Self Publishing Advice

[jimzushi]

Before my band begins to record a new set of songs, we want to reach an agreement regarding the authorship/publishing split. We are unsigned and don't have a publishing deal, so therefore we will also own the publishing. Some industry publications suggest that the writers of a song retain sole writer's copyright, and to split the publishing copyright amongst the band. We are a nine piece band so the publishing would be split nine ways! One member remarked that a nine-way publishing split may hinder potential licensing deals due to the time involved in getting everyone's approval. Not to mention that a licensing company may see a nine-way publishing split and just pass. His suggestion is to have the publishing controlled by one band member and to split the writer's copyright amongst the band. The main writers in the band do not feel comfortable with sharing writer's credits with the entire band.

 

 

So, do you guys agree that a publishing split may hinder getting licensing deals? All this copyright and royalty business gives me a headache! Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

Jim

[daddymack]

All this is moot until someone actually wants to publish your material or record it. Don't sweat thsi stuff until you have to. When the time comes, deal with it, but be prepared.

 

Authorship should always be retained by the creative forces.

 

Splitting publishing is ridiculous too.

Again, the copyright holders (authors) should be the beneficiaries of any monies from the work they created.

 

Band members come and go...are you buying out every person who hits the door, and are new members buying in?

In other words, if someone wants in on the publishing, tell them to write some material.

Then ask them if they feel like they should share any possible financial proceeds with the rest of the band.

Typically, the guys who cry the most about getting a cut are the guys who don't contribute.

[TheSound]

Good advice.