Opening The Talk
"Selector, I need to have a frank conversation about the business side of the sound. I fully respect your musical gift and the culture we represent — but as the owner who invests in every speaker, amplifier, dub plate, and transportation, I’ve been left completely in the dark regarding gig income. I cover all expenses while you pocket the majority of earnings. That dynamic ends today."
Presenting The Facts
"Let me be clear: In the last six months, I’ve paid for equipment repairs, new dubplates, vehicle rental, and promotion — totalling thousands of dollars. Meanwhile, every dance we played, you collected the fee and never shared a breakdown. I don’t know how much we earned, who booked us, or where the money went. This is not partnership; it's exploitation of my investment."
New Deal Moving Forward
"From now on, every single booking must be communicated to me before confirmation. All income will be deposited into a shared business account (or tracked through a transparent spreadsheet). The split is as follows: 70% owner (covers gear, dubplates, overhead), 30% selector (performance & selection). I also require a full accounting of all past gigs from the last 12 months."
"When I started this sound system, I bought every piece of equipment: the subs, tops, amplifiers, cables, and every single dub plate. I pay for storage, insurance, and maintenance. You came on as selector because of your skill, and I gave you freedom to book gigs and manage the performance side. But lately I realized: I have zero insight into the finances. You collect the money from promoters, you keep it all, and I’m still paying for gasoline, new vinyl, and repairing blown speakers after each dance.
That is not a fair exchange. I respect the craft, but business must be balanced. Last week, I found out we played three major events that I never even knew about. I didn't see one dollar. Meanwhile my credit card statement shows $1400 for a new preamp and custom dubplate. This cannot continue.
I’m asking for three things:
➤ Full disclosure of all gig income, past and future. We will sit together and list every show from the last 12 months with the amount paid.
➤ A new transparent system: from now on, all bookings go through me first. Payments must be made to the sound system account, not your personal cash.
➤ Fair revenue split: I take 70% to cover all capital costs, you take 30% for your selector duties. This is generous considering I own everything.
If you believe this arrangement doesn’t work for you, then we part ways as professionals. I built this system with my own resources, and I refuse to be left in the dark while you profit alone. I need your answer today, and I need a written record of our agreement. One Love — but business is business."
Operational Reset — Binding expectations
Gig visibility
Selector must provide promoter name, date, venue, and guaranteed fee at least 7 days in advance. No secret bookings.
Payment structure
All fees deposited into shared account (or cash logged with digital receipt). Owner disperses selector percentage within 48h after gig.
Retroactive audit
Selector must provide a good-faith accounting of past events for last 12 months. Unaccounted income must be partially reconciled via future reduced split until balanced.
Written agreement
Both parties sign a simple sound system operator agreement detailing split, expense responsibilities, and termination clause.
If Selector denies / gets defensive
"Selector, I'm not accusing you of malice, but facts don't lie. Show me receipts or bank deposits for any gig. If you can't, then we have to assume income was mishandled. The only path forward is transparency. Without it, I cannot trust you to represent my sound system."
If they ask for higher split
"I own every piece of gear, every dub plate, every promotional flyer. You show up and select. 30% is more than fair for a selector role. If you want 50%, then you must co-invest in equipment and share liability. Otherwise this split stays as offered."
Ultimatum & consequence
"I need your commitment by Friday. If you refuse to provide transparency, I will immediately suspend you from all upcoming gigs, and I will find a new selector who respects sound system business ethics. No hard feelings, but survival of the system comes first."
✍🏿 DRAFT AGREEMENT LANGUAGE (FOR SIGNATURE)
📄 SOUND SYSTEM OPERATING AGREEMENT — [Sound Name]
Owner: [Your Name] – owns all audio equipment, dubplates, transportation, and assumes gear liability.
Selector: [Selector Name] – responsible for track selection, performance, and assisting with load-in/out.
1. All bookings must be approved in writing by Owner before confirmation.
2. Gross performance fees will be deposited into a shared tracking sheet / account. Within 48 hours, Owner distributes 30% to Selector, 70% retained for expenses/owner equity.
3. Selector shall not collect money directly from promoters without Owner present.
4. Any past undisclosed income shall be addressed by Selector providing full documentation within 14 days; failure to comply may result in immediate termination.
5. Either party may terminate with 14 days notice if transparency obligations are breached.
___________________ (Owner) ___________________ (Selector)
Date: _________
OWNER'S MANTRA: RESPECT THE INVESTMENT
You built the sound system from the ground up. Every speaker, every custom dubplate carries your financial sacrifice. A selector is a vital role — but never forget: ownership holds the power. Use these words with dignity, firmness, and a clear structure. After the conversation, follow up in writing (email/text) summarizing agreed terms. If behavior does not change, take decisive action — there are many selectors who respect business boundaries.