Door Split

Definition

A door split is a payment arrangement where the artist receives a percentage of the ticket or door revenue instead of (or in addition to) a fixed guarantee. Common splits range from 60/40 to 80/20 in favor of the artist.

Context & Usage

Door splits are common for emerging artists or smaller venues where a fixed guarantee would be too risky for the promoter. The split should be clearly defined in the contract: what counts as "door revenue" (ticket sales only, or including bar?), when the count happens, and how the artist verifies the numbers. Some contracts combine a smaller guarantee with a door split above a certain threshold.

Related Terms