How to Break Free from a Bad Management Deal: A Guide for Established Music Artists

So, you've made it. The crowds are bigger, the checks are fatter, and the spotlight is finally shining on you. But behind the scenes, there's one lingering issue: you’re stuck in a management deal that no longer serves you—or maybe never did.

Unfortunately, this is a common reality for many successful artists. The very people who helped get you started are now holding you back. Maybe your manager is taking too big a cut. Maybe they’re not doing the work. Or maybe you simply outgrew them.

If you're in this boat, here are concrete steps you can take to start reclaiming control over your career:

1. Review Your Contract (With a Lawyer)

This is your first and most critical step. Don’t rely on memory or assumptions. Dig up the actual agreement and have an entertainment lawyer go through it with you line by line. You're looking for:

• Term: When does the agreement end? Are there automatic renewals?
  
• Termination Clause: Can you exit early? Are there penalties?
  
• Sunset Clause: Will they continue earning commissions after the deal ends—and if so, for how long?
  
• Exclusivity and Commission Terms: Are they blocking you from hiring other people or earning from other ventures?
  
  

Knowledge is power. You can’t negotiate what you don’t understand.

2. Gather Evidence of Mismanagement or Breach

If your manager is not performing as promised—or worse, mismanaging your career or funds—you may have legal grounds to terminate the contract early. Start documenting:

• Missed opportunities
  
• Lack of communication
  
• Unfulfilled responsibilities outlined in your agreement
  
• Any questionable financial decisions or lack of transparency
  
  

This documentation can strengthen your position in negotiations—or court, if it comes to that.

3. Renegotiate

If your manager still wants to work with you and is open to discussion, this may be your best option. Use your success and leverage to renegotiate:

• Lower commission rates
  
• Shorter contract terms
  
• Greater flexibility or shared responsibilities
  
• A buyout to end the deal early
  
  

Tip: Approach this as a business decision, not an emotional one. Even if things feel personal, the goal is a clean and fair resolution.

4. Offer a Buyout

Sometimes, the fastest way out is to buy your freedom. If your manager is entitled to future commissions under a sunset clause or the agreement still has time left, you can offer a lump-sum payment to walk away.

Make sure your attorney helps negotiate and draft the release agreement to avoid future claims.

5. Prepare for the Long Game (Litigation as a Last Resort)

If negotiations fail and your manager refuses to budge, you may need to go the legal route. Litigation can be expensive, time-consuming, and public—but if the contract is abusive or your manager acted in bad faith, you may have a strong case.

Your legal team can assess whether the agreement is unconscionable or if there are violations of fiduciary duty that justify termination.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Team That Matches Your Level

You’ve put in the work. You’ve grown. And now, your team should grow with you—or get out of the way. Don’t let guilt, fear, or loyalty keep you in a deal that’s stalling your momentum. Protect your brand. Protect your earnings. Protect your peace.

Getting out of a bad deal isn’t easy—but it’s possible, and it’s worth it.

If you’re an artist ready to take back control, let’s talk. I help artists renegotiate and restructure their management and business relationships so they can focus on what they do best—creating.

Schedule a confidential strategy session today here.