Which rights and commitments are already tied to another agreement?
Review existing recording, publishing and management arrangements before accepting a new opportunity.
LEGAL SUPPORT
FOR WHAT’S NEXT.
ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA · NIGERIA
Music Lawyers in Nigeria
Discuss recording, publishing, performance and music collaboration agreements with Laude. Understand rights and commitments before your next music deal.
Lagos, NigeriaWorking with local and international clients.
WHAT WE HELP WITH
Music & Artists: how we help.
A focused scope built around your plans, the documents involved and the decisions that need to be made.
Recording agreements
Review recording obligations, releases, payments and the rights proposed for the label or other recording partner.
Publishing arrangements
Consider how compositions may be administered or used and the commercial arrangements proposed for that relationship.
Performance contracts
Document the performance, payment, cancellation and promotional requirements for a live engagement.
Collaborator and producer terms
Clarify contributions, credits, payment and rights with producers, writers and other collaborators.
WHEN YOU NEED A LAWYER
Common situations we support.
A decision is approaching
You are releasing music, working with a label or collaborating with other writers and producers.
A deal is on the table
A label, manager, producer or brand proposes terms. Understand the commitments alongside existing rights and career plans.
A release is approaching
Contributor records, permissions or delivery terms still need attention before the planned release or campaign.
Income or control is unclear
The parties have different understandings of approvals, payment or future use. Review the agreement before relying on an assumption.
THE DETAIL BEHIND THE DECISION
Understand the bigger picture.
A music career can involve separate relationships with labels, publishers, producers, managers, promoters and distributors. The commitments in one agreement may affect opportunities under another. We help artists and music businesses understand how those arrangements connect, document contributions and review the terms around recording, release, performance and income.
How will contributors share credit, rights and income?
Clear records can help a release move forward without relying on conflicting recollections.
MAKE AN INFORMED NEXT STEP
Look at the rights and relationships behind the music
Bring the full picture to a music-law enquiry: the work being created, the contributors, the proposed release and any existing commitments. Different agreements may deal with different parts of the project.
Recording and release
Review what recordings must be delivered, who can approve their use, what release commitments are documented and which rights are proposed for the recording partner.
Writing and publishing
Identify the writers and the agreements affecting the composition. Keep the proposed permissions and income arrangements clear when discussing publishing or administration terms.
Management and career commitments
Consider the services promised, commission definitions, exclusivity and what may continue after the relationship ends. Existing recording and publishing agreements provide important context.
Distribution and income reporting
Ask which uses the agreement covers, how the payment calculation is defined and what statements support it. A headline percentage needs to be read with deductions, reporting and the rest of the agreement.
Map one release before reviewing the deal
Hypothetical planning example — no artist or client relationship is implied.
| Point to consider | Questions to discuss |
|---|---|
| A track written by collaborators | Who contributed to the composition, and where are the agreed rights and credits recorded? |
| A recording made with a producer | What work, payment, permissions and credits were agreed with the producer and performers? |
| A label or distributor proposes a release | Which rights are requested, for which territories and term, and how will income and statements be handled? |
Bring these details to the first discussion
- Current recording, publishing and management agreements
- Draft offers, schedules and correspondence
- Contributor details and written split or permission records
- Release plans, intended uses and the decisions you need help with
Already have a record or management offer?
Use the deal-review service for advice on a particular recording or management agreement and its continuing commitments.
Need help with a licence or royalty terms?
Focus the review on permitted uses, payment definitions, deductions, reporting and the records needed to understand the calculation.
Ownership or permission is unclear?
Begin with the creation records and contributor agreements before assuming which rights a party can grant.
A CLEAR AND COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
How the process works.
A straightforward process designed to give you clarity, practical advice and a considered next step.
- 1
Define the matter
We start with your objectives and the circumstances behind your music & artists enquiry. The firm confirms whether it can assist and agrees scope and fees.
- 2
Review the information
We consider the relevant records and questions, including recording agreements and publishing arrangements where within scope.
- 3
Explain the decisions
We discuss findings, missing information and the options available. You can ask questions before deciding how you want to proceed.
- 4
Carry out the agreed work
We prepare documents, advise, negotiate or coordinate the steps included in the engagement, with outstanding responsibilities made clear.
PREPARE FOR A USEFUL CONVERSATION
What to have ready.
Prepare draft agreements, contributor details and information about intended distribution.
- Current label, publishing or management agreements
- Draft offers and distribution terms
- Contributor details and agreed splits
- Release plans and relevant correspondence
You do not need every document to make an enquiry. Tell us what is available and what is missing. Wait for our team to confirm the appropriate channel before sending sensitive material.
OUR PEOPLE
Lawyers who understand
the commercial context.
Good advice starts with understanding your objectives and the decisions ahead. The firm will identify the appropriate support once it has assessed your enquiry.
Meet our teamManagement & Record Deals
Understand how a management or recording deal affects control, earnings, commitments and the next stages of your career.
Explore our approach →
Copyright
Clarify rights in music, film, writing, software and other creative work, with agreements that reflect how it will be used.
Explore our expertise →Different
perspectives.
A stronger you.
About our firm →FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your questions,
answered.
Can you review a music deal before I sign?
Yes. Send an initial outline, then provide the complete draft through the channel the team confirms. Existing commitments may also need to be reviewed.
Can you help document an independent release?
We can discuss the agreements and permissions involved with collaborators, producers and distributors. The required scope depends on how the recording was created and will be released.
Will legal advice tell me whether a label is the right career choice?
We can explain legal commitments and commercial provisions in the proposed agreement. Your creative goals and wider career assessment remain important parts of the decision.
What should I prepare for the first discussion?
Prepare draft agreements, contributor details and information about intended distribution. Start with an outline; the team will confirm a suitable channel before requesting sensitive documents.
How are scope, fees and timing agreed?
The work depends on the documents, complexity and decisions involved. We discuss the proposed scope, fees and timing before beginning. Work outside the agreed scope is discussed separately; no fixed fee or completion date is promised here.
Does an enquiry mean the firm is acting for me?
No. The firm must assess the enquiry, check whether it can accept instructions and confirm engagement. Please do not send highly confidential information or assume a deadline has been accepted before that confirmation.
Let’s discuss your next step.
Speak with our team about your legal needs.