Features of contracts between labels and performers in the USA: economic and legal aspect

the article reflects the peculiarities of the development of public relations in the field of the music industry in connection with the transition from physical to digital distribution and the growing popularity of streaming services. The author concludes that such drastic changes have led to the popularity of 360 contracts between labels and performers. The study provides brief information on the various types of agreements that exist in the field of sound recording: licensing agreements, buyout agreements, distribution agreements, 360 agreements. Each of these agreements differs in the specifics of the distribution of profits between the parties and the varying degree of assignment of exclusive rights to the created objects. The emphasis is placed on the fact that transactions between labels and performers can hardly be attributed to employment agreements, since the relationship between the parties is more like the cooperation of business partners, rather than a relationship of strict subordination between an employer and an employee. It is concluded that the basis of label deals with the performer is the economic argument of the desire of both sides for the commercial success of the performer, and the benefits are distributed depending on how the artist disposes of his exclusive rights.

licensing agreements, label, artist, distribution deals, 360 contract, royalties, advance payment, copyrights, disposal of rights