"Why is all this so important?"
Posted: Sun Dec 22, 2024 7:28 am
If someone wants a piece of your song down the road, having a split sheet already laid out will save you a lot of trouble. It also simplifies the songwriting process, as it takes away that awkward energy that sometimes comes with dealing with money in any business. Not only that, but copyright organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) , record labels, publishers, and people who may sync your music won't pay if there are any questions about who the creators of the song are and to whom the money should be paid.
Split sheets clearly document each contributor's ownership stake in a song. This clarity helps avoid disputes and misunderstandings over royalty distribution and ensures that all parties business email address list poland receive their fair share of the revenue generated by the song. Not only that, in the event of a dispute or legal issue involving ownership, a well-documented split sheet can provide proof of agreed-upon ownership shares.
Now, you might be thinking… “When should I bring this up?”
Ideally, you want to lay out your split sheet before you go into the studio. That way, everyone involved knows what’s coming and that you’re serious about what you’re doing. You’d be surprised how often artists get carried away by “vibes” when it comes to collaborating with others… (I wish I was joking.) For example, they may be working with friends or possibly someone well-regarded in their community and don’t want to ruin the vibe by talking business, but I assure you that vibes will definitely be ruined when you have to fight with your collaborators over money.
The more clear and direct you are about this, the more respect your colleagues will have for your professionalism. Plus, having everyone on the same page makes things go more smoothly and stress-free right to the end. No stress, no hassle… It’s that easy.
Where to get a FREE split sheet
Our friends at Songtrust offer a FREE split sheet that you can download from their website to make things even easier for you. They also include a sample agreement to help you see what it should look like.
Split sheets clearly document each contributor's ownership stake in a song. This clarity helps avoid disputes and misunderstandings over royalty distribution and ensures that all parties business email address list poland receive their fair share of the revenue generated by the song. Not only that, in the event of a dispute or legal issue involving ownership, a well-documented split sheet can provide proof of agreed-upon ownership shares.
Now, you might be thinking… “When should I bring this up?”
Ideally, you want to lay out your split sheet before you go into the studio. That way, everyone involved knows what’s coming and that you’re serious about what you’re doing. You’d be surprised how often artists get carried away by “vibes” when it comes to collaborating with others… (I wish I was joking.) For example, they may be working with friends or possibly someone well-regarded in their community and don’t want to ruin the vibe by talking business, but I assure you that vibes will definitely be ruined when you have to fight with your collaborators over money.
The more clear and direct you are about this, the more respect your colleagues will have for your professionalism. Plus, having everyone on the same page makes things go more smoothly and stress-free right to the end. No stress, no hassle… It’s that easy.
Where to get a FREE split sheet
Our friends at Songtrust offer a FREE split sheet that you can download from their website to make things even easier for you. They also include a sample agreement to help you see what it should look like.