No. 01Deal Structure
Exclusivity
Also called exclusive deal, exclusive recording contract, exclusive services
You can only record and release music through this label for the duration of the deal.
Watch closely
Exclusivity is standard, but its scope and carve-outs define how restrictive it really is.
- Appears in
- Recording Agreement, 360 Deal, Distribution Agreement
- Topic
- Deal Scope
- Jurisdiction
- United States
- Reviewed
- July 2026
In plain English
An exclusivity clause prevents you from recording for any other label, releasing music independently, or licensing your recordings to third parties without the label's consent during the contract term. It is the defining feature of a traditional recording agreement.
Why it matters
Exclusivity locks your creative output to one company. If the relationship sours (the label loses interest, key staff leave, or the company is sold), you cannot simply walk away and release elsewhere. Every recording you make during the term belongs to the deal.
Where it can land
The same clause is drafted three ways. These are the positions we see, worst first, so you can tell at a glance which one is in front of you.
- Exclusivity covers all formats worldwide with no carve-outs
- Side project recordings or collaborations automatically become part of the deal
- No suspension clause, contract term pauses while the label is inactive
- Exclusivity extends to non-commercial recordings (demos, charity tracks)
- No carve-out for pre-existing recordings or commitments
- Carve-outs for side projects, guest features, and non-commercial recordings
- Exclusivity limited to commercial recordings in defined genres or territories
The language
The drafting language and the negotiation moves for this clause are part of the workspace.
You have read what the clause means and where the risk sits. The rest is the side-by-side of how it reads when it is against you and when it is not, plus the specific moves that get it there.