October 31, 2010
|
|
||||||
|
October 2010 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. |
||||||
|
||||||
|
In essence I collaborated on the collaboration agreement which in this case, as is often the case in collaborative efforts, the collaboration agreement is now not only clearer but stronger. This month's issue deals with music biz items and as I've updated the collaboration agreement it's a good time to point it out once again and to remind you it's up on the site to download any time for free on our collaboration page. I've clarified the percentage shares breakdown and added slots for more writers - particularly useful for multiple writers beyond a few and bands of course. So, put it in writing and write on!
|
||||||
|
Newsletter errors? See correct formatting here shortly after its mailing. Particularly for Yahoo. Also, in some mail programs links do not show up - so if you suspect
something might be linked simply run your mouse over it and it should
light up if it is a link. |
||||||
Start Off Your Co-write RightRequired Reading And Writing If you occasionally or even frequently co-write songs it's always advisable to start off the process with a written collaboration agreement. Advisable because it has the ability to clearly state what everyone will get when the song starts to earn money and that might be years later when you've perhaps forgotten about who did what and perhaps how many co-writers there even were on the song. Additionally, having a written collaboration agreement makes it clear right from the get-go that you are solidly part of the creation of the song you're about to create or refine and says that all parties signing on are invested in the creation of something new and valuable. When we put things in writing we're expressing a definitive commitment to the process - they don't call it songwriting for nothing. Pay Now Or Pay Later Well if putting things in writing in this society is one thing that makes things happen then the other thing is money. Oh, and Woody Allen might argue that simply showing up is most of the equation. Oh ya and there's love too, but that's for songwriters to expound on. Anyway, since we can probably agree that money talks then lets' have a conversation. What I'm getting at here is that there is usually some cost involved in producing a song unless you and your co-writers are totally self-contained then there may be little to no cost other than your time and talents. But usually there is some cost, ones that you may be willing to absorb yourself if it's minor or may feel that it should be shared. It could be for things like renting studio time, hiring a guitarist or drummer or an engineer or after the project is done paying for making demo cds. The point here is that this is an issue typically addressed in a good collaboration agreement wherein you decide at the outset what percent of any production and or promotion expenses you're going to pay for. Also a good agreement will note that upon any earnings the song may make if you or someone else paid in a greater share of that expense you would be entitled to getting your additional costs back first before the songs' earnings were shared further. I Got You Babe - For Life Plus 70 Years That collaboration agreement you're signing is the first step to putting that information onto your copyright application that now protects your song for another twenty years past your death - thank you Sonny Bono (see the 1998 Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act passed by the U.S. congress and signed by then President Bill Clinton). And speaking of years, even after you're departed - as I noted before some songs take a long time before they're out in the public making money, so signing and keeping a copy of the agreement in a safe place will serve you and yours well - long into the future. Collaboration agreements are essentially insurance that cost nothing so why not use 'em. For even more tips on collaborating and other relevant songwriting legal items in this digital age check out Nolo.com's Ten Tips for Songwriters: Credits, Copyrights, and Coauthors. And for more on this and all aspects of the music business and how to protect yourself and your co-writers check out attorney Richard Stim's Music Law.
Here's the links to the collaboration agreement for use as-is or to edit as you wish. PDF - Click here for the Collaborators' Agreement pdf file (right click to download). To get more information on viewing and or downloading the form click here to the Co-writing page on Songwriting Software Plus and scroll down to mid page. And please take note that the above collaboration agreement is for use as a general tool and is not formal legal advice. Consult a music attorney for any question or concern.
|
||||||
For Inspiration And Thought On Your Path To More Songwriting Success:"Never let what you cannot do stop you from doing what you CAN do!" -- Stephen Pierce
|
||||||
Songwriting Software Plus Software
Superstars:
|
||||||
|
||||||
Information & CreditsSongwriting Software Express is published
monthly by View our Privacy Policy by clicking
here. Songwriting Software Express and the Songwriting
Software Plus web site For a fast Site Build It! overview and video
click
here. Special Economy Sale - The entire Site Build It! system - website to hosting to email to newsletters and more can all be locked in for just $29.99 per month - for a limited time.
© Songwriting Software Plus. All rights reserved. Serving Pop Songwriters The World Over Since 2002. Subscription Information |
||||||
MasterWriter
