Placing remixes / edits / versions of a song already signed?

[denalihighway]

Hi guys,

OK let's say one has signed a song (with vocals etc) exclusively.

Now I know obviously that I cannot sign that elsewhere, under penalty of death etc. I also know that obviously placing the instrumental version elsewhere would be a no no too.

But where do remixes, splits, edits, clips come in to it etc?

Like are you entitled to take 30 sec versions / clips from a song like that put it on libraries for cues etc? Is this a black and white area or are there grey areas? Like for example would it depend on how much it was changed/remixed/edited etc?

And could you point me to any documents / forums / content online, where I could read more about this?

Thanks very much
Gar

[Casey H]

No.... You can't sign edits, remixes, clips, etc. either without being in breach of contract and causing a lot of problems for yourself.

Casey

[denalihighway]

Thanks Casey.

Can I ask you another question - this may be a silly one also...but I'll fire ahead anyway to be sure...

if you had a piece signed to a library which had not been placed, could you ask the library for it back (assuming you weren't paid up front for it) - or would you just have to stick to reversion clause terms?

I know some these libraries also take the tracks in perpetuity too. They seem to review any reversions on a case-by-case basis.

And if you got the track back successfully, would it technically be yours again to pitch to exclusive deals?

[Casey H]

Thanks Casey.

Can I ask you another question - this may be a silly one also...but I'll fire ahead anyway to be sure...

if you had a piece signed to a library which had not been placed, could you ask the library for it back (assuming you weren't paid up front for it) - or would you just have to stick to reversion clause terms?

I know some these libraries also take the tracks in perpetuity too. They seem to review any reversions on a case-by-case basis.

And if you got the track back successfully, would it technically be yours again to pitch to exclusive deals?

Yes, sometimes a library will allow you to remove a track, even if not specified that way in the contract. Just never assume it will be possible because the situation varies library to library and situation to situation.

If the library removes it, you should be able to sign it elsewhere to exclusive deals. I would strongly recommend getting confirmation in writing that the track has been removed and if the library had your track visible on a website, make sure it is no longer there.

Casey

[denalihighway]

thanks very much Casey very helpful

Gar