r/ArtistsWithoutAgents

Here's something I come across quite often: a lot of self-booking artists sign a venue offer like it's set in stone, not realizing that they're allowed to negotiate clauses that they don't agree with. Months down the line, they get bitten in the ass over something they could've disputed in the first place before signing.

Some examples I've seen artists win:

• Deposit. Percentage upfront, paid on signing. Plenty of artists get this just by asking.
• Cancellation. What happens if a show gets cancelled for whatever reason, and the terms depending on who cancels it.
• Hospitality. What it means for both parties and what it covers. Most often disputes happen here because the expectations differ on both sides.

Where did the lines cross for you, and did you dispute and win any clauses before signing?

Also, did you learn anything that wasn't worth fighting over?