Why are Publishing Split Sheets so Important?
Image via IAEMAGAZINE.com with small size manipulation
A “Publishing Split Sheet” is a document that contains: 1. Names of each songwriter, 2. Mailing Address for each songwriter, 3. Contribution to song (Producer or Writer), 4. Percentage of Contribution, 5. Respective PRO identification, 6. Publishing company affiliation, 7. Signatures & Birthdates of each songwriter, and 8. Social Security Numbers or EIN identifiers for each songwriter (IAEMagazine.com, 2012). All of the above are necessary pieces of information to circumvent possible litigation concerns resulting from questions regarding monetary payouts due to the song’s success. Consequently, I would forward the idea that a publishing split sheet is as important as copyrighting your music with the library of congress.
So, why don’t more people incorporate the practice? Some cite awkwardness creeping into the recording session any time a contract is brought to the forefront of conversation. Others state the practice of “paperwork” being unnecessary between friends. Unfortunately, the notion that friendship rules out the need for having such “awkward” conversations has never stopped friends from ending up on opposing sides in a court of law.
In an article found on Soundonsound.com by Scott Rubin (co-founder and Vice President of Reach Global, Inc. he states, “[a]nother fact that most songwriters fail to understand is that this is a business: this isn’t a “game” or a “hustle”. It’s not personal, either” (Soundonsound, 2005). In addition to his sentiments, I have found the music industry like many others is a “protect yourself now against future threat” type of business. In other words, do what is necessary and ask forgiveness later. Happy recording!
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Added Bonus: Contributions of $1 or more mentioning, “Split Sheets” will receive a FREE MusicIndustry Publishing Split Sheet sent to your email, compliments of 2BMusicPro.com & as always $1 contributions mentioning “Ringtone” or donations of $1.29 or more mentioning, “Current Song Title on Homepage of 2BMusicPro.com” will receive current musical creation by Industry Professional “2Bpro” made available through our website as Hi-Res .MP3 file.
If you still have questions regarding publishing split sheets or publishing in general, reach out. I’m here to help songwriters, producers, & artists navigate their career with industry knowledge and training. Send an email to [email protected] or give me a call at 646-480-2353 and leave your Name, Best Email, and Question/Need so we can get the conversation started. Thanks for reading.
About Author
Bryan Bell, owner of 2BMusicPro.com, has an MA in Business, educated at UNC-Chapel Hill, Full Sail University, Licensed Real Estate Broker, former Publishing Agent, Paralegal, and Financial Wealth Advisor. Also, he is a trainer in Pro Tools, Industry Mixing Engineer/Producer. In addition, he is a trainer in Songwriting Techniques & Business Development including: Publishing, Business Planning, and Artist Development Plans of Action. Moreover, he is a native of North Carolina, a son, dog lover, and entrepreneur with a vision of bringing larger entertainment / tech based corporations to his home state through Music/Tech Festivals called EMusic Events.
Sources:
IAEMagazine.com (2012). Iaemagazine.com
Retrieved September 11, 2014, from
www.iaemagazine.com/music/musicarticles/2012/01/music-
publishing-split-sheets.html
Rubin, Scott (2005). Music publishing: everything you wanted to know (but were afraid to ask). Soundonsound.com.
Retrieved September 11, 2014. From http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec05/articles/allaboutpublishing.htm
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