The Music Brand Supplier Agreement
A Real-World Guide for Live Performing Musicians Down Under
If you’re in a band, duo, or solo act working with a Music Brand (i.e. a show brand with a manager booking your gigs), you’re going to see more of these agreements.
Why? Because it protects everyone’s arse and cuts through the confusion.
It clarifies:
✅ You’re an independent contractor.
✅ The Music Brand Manager isn’t your boss.
✅ You’re responsible for your own tax, super, insurance.
✅ You get paid for delivering a show (not for turning up).
This guide walks through the clauses, explaining what they mean in plain English, why they matter for your business, and which Australian laws back them.
Let’s go clause by clause.
1. Purpose
What it says:
“This Agreement sets out the terms under which the Supplier agrees to provide results-based musical and related entertainment services...”
In plain English:
This contract is for getting you on stage and delivering a show—not for hours worked.
Why it matters:
Australian law distinguishes employment from Results Based contracting. This clarifies it is Results Based Contracting.
Legislation:
ATO guidelines on contractor vs. employee status
Fair Work Ombudsman definitions
2. Independent Contractor Relationship
Plain English:
You’re not an employee. You run your own business. You work under your own ABN.
Key bits:
You handle your own tax, GST, and super.
You get your own Public Liability Insurance ($20M minimum).
No super or PAYG is payable to you by any Music Brand that you perform with on a Results Based Contract.
Why it matters:
If this isn't clear, the ATO or Fair Work might get confused and decide you are an employee, and the Music Brand Manager owes you super and leave. This protects both sides.
Legislation:
Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992
ATO’s employee vs. contractor rules
3. Scope of Services
Plain English:
You’re being hired to deliver a result—a professional show. Not to turn up for hours and clock a wage.
Why it matters:
Result-based service = contracting. Hourly wage = employment.
It also makes clear you can be asked to record, perform live, or do merch shoots—whatever that show brand needs.
Legislation:
Common law tests for contractor vs employee
4. Shows and Branding
Plain English:
You’re performing under the Music Brand’s Show Name.
You don’t own it.
If you leave, you can say “ex-member” but you don’t get to keep the name.
Why it matters:
Protects the brand from ex-members starting competing acts with the same name.
Legislation:
Trademarks Act 1995 (Cth)
Common law IP ownership
5. Operational Requirements
Plain English:
You get access to the Music Brand Dashboard.
You must respect privacy, security, and code of conduct.
Files and info are confidential.
Why it matters:
You’re handling Client Contact Information, Playlists, Show IP. This keeps it secure and professional.
Legislation:
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
Data Breach Notification Scheme
6. Show Fees and Payment
Plain English:
Each gig has a negotiated fee.
You get paid when the Music Brand Manager gets paid.
You invoice within 7 days. They pay you within 7 days after they’re paid.
Why it matters:
Sets a clear, consistent payment process.
Legislation:
A New Tax System (Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999
Fair Trading principles in Australia
7. Rehearsals
Plain English:
You rehearse as part of your show fee.
No extra payment for learning your parts.
Why it matters:
Prevents arguments about being “paid for rehearsal hours.”
Legislation:
Reinforces contractor result-based payment
8. Performance Standards and Etiquette
Plain English:
Be on time.
Set up early.
Be in costume.
Do meet-and-greets.
Why it matters:
Professional shows need professional conduct.
Legislation:
Occupational Health and Safety obligations (WHS Act 2011 Qld)
Common law duty of care to venue/audience
9. Branding and Marketing
Plain English:
The Music Brand Manager runs marketing for all Shows.
You help by sharing posts.
Why it matters:
Centralised marketing ensures brand consistency.
Legislation:
Australian Consumer Law (ACL) re: advertising
10. Scheduling and Availability
Plain English:
You give 12 months of blocked-out dates.
If you’re sick, a substitute will be booked instead.
Why it matters:
Prevents double-booking and ensures that the Music Brand can deliver to venues as contracted.
Legislation:
Contract certainty, avoidance of breach of booking terms
11. Health and Safety
Plain English:
You read and follow the SWMS.
Equipment must be tagged and tested.
You carry your own Public Liability Insurance.
Why it matters:
Venues require insurance. Legislation in Australia requires safe work.
Legislation:
Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)
Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 (Qld)
Public Liability Insurance industry standard
12. Accommodations and Travel
Plain English:
Twin-share 3-star+ is standard.
You pay for your family and personal guests.
Fly Economy.
Why it matters:
Standardises touring expectations and costs.
Legislation:
Travel policy clarity (contract law)
13. Decision-Making and Disputes
Plain English:
The Music Brand Manager’s word is final on brand and show decisions.
Why it matters:
Avoids endless internal arguments. Keeps the brand consistent.
Legislation:
Contract law - delegation of authority
14. Warranties and Indemnity
Plain English:
You promise you’re free to do this work.
You won’t harm the brand.
You indemnify the Manager if you mess that up.
Why it matters:
Protects the Brand’s reputation and legal standing.
Legislation:
Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (ACL)
Common law indemnity principles
15. General Provisions
Plain English:
Changes need to be in writing.
No sneaky waivers.
If a part fails in court, the rest stands.
In this case, Queensland law applies. (See other State Legislation where needed)
The winner of a legal fight gets costs.
Why it matters:
Keeps the agreement enforceable and fair.
Legislation:
Contract law principles
Civil Proceedings Act 2011 (Qld)
✅ Why You Need This Agreement
Because without it:
The Music Brand Manager might end up legally your employer (and liable for super, tax, insurance).
You might fight over who owns the show name.
Venues could blacklist the Music Brand over sloppy professionalism.
The ATO might audit everyone for not clarifying contractor status.
This Agreement sets expectations.
It protects both sides.
It ensures you’re legally a contractor (with your ABN, GST if registered, insurance).
It’s not about controlling you.
It’s about ensuring professionalism in the music business.
Because if you want to work at a professional level, you need to operate like a business.
If you’re a musician reading this:
✅ Get your ABN.
✅ Get insured.
✅ Read your contract.
✅ Be professional.
Thanks to The Pushworth Group and A Little Pitchy, a free template is available for download - click here. Always consult with your own Accountant and Lawyer.
Written by Nichola Burton. I work in partnership with Agents, Artist Managers and Event Producers, who juggle a diverse range of relationships in the Musoverse, to curate, manage and measure data in systems, experience, creative and content to support the entire Musoverse operation in my enterprise A Little Pitchy Copyright 202
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