Taking control of your art, your business, and your future

 

Introduction

For many artists, the word “company” sounds corporate, boring, or even restrictive. After all, music is about creativity — not paperwork.

But here’s the truth: the most successful artists don’t just think like creatives, they act like businesses.

By setting up a Pty Ltd company, you’re not selling out or becoming a cog in a machine — you’re building a structure that gives you control, protects your bookings, and unlocks opportunities that sole traders simply don’t have.

At SetGo.pro, we help artists do exactly that. Here’s why it matters.

1. Protect Your Bookings

Venues and festivals are under pressure to comply with superannuation laws. If you perform as a sole trader, they may be legally required to pay your super on top of your fee.

This adds risk, admin, and cost for the venue — which is why more and more are starting to prefer (or even require) artists to be booked through a company.

By setting up your own company, you make it easier for venues to say yes to your gig.

2. Control Your Super and Compliance

As a sole trader, your super obligations are messy. You may not even know you’re entitled to super from venues — and venues often don’t either.

As a company, you employ yourself. That means you take control of your own super, payroll, and tax. You decide what to contribute, and when. No surprises. No missed entitlements.

3. Pay Less Tax and Keep More of Your Income

Companies in Australia pay a flat tax rate of 25%. As an individual, your tax rate can climb to 47%.

By running your music career through a company, you can:

• Retain profits in the business at the lower company rate

• Deduct legitimate business expenses

• Smooth out your income year-to-year

• Potentially split income with other directors or shareholders (e.g., family members)

This means more of your money stays with you and your music.

4. Access Funding, Grants and Opportunities

Most government and arts funding bodies look more favourably on companies than on sole traders. Having a company:

• Signals professionalism

• Makes you eligible for a wider range of grants

• Improves your credibility with agents, festivals, and sponsors

When you operate as a company, you’re not “just another ABN” — you’re an entity that others can trust.

5. Protect Yourself With Limited Liability

As a sole trader, you are the business. If something goes wrong — a cancellation, a lawsuit, a tax issue — your personal assets (like your house or savings) can be on the line.

A Pty Ltd company gives you a legal shield. Your liability is limited, meaning your personal assets are protected if your business faces risks.

For an industry that often deals with last-minute changes, unpredictable events, and tight contracts, this protection is invaluable.

6. Build Long-Term Value

A company isn’t just a tax structure — it’s an asset. Over time, your company can:

• Build a reputation and brand separate from your personal name

• Hold rights, recordings, and intellectual property

• Employ others, from session musicians to staff

• Open doors for collaborations, sponsorships, and investment

Think beyond this weekend’s gig. With a company, you’re building a platform for your career’s future.

7. Look Professional, Stay Independent

Being a company doesn’t mean you’re less creative. It means you’re taken more seriously.

Agents, venues, and industry partners want to work with professionals. A company gives you:

• Clear invoicing

• Proper contracts

• A professional image

You stay independent and in control, but with the structure that makes people trust you.

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How SetGo.pro Helps Artists

At SetGo.pro, we know the creative world is different. That’s why we’ve built services designed specifically for performers and artists:

• We set up your Pty Ltd company quickly and affordably

• Get you running on Xero, tailored for music and live performance

• Manage your super, payroll, BAS, and tax

• Help you issue professional invoices and contracts

• Keep you compliant without drowning you in admin

You make the music. We take care of the rest.

Our Message to Artists

Becoming a company isn’t about losing your independence. It’s about protecting it.

It means:

• More gigs and fewer compliance issues

• Keeping more of what you earn

• Accessing opportunities that sole traders miss

• Protecting yourself legally and financially

The best time to set up your company was yesterday. The next best time is today.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you want to secure your bookings, reduce your tax, and build a future-proof career, the smartest move you can make is to become a company.

Visit SetGo.pro today and let’s get you structured.