Re: Legal Tips for Songwriters

Ten Tips for Songwriters: Credits, Copyrights, and Coauthors

The biggest issues among bands is who gets the credit. I think it is important for band members to take into account how to deal with the legal problems that rise from songwriting. If you ever wonder how to get your proper credit then read this...

You may have written an outstanding song with a fabulous melody, great lyrics, and memorable hooks. Yet your work doesn't stop there. Songwriting raises many legal issues such as: who gets the credit for a song, how are royalties split, can you claim tax deductions for home studios, and should you register a copyright. Here are ten tips to help manage the legal and business side of your songwriting.


1. Figure Out Songwriting Credits, Now!

If you're writing songs with others, as soon as you finish the song, agree with your collaborators as to how to split potential revenues. If you wait until after you have a deal or record the song, you could end up sorting out credits and payments with band members who have long since left the group. Many bands also include non-writing members in the income. You don't need a formal contract on who gets the credits; an informal written agreement will suffice.


2. How to Decide Who Gets Songwriting Credits

A songwriting copyright is awarded to those who jointly contributed to the song's structure, chord progressions, and lyrics. This can be anyone, even the members of the rhythm section (in many songs -- especially in rock, pop, and dance music -- a bass or drum part is so integral to the song that it becomes as important as the melody). The best way to decide:

* the members of the band determine who wrote the songs, or
* throw out traditional rules and share equally (or by some other formula)