Fee, contract, responsibility: how to protect yourself in the music business

"I played the gig - but the fee never came."
"There was nothing in the contract about accommodation - so I slept on someone's couch."
"I recorded a song - and suddenly it was online without my name."

These are all real situations from the music business.
And they often happen because many musicians have never learned how to protect themselves legally and economically.

That's why I'm sharing concrete basics here that you can implement immediately - without studying law, but with real effect:

1. you need a fee mindset
If you want to professionalize music, you have to treat your work as such.
Ask at every gig:

• What is the budget?

• Is there technology, accommodation, catering?

• Do you have a contract - or do you need one?
  Tip: Make a fee checklist in your notes app. Go through it every time. You'll be more confident.

2. make contracts the norm
A contract not only protects the organizer - it protects you.
If there is no contract, at least send a confirmation by email:

• Date, time, fee, technique, payment deadline, contact person.
  That's often enough to cover your back. And you automatically come across as professional.

3. state your conditions clearly - in a friendly but firm manner
You can say:
"For gigs with a playing time of more than 30 minutes, my minimum fee is XY euros."
Or: "I need at least two hours before the gig for sound check & preparation."
This is not arrogance. It's respect for your work.

4. if you publish music - clarify your rights
Do you have a contract with the producer?
Is it clear who has the master rights?
Is your song registered with GEMA or another collecting society?
You don't have to do it all yourself - but you should know what is important.

I always say in my music coaching sessions:
You are not difficult if you set clear conditions. You are professional.

If you have questions about fees, contracts or your next booking - get support. You are not alone. And you can learn to protect yourself without losing your spirit.

Kind regards