Hi there,
got an email from singer:
"I would love to work on track 7 would this be an instrumental I can release as my own? For my single I’m looking for a producer to make me an instrumental that I can release as my own"

What about the track she speaks of:
top line (mine)
beat (mine)
lyrics (by my long time collaborator)

So, 2 persons are involved already...then the 3d party comes and says what she says...
then the problem is:
how to settle all the shares and copyrights questions between co-workers involved?

PS. Before, she posted an ad, that she needs a producer, but has no money to pay

 

Hopefully someone can correct me if I'm wrong but I believe unless it's pre-specified all 3 of you would have equal splits in that scenario. You probably want to have a split sheet written up at the session though so everything is clear.

 

@aleksalt The main thing here is that the singer just want the "instrumental" and she has no money. That implies two things. One is that she plans on adding her own lyrics. In that scenario, the publishing rights should be split among just the singer and yourself unless your lyricist appears as a registered co-author of Track 7. If that is the case, then the publishing rights will have to be split among the 3 of you. The other thing is that she expects all the production work to be performed on "spec". This needs to be considered, and carefully thought over. I don't know if you have a business structure that will protect your investment in ventures such as this. Just keep in mind that now she is a sheep because she needs you. If the song were to become a hit, the sheep will turn into a wolf. If you are not protected, she will forget all you have done for her and kick you to the curb. Therefore, you must be ready for it. How do you do that? A production company, management company, and a publishing company.
If she is a good singer with marketing potential, and I were you, I would agree to produce her on spec ONLY IF she was willing to sign production, publishing, management deals with me. ( you must be careful with double-dipping) For that, I recommend that you seek the services of an entertainment lawyer. I told a story on another thread of something that occurred to me under a similar scenario. Don't let the same thing happen to you.http://audiosex.pro/threads/ridiculous-experiences-in-your-musical-life.43518/#post-386692

 

Last edited: Aug 4, 2019

The Pirate,
thanks for your advice, and the story from another thread is impressive...it could be a plot for movie screenplay.
Well, I ask Gary ( lyricist from US) what is his opinion on the deal

 

If you have a friendship/professional relationship with Gary do not damage it over a singer you just met. There are plenty of singers out there. A good business partner and friend is a rarity. Whatever both of you decide, just make sure you have all bases covered or you could have a story to tell similar to mine.

 

This could also help

https://www.creativeandproductive.com/music-split-sheets/


Music Split Sheets and Music Producer Agreements (Templates Included)
https://www.creativeandproductive.com/how-to-copyright-music/

Music Royalties (Who Gets Paid, Why, When and How)
https://www.creativeandproductive.com/music-royalties/

 

Keep in your mind that it is your song, keep that in your mind in every sentence you wrote for her or to the contract. People can do fancy talk, and promise you everything, but life doesn´t simply go like that, especially when talking about money..
I definetely hope your project at least push you in right direction, but be cautious, especially when dealing thru interwebs