Co-writer Sign off needed for non exclusive?

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JonathanEarthenMusic
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Co-writer Sign off needed for non exclusive?

Post by JonathanEarthenMusic » Thu Dec 26, 2024 9:10 am

Hey there, I co-wrote a song with a friend a long time ago. Do I have to have his permission to sign a non exclusive agreement for the song?

My understanding is that I need his sign off for exclusive, but that both he and I can can enter a non exclusive agreement without each others permission, as long as the other person is properly remunerated.

Am I correct? Or does both require sign off?

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Casey H
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Re: Co-writer Sign off needed for non exclusive?

Post by Casey H » Thu Dec 26, 2024 9:51 am

With the majority of libraries, even non-exclusive, all writers have to sign. There are a few, often Royalty Free libraries, that don't require it but they are more the exception.

The bottom line is you need to be in touch with your co-writer for signing potential deals. You can have him sign a one-stop agreement with you, giving you permission to sign on his/her behalf but I haven't tested the waters as far as music libraries accepting those in lieu of actual contract signature. That being said, I would definitely have them sign one asap. If you PM me, I can give you more info on one-stop agreements.

Are you still in contact with this person? On good terms?

Best,
:D Casey

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Re: Co-writer Sign off needed for non exclusive?

Post by JonathanEarthenMusic » Sat Dec 28, 2024 4:49 pm

Casey H wrote:
Thu Dec 26, 2024 9:51 am
With the majority of libraries, even non-exclusive, all writers have to sign. There are a few, often Royalty Free libraries, that don't require it but they are more the exception.

The bottom line is you need to be in touch with your co-writer for signing potential deals. You can have him sign a one-stop agreement with you, giving you permission to sign on his/her behalf but I haven't tested the waters as far as music libraries accepting those in lieu of actual contract signature. That being said, I would definitely have them sign one asap. If you PM me, I can give you more info on one-stop agreements.

Are you still in contact with this person? On good terms?

Best,
:D Casey
Thanks a lot Casey. We had a falling out a long time ago, so not the greatest terms. Thanks a lot for one stop info, if I find that my track gets forwarded, I will send you a message about that, I appreciate the info

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Re: Co-writer Sign off needed for non exclusive?

Post by Casey H » Thu Jan 02, 2025 3:21 pm

MHO is you should get something signed now and not wait for a forward. You never know when sync opportunities may arise (through Taxi or outside of Taxi) and you don't want to be caught in a situation whereby you can't move forward. You should always be ready at a moment's notice. You have no idea how long it will take to get this person to respond to you and sign.

:D Casey
JonathanEarthenMusic wrote:
Sat Dec 28, 2024 4:49 pm
Casey H wrote:
Thu Dec 26, 2024 9:51 am
With the majority of libraries, even non-exclusive, all writers have to sign. There are a few, often Royalty Free libraries, that don't require it but they are more the exception.

The bottom line is you need to be in touch with your co-writer for signing potential deals. You can have him sign a one-stop agreement with you, giving you permission to sign on his/her behalf but I haven't tested the waters as far as music libraries accepting those in lieu of actual contract signature. That being said, I would definitely have them sign one asap. If you PM me, I can give you more info on one-stop agreements.

Are you still in contact with this person? On good terms?

Best,
:D Casey
Thanks a lot Casey. We had a falling out a long time ago, so not the greatest terms. Thanks a lot for one stop info, if I find that my track gets forwarded, I will send you a message about that, I appreciate the info

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JonathanEarthenMusic
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Re: Co-writer Sign off needed for non exclusive?

Post by JonathanEarthenMusic » Thu Jan 02, 2025 3:25 pm

Casey H wrote:
Thu Jan 02, 2025 3:21 pm
MHO is you should get something signed now and not wait for a forward. You never know when sync opportunities may arise (through Taxi or outside of Taxi) and you don't want to be caught in a situation whereby you can't move forward. You should always be ready at a moment's notice. You have no idea how long it will take to get this person to respond to you and sign.

:D Casey
Yes, i think you are correct. The song was actually just returned though due to levels not being quite right, which is a good sign. in the future, I'm not going to submit from those particular songs, possibly I may recreate them in the future, but only if I can get the person to sign will I bring the songs to completion

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