A template agreement between an artist/label and a music producer for recording services. For reference and guidance only, consult a qualified entertainment lawyer before signing.
Understanding Producer Deals in India
Music producers in India work under a variety of arrangements. Before drafting any agreement, it is essential to agree on the fundamental structure:
Work-for-hire
The producer is paid a flat fee for their services. They have no ownership of the master recording and no ongoing royalty. The artist/label owns 100% of the master. Most common for independent artists commissioning producers for specific tracks.
POINTS DEAL (Royalty Share): The producer receives a percentage of master royalties ("points") in addition to or instead of an upfront fee. Typically 2-5% of master royalties. More common with established producers and label projects.
Co-ownership
Producer and artist co-own the master recording. Unusual in India but relevant for true collaborative projects. Requires detailed legal documentation.
Publishing Credit
If the producer contributes to the melody or arrangement in a significant creative way, they may be entitled to a percentage of the composition (songwriting) credit. This must be agreed separately via the Co-Writer Split Sheet. A production fee does NOT automatically grant publishing credit.
Producer Agreement
This Producer Agreement ("Agreement") is made as of [DATE] between:
ARTIST / LABEL ("Artist"): Name / Entity: Address: PAN Number:
And
Producer
Name: Address: PAN Number: IPRS Membership No. (if applicable):
1. Services
1.1 The Producer agrees to produce the following recordings for the Artist:
1.2 Production services include: arrangement, programming, recording, and delivery of final mixed-ready stems/files in the agreed format.
1.3 Production does NOT include mixing and mastering unless specifically agreed below:
- Mixing included in this agreement
- Mastering included in this agreement
2. Deliverables
- Fully mixed and mastered WAV files (24-bit / 44.1kHz)
- Individual instrument tracks exported
3. Compensation
OPTION B, POINTS DEAL (Royalties): 3.1 The Artist shall pay the Producer:
- "Net receipts" means monies actually received by the Artist from exploitation of the master recording(s) after deduction of distribution fees, mechanical royalty payments to co-writers, and applicable taxes.
Option C, Combination
4. GST and TDS
4.1 GST: Production services are subject to 18% GST. The Producer shall issue a GST-compliant invoice if GST-registered. The Artist shall pay GST on the invoice in addition to the Production Fee.
4.2 TDS: If the Artist (or their company) is making TDS-applicable payments under Section 194C, TDS at 1% (individuals/HUF) or 2% (companies) shall be deducted at source. The Producer's PAN number is required. Form 16A shall be provided within the prescribed timeframe.
5. Ownership of Master Recording
OPTION A, Work-for-Hire: 5.1 The recordings produced under this Agreement are created as works made for hire. The Artist (or label) shall be the sole and exclusive owner of all copyrights in the master recordings.
5.2 The Producer waives all moral rights in the master recordings to the fullest extent permissible under the Copyright Act, 1957 (India).
6. Publishing / Composition Rights
6.1 This Agreement covers production services only. It does NOT grant the Producer any interest in the musical compositions (songwriting/publishing rights) unless separately agreed in a Co-Writer Split Sheet.
6.2 If the Producer contributed to the melody, arrangement, or lyrics in a manner that qualifies as authorship under Indian copyright law, a separate Co-Writer Split Sheet must be completed and signed by all parties.
7. Credit
7.1 The Artist shall credit the Producer as follows on all commercial releases: Produced by: [Producer Name]
7.2 The Producer's credit shall appear on: [ ] Physical releases [ ] Digital release metadata [ ] All promotional materials [ ] Music videos
8. Revisions and Approvals
9. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of India. Disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts at [City], India.
Signatures
Artist
Producer
DISCLAIMER: Template only. Not legal advice.
Free to use · Part of the Indie Music India toolkit · Updated September 2026