After a run of sold-out shows, the contract lands on a Monday with a note: sign by Friday or the offer goes. Someone adds that it is a standard contract and everyone signs it. The fear of losing your big chance makes you want to sign before you have even read the first page.
Pressure to sign fast is a red flag, not a reason. Others to watch for are all rights forever and everywhere, no promise to release your music within a set time, no royalty statements or audit rights, the other side's lawyer offering to "explain it" to you, and pages "to be added later". Reply politely that you need time for a legal review, because serious partners will wait. A first offer is just a first offer, and your streams on Boomplay, Audiomack and Spotify, your loyal home crowd and your sold-out shows are your leverage.
Before you sign anything significant, have it reviewed by a lawyer who works only for you, as many will for a fixed fee, or ask your collection society or local creative hub about legal clinics. Once you sign, put every term date, option deadline and reversion date in your calendar. Music Contracts 101 shows you how to spot red flags and negotiate from strength. Take the course on Crux Global Academy: cruxmusic.global/academycrux.
