#1626154 - 09/26/00 11:11 PM
Help...Need Urgent Publishing Advice
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Anonymous
Anonymous
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I'm a music producer/writer in the ad business, member of BMI.
I've got a song that I wrote that is a killer pop tune...it really screams "hit." I've roughed a pretty good demo of it together and I was hoping to produce it by finding the right singer/talent package for it, when I got a call from a guy in LA who has a girl group, already signed, and looking for material over the next couple of weeks for an album. He wants me to send it to him, and if he likes it, they'll do it. My question...
First, I know the current copyright law more or less protects me here (it is not officially registered). But if there is interest in this song by this guy, I'm wondering about a couple of things. One, do I insist on a one song publishing deal, split 50/50, or go for signing a longer term contract for publishing? Two, in a situation like this, is money ever advanced or is it all "on spec" ? In addition, if they took elements of the arrangement I've done of this, is it fair to ask for some kind of points on the record? I realize I will need to get to an attorney if this materializes, but am wondering about the initial stages of this venture. I really wanted to produce this song myself..I have a strong idea of how it should sound and be played...but I 'm also broke....so, a friend advised me it would be very smart to leap on any publishing deal offered on the song.
Thanks for any advice....
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#1626155 - 10/29/00 12:15 PM
Re: Help...Need Urgent Publishing Advice
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Uprising@pacbell.net
Senior Member
Registered: 09/05/00
Posts: 128
Loc: LA,CA,UNITED STATES
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Tom send the song out. Don't even mention publishing yet just keep it all for yourself until one of two times.
1. The band is signed and you can use the hype to get a publishing deal.
2. The song is a hit and every publisher in the world is calling you. Why because Billboard posts the name of all writers of hit singles.
No advances aren't given unless you do a single song deal and then if you don't take any money you can ask for a reversion clause that states if the song isn't cut and released within 12 months you get all rights back.
Right now it's common for big writers to get co-production or arranging credit but only because they use the actual demo tracks.Just because the producer heard your demo and coped some of the ideas don't expect him to give you points. On a big hit you'll make more than him anyway and chances are he knows that.Give up the idea of producing or find your own girl group.
Just my opinion good luck.
[This message has been edited by Uprising@pacbell.net (edited 10-29-2000).]
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#1626156 - 10/31/00 08:49 AM
Re: Help...Need Urgent Publishing Advice
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Doctor Al
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Registered: 05/05/00
Posts: 192
Loc: ,,US
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I agree to a degree.
Dont even mention publishing. Certainly protect yourself by:
a) copyrighting the song in some manner
b) have your own publishing company name cleared in case they do use it.
No use getting excited until they actually RECORD the song and its INCLUDED on their CD. Otherwise it's all talk and wanking.
Keep the publishing unless:
a) you really need money (from publishing advances)
b) they bluff you into giving them half the publishing by threatening not to include it on the CD. (very common practice)
Good luck and hang on in there!!!
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#1626157 - 12/11/00 05:01 PM
Re: Help...Need Urgent Publishing Advice
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lrossmusic
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Registered: 05/29/00
Posts: 907
Loc: Washington DC , UNITED STATES
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As a songwriter I find this to be an interesting discussion. Could someone please help me to understand or direct me to where I can learn more about the 'point system' referred to above?
Thanks
Lincoln
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#1626158 - 12/14/00 08:07 AM
Re: Help...Need Urgent Publishing Advice
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lrossmusic
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Registered: 05/29/00
Posts: 907
Loc: Washington DC , UNITED STATES
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Ahh!!! 'My bad' as my son's generation puts it. Had I took more time to scroll I would have seen the Oct 10 post by C.Cash called 'Points' Question? I'm still curious though as to whether anyone feels its possible to accomplish this part of the job without a lawyer. I mean its like you probably wouldn't try to record without the engineer either in most cases. Seems we always end up back at square one - 'a feast is made for laughter and wine maketh merry, BUT MONEY ANSWERETH ALL THINGS' - Old Testament/Ecclesiastes CH10 V19
:O)
Lincoln
[This message has been edited by lrossmusic@hotmail.com (edited 12-14-2000).]
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