Am I a co-writer or 'just' an arranger ?

[hummingbird]

Nov 25, 2008, 1:11pm, claire wrote:Whatever you decide, you should decide it up front. Be perfectly clear and get it in writing. That saves a lot of misery down the road.ClaireI heartedly agree. That's what I was trying to say too

[matto]

I'm with Andre...if there were no chords, just a lyric and melody, the IMHO the fair thing would be an uneven split in the artist's favor, 75/25 or 67/33.As the arranger/producer, you could be expected to come up with everything else, but not the chords.I would just bring this up, she may be happy to agree to it. If she doesn't, it's probably not worth fighting for it unless you expect the song and album to hit big...

[felix]

Thank you for all of your inputs and insights! I've learned a lot and in case you're interested I will be posting the song we talked about (before and after) when it's done. Thanks- Felix

[christophersclaybo]

You are a CO-WRITER.IF you agreed to do this for a one time fee AND SHE CAN PROVE IT you're outta luck. You've done been paid...If you do not ask for your fair share of songwriting credit you are giving her a free ride and RIPPING YOURSELF OFF--ESPECIALLY if her song hits the big time!!!!!It is extremely wise to ALWAYS take care of this "business side" of the music biz and GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING BEFORE you agree to any collaborative effort.Otherwise you'll have this problem again and again... I'd DEFINITELY get back up with this girl and explain to her that if she wants to use your melody and music you expect her to share the songwriting credits with her.You can divide the entire song (lyrics AND music) 50 / 50...This means if an instrumental version of this song is played, you'll get paid for it and she won't. If the lyrics / vocals are played without your music, she'll be paid and you won't. If there is a copyright infringement suit issued against the lyrics / vocals, it'll be her neck on the chopping block. If the suit is issued against the music, it'll be YOUR neck...You can retain ownership of the melody and let her retain ownership of the lyrics / vocals.This means both of you own the entire song, the benefits of getting paid for instrumental or lyrics only public performances, AND, should a lawsuit be issued against either the music OR the lyrics BOTH of you are liable.