Protect your earnings as a songwriter with a clear understanding of songwriting splits. Learn about the essential songwriting split sheet.
The article from Hypebot, “Songwriting Split Sheet: A Complete Guide,” provides a comprehensive overview of songwriting splits, which determine how the copyright of a song’s composition is divided among the contributors.
This guide emphasizes the importance of having clear agreements on song splits to protect earnings and avoid disputes.
Key Points:
- Understanding Songwriting Splits:
- Songwriting splits, or ‘song splits,’ define the percentage of ownership each contributor has over a song’s copyright. There is no universal formula; the division depends on the agreement among those involved.
- It is crucial to document these splits formally with a written and signed split sheet, which should be submitted to the appropriate Performing Rights Organization (PRO), like PRS in the UK.
- Importance of a Split Sheet:
- A split sheet ensures clarity among collaborators and is vital for securing correct royalty payments in the future. It can be crucial in legal scenarios, such as copyright disputes or when licensing music for sync deals.
- The split sheet should be filled out early in the creation process, ideally before leaving the last studio or writing session, to prevent misunderstandings.
- Contents of a Split Sheet:
- A comprehensive split sheet should include:
- Names, mailing addresses, roles, and percentage ownership of each songwriter/composer.
- CAE/IPI numbers, publishers’ names, and dates of birth.
- Song title and length (which can be updated during the process).
- Signatures of all parties involved.
- A comprehensive split sheet should include:
- Producer Involvement:
- Producers may also be entitled to a share of the song’s copyright if they contribute to the melody, lyrics, or composition, even if paid upfront. This must be clearly defined in a contract to avoid future conflicts.
