licensed booking agent procures the employment, with the contract saying so. Managers who shrug at this boundary are volunteering for the dispute.
Mistakes that weaken a artist management contract
Signing without a sunset clause
The post-term tail is where management deals bite hardest: no sunset means full commission on term-era deals indefinitely — and paying the old manager alongside the new one. Negotiate the taper before signing, when everyone still likes each other.
Commission on undifferentiated gross
20% of touring gross can exceed the artist's own take after production costs. Touring on net, recording advances excluded to the extent they fund recording — the base matters more than the rate.
Long terms without performance gates
A five-year automatic term binds the artist through a manager's loss of interest. Short initial terms with option extensions the manager earns keep the incentives aligned.
Money flowing through the manager
Commingled funds are the prologue to most management litigation. Income should land in the artist's account or with a business manager; the manager invoices commission against statements.
No key-person protection
Signing with a star manager at a firm means nothing if that manager leaves and the contract stays. The key-person clause makes the relationship — not the letterhead — the deal.
How to use this template
- 01
Download the artist management contract template in Word or PDF.
- 02
Define the management scope and the income streams the commission applies to — with exclusions listed.
- 03
Set the rate (15–20%), the bases (gross vs. net per stream), and the expense rules with an approval threshold.
- 04
Set the initial term and milestone-gated options, and negotiate the sunset taper.
- 05
Route booking through licensed agents where state law requires, and add key-person and audit clauses.
- 06
Have an entertainment attorney review, then sign — both signatures, every page initialed where required.
Skip this template if…
- Booking representation — that's an agency agreement with a licensed talent agent at ~10%.
- Record label or publishing deals — recording and publishing agreements govern rights and royalties, not management services.
FAQs
What percentage does an artist manager take?
The standard is 15–20% of the artist's entertainment income, with 25% appearing in some development deals. The base matters as much as the rate: touring often commissions on net after costs, and well-drafted deals exclude recording advances spent on recording and income from pre-term catalog.
How long do artist management contracts last?
Typically an initial term of 1–3 years plus option periods the manager earns by hitting milestones — income thresholds, a label deal, touring levels. Long automatic terms without performance gates favor the manager heavily and are a known red flag for artist-side lawyers.
What is a sunset clause in a management contract?
The taper governing post-term commissions: the manager keeps earning on deals substantially made during the term — commonly full rate for 1–2 years, half rate after, ending entirely by year 3–5. Without one, term-era deals commission indefinitely, even while a new manager commissions the same income.
Can a manager book shows for an artist?
In California and New York, procuring employment is legally reserved to licensed talent agents — a manager booking gigs without a license violates the Talent Agencies Act (or NY's licensing rules), which can void the management contract and force commission disgorgement. The compliant model: managers strategize; licensed agents book.
What's the difference between a manager and an agent?
A manager guides overall career strategy and operations across all income streams for 15–20%; an agent procures specific employment — shows, roles, appearances — for typically 10%, under state licensing in California and New York. Most working artists need both, with the contract dividing the lanes.
Should management expenses come out of artist income?
Reasonable, documented expenses are normally recoupable — but the contract should set an approval threshold (artist sign-off above $250–$1,000), require itemized monthly statements, and keep income flowing to the artist's account rather than through the manager's. Audit rights backstop all of it.
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