Video & Audio Invoice Template

Free Recording Artist Invoice Template

Invoice clients for session recording, featured artist work, and sync licensing. Get paid on time with Tidybill.

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What is a Recording Artist invoice?

A recording artist invoice documents fees for professional music performance and recording services, including studio session work, featured artist collaborations, sync licensing deals, and live performance bookings. Recording artists who work as session vocalists or instrumentalists invoice producers, labels, and advertising clients for their performance services. Featured artist arrangements typically involve an upfront fee plus a negotiated royalty share. Sync licensing (licensing an artist's recording for use in film, TV, advertising, or gaming) is invoiced through a sync licence agreement and may involve both a synchronisation licence fee and a master use licence fee. A professional invoice protects the artist's rights and ensures timely payment.

What to include on a Recording Artist invoice

Common recording artist invoice line items

Service Typical Rate Unit
Studio Session Vocal Performance £150 - £500 per session
Featured Artist Fee £500 - £5,000+ per song
Sync Licence (TV, one year) £500 - £5,000 per licence
Advertising Sync (national TV, 1 year) £2,000 - £20,000+ per licence
Jingle / Bespoke Composition £500 - £5,000 per project
Live Performance Fee £200 - £5,000+ per performance

How to invoice as a recording artist

Invoice session fees promptly after the recording session with Net 14 terms. Featured artist fees should be collected before the release of the track, not after. For sync deals, invoice the sync and master use licence fees before granting permission for the use of the recording. Royalty arrangements are separate from the upfront fee and are documented in recording agreements; reference the agreement on the invoice but document royalty terms separately.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I invoice for session vocal work?
Session vocalists typically charge a flat session fee covering a set number of hours in the studio plus unlimited takes (within reason). Net 14 on completion of the session is standard. Keep records of all session work for tax purposes as session income can accumulate quickly across multiple projects.
What is the difference between a synchronisation licence and a master use licence?
A synchronisation licence covers the use of the musical composition (the song itself) in audio-visual media. A master use licence covers the use of a specific recording of that song. Both are typically required for sync placements in film and TV. If you own both the composition and the recording, you grant both licences — invoice both fees.
How do I handle a featured artist arrangement?
A featured artist fee is typically a flat upfront payment plus a negotiated royalty share on the master recording. Collect the upfront fee before the track is released. The royalty share is documented in a separate feature artist agreement. Do not confuse the upfront fee with the ongoing royalty entitlement — both require separate documentation.
Do I need to charge VAT on music session work?
If your total annual turnover from music work (and any other self-employed income) exceeds the VAT threshold, you must register and charge VAT. Below the threshold, you are not required to charge VAT. Many session musicians remain below the VAT threshold, but if you are also performing live and licensing music, combined income may push you over.
How do I price a live performance fee?
Live performance fees depend on your profile, venue capacity, the type of event (private, corporate, festival), and whether travel and accommodation are covered separately. Corporate events typically pay higher fees than public performances. Negotiate fees before agreeing to perform and get all terms in writing before the event date.
Can I use this template for free?
Yes. Tidybill's free plan lets you create up to 5 invoices per month at no cost, with no credit card required. You can use the Recording Artist invoice template straight away after signing up.