July 31, 2009
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July 2009 From Songwriting Software Plus at www.SongwritingSoftware.com To
help your songwriting with a focus on the benefits of innovative software,
tools, resources and programs for your songwriting craft and career. |
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What am I talking about? Not signing a collaboration agreement right at the start of a song collaboration. And all of this on the doorstep of collaboration month here at Songwriting Software Express. I had started a co-writing arrangement recently with one other writer and he had suggested a very fair breakdown of a split on the song and suggested we draw up an agreement once the song was finished. I didn't have my blank collaboration agreement handy to discuss so I agreed and proceeded to start the song - especially since we'd worked together quite successfully before. Well, I felt a bit funny about having broken my own rule but since I'd worked with this writer before and trust him fully, and also figured that the song could be done in a few days, I thought okay this time I'll just go along and we'll sign everything shortly. However, the work started to look like it could take a few weeks so I asked that we solidify in writing our understanding and we did so - no problem. In general I was feeling a bit funny that we had not spelled out and signed an agreement and this feeling was getting in the way of my creative process. Once our agreement was put in writing and signed I felt such a relief and was able to move ahead undistracted and we shortly after actually finished the song quite nicely. One of the good things to come out of this is that I've been reinforced in my belief that although songwriting is creative there is a business side to it with very clear borderlines and understandings - as long as they're in writing. Read on to see how to put it all in writing, simply and quickly, up front, so you can move easily through a collaboration without a thought or concern about not having your songwriting collaboration arrangement clearly spelled out and avoiding the potential interference with your creative process.
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Put Your Co-writing In WritingWrite (Right) From The Beginning As I mentioned in my editor's note above getting a collaboration agreement addressed and off the table right from the get-go can really free up your creative juices to flow uninhibited. In part at least because you know that a value has been established for your contribution and that by the act of writing it down has made it not only clear but even tangible from that point onward. So if you're entering into a co-write situation it's considered a very good practice to make clear, in writing, how you and your co-writers will address the song(s)' production expenses, the demo costs, and earnings, from a placement with an artist to placement in a film, will be shared. Having a clear agreement makes it a simple matter to divide up earnings that may first come several months to years down the road when everyone including you may have forgotten about the agreed to splits. And in the hopefully unlikely event of a dispute it can quickly be resolved by referring to the written agreement. Accordingly, it is even more ideal to send a draft of your proposed agreement to the other writer(s) so he or she or they can review it first at their own pace and suggest or negotiate any changes and or discuss any concerns. When you do meet be sure to provide enough copies so everyone can have one right then and there and have everyone sign it then and there. That may end up being your only in-person opportunity. Of course it can be done ahead of time via land based mail or over the internet with agreement to the terms expressed in an email - but written signatures are still optimal. Stay Friends - At Least On Paper Having a collaboration agreement discussed and signed at the outset firmly establishes and preserves a good relationship in a personal sense and in a business sense. And having a written collaboration agreement makes it clear you're serious about your songwriting and fully respect your co-writer(s)' contribution to the song. It also sets the stage for doing more collaborating later because you're establishing that you're a professional and are taking your songwriting seriously. Here's Your Co-writing Marriage License It has been said that co-writing a song is a lot like getting married to your co-writer(s), yes polygamy can apply here, and all that marriage can imply from the good to the bad to the ugly. And in most civilized locales you need a license to proceed before you execute your nuptials so perhaps a co-writing agreement is some form of marriage license or at least a prenuptial agreement designed to protect and preserve all parties engaged. Below is a link to the agreement I've built from various sources and agreements and is yours to use as you wish - as is or modified as needed. Click here for the Collaborators' Agreement pdf file (right click to download). For more information on viewing and or downloading this form click here to the Co-writing page on Songwriting Software Plus and proceed to the middle of that page. Please note that the above collaboration agreement is for general tool for reference and is not formal legal advice. Consult a music attorney for any question or concern. |
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