Before you create your Band Partnership Agreement, you should have an open discussion with all active band members. Consider things like profit and loss distribution, voting, and management issues. Preparation will make the creation process easier for everyone.
Then, complete the following five steps to create your contract:
1. Provide band details
Include band information like the formation date, name, and address. If your band doesn’t have its own address, you can use the address of a band member or the premises you use for practice.
Make sure you name the state you will be operating in. Because different jurisdictions have their own laws and legal requirements, the state you choose to complete your agreement under will decide which state law governs your band.
List names and addresses of all band members. You should also note the percentages of profits and losses each member will be responsible for. If you want the band to have a leader, choose which member will have the leadership role.
3. Outline voting details
Voting can be on a one-vote-per-member basis or by profit share. If any member has a tie-breaking vote, name them. You should also decide who has the authority to bind the band in contracts and what percentage a vote must meet to pass.
Choose the band’s accounting method, which can be done on either cash or accrual basis.
- Cash basis means that any spending or income is recorded upon receipt or payment, regardless of when it occurs.
- Accrual basis means that any spending or income is recorded as it occurs, regardless of the actual date of receipt or payment.
Next, decide your fiscal year-end date, which will set your band’s tax year. You can choose to follow the calendar year and set the end date for December 31st, or you can choose any other date.
You will also need to settle on the maximum amount a member can spend on behalf of the band without consent from other members. Any expense that exceeds this amount has to be discussed and voted on by the group.
5. Detail management issues
There are only a few more details you need to finish up your Band Partnership Agreement. All of these are important decisions that can significantly impact your band. Ensure all band members understand these terms before you complete and sign the agreement.
- Joining or leaving the band: Choose if adding a new member demands a unanimous or majority vote. You should also decide how much notice a member should give before leaving the band.
- Band breakup: Note the percentage of votes needed to dissolve the band. Decide if some members are so vital that their departure will automatically break up the band. You will also need to settle what happens to the band’s name after you disband.
- Mediation/arbitration: Setting terms for handling conflict can help guide your band through internal disputes. Disputes can go directly to arbitration, where an impartial arbitrator settles the dispute. Alternatively, you can attempt mediation before arbitration, where you first try to resolve the dispute with a neutral mediator.