Getting "hired" as a vocalist...how should I approach it?

[Syyle]

I sent out a craigslist ad saying I wanted to collaborate on some music online with people. I got a message back from someone who says they write music for a living, getting royalties and such, and they wanted to team up with me to write some stuff.

 

My question is, how do I got about making this legit? Making sure that what I write gets credit and appropriate settlement? I actually could really care less about trying to do this to make money, I would really do it for nothing, but why not make a little $ if I have the chance, right?

 

Anyways, what's the right way to go about this? Hypothetically this guy could have me write a bunch of stuff, then just take it and run, and I would never hear from him again...

[daddymack]

wait...are you actually being hired as a lyricist?

Which is not the same as a "vocalist"...

 

You should meet this prospective writing partner, work out an agreement, get it in writing, get that notarized and make sure both names are on all copyright filings. Then if there is a subsequent publishing deal, you are both entitled to publishing rights...and if the song gets recorded, performing rights...and you should sign up with ASCPA or BMI...etc.

[Syyle]

sort of both. he is wanting to write some things, and have me sing them. and vice versa, he wants me to write some stuff and sing it too.

 

damn, i knew this was going to get confusing

[bostonwal]

What has the guy said regarding all this? Has he worked with a singer-for-hire before?

[Syyle]

not sure yet, i just emailed him his background and how he was wanting to go forward with everything.

[daddymack]

okay, so...is he paying you or is this a collaboration?