[Sacalait]

Some of this stuff is meant to be funny but the topic is serious- if you're in the business full time.

My number one way to "ruin your music business" is to NOT use a contract.

My contracts are legal documents, yes. However, its also a model of a 'work order'. That is, the contract states what the client can expect from me and visa versa. This way when anything unforseen pops up, I can quote the contract both of us signed- and thus agreed to. I've learned to include 'limitations' (sessions by appointment only, a limitation of time in the studio, a non-exclusive clause, etc.). Whenever I encounter an 'issue' with a client, I write the solution/limitation into the contract for the next project.

It's the only way to do business professionally.