LYRIC CHANGE QUESTION (Anybody? Please)

[ashboxclay]

Hi AllThanks in advance for your answers/advice. Here is the scenario and question:-Indie record company (more like a small group of investors)-They are recording one of my songs with their artist.-They want to change a few of the lyrics in the song-I wrote and have 100% of the copyright on the song-The song is registered with with ASCAP. Me as the writer, no publisher registered.-There is no talk with the Indie of publishing, etc. I will probably use my "other company" that I run as the publisher for the song just for the sake of it. On the other hand, should I be registering also as the publisher with ASCAP for this song, or just leave it as is, registered only as the writer?QUESTIONS: If they change some of the lyric for the artist, do they get some sort of ownership or other of the song? Does it effect the way any royailty, or mechanical (they will also print CDs, etc) are paid to me? Basically, all of the obvious questions one would have about someone changing lyric, chords, or other in the songAgain, thanks in advanceAshBoxClay

[ciskokidd]

Hi Ashboxclay,There are a couple of scenarios:1. They want to get a piece of your publishing, in which case you will need to decide if this is a good fit for you. If this is the case you should try to negotiate a small percentage for them (maybe 10%) if you feel that the cut is worth giving up some of your publishing. You may decide to give up more if you think the artist stands a good chance of making a success for you, but only you can feel that out.2. They want to fit lyrics to better suit their artist and will not touch any of your publishing. This would be an easy decision for me. I would let them make the changes and ensure that contractually I give up no rights to my publishing.In either case, please be sure the contract is a single song contract and that the language is favorable to you. I would have a music lawyer take a look at it and ensure you are not unintentionally giving up more than you think. Get everything in writing. This is the music business and you need to protect yourself!Best of luck,Cisco

[lopc]

Hey Ashboxclay,Cisco was on the money with his scenarios. The main thing he said you need to take to heart is the music lawyer comment if these people want you to sign a contract. Generally, single song contracts are negotiated between Publisher and Songwriter. These contracts usually have an addendum that allows the Publisher to change the songs lyrical, musical, or other content as they see fit should it mean licensing the work. This should be at no charge nor compromise the ownership rights to the songwriter. I would suggest if Cisco's #2 is the case, contact The Harry Fox Agency for mechanical licensing of the work. They charge a percentage, but they are in it for your best interest and they will assure you are paid. ASCAP or other PRO's are for the songwriter, not the publisher.

[djdeweese]

Hi Ashboxclay, I think your smart to do your homework on this one. I read recently in a book on how to make your music make money that wanting to change just a few words of a song was a tactic employed by some for the specific reason of getting co-writing credit (and monetary rewards). So if the changes seem arbitrary or insubstantial, that would make me suspicious. On the other hand, if they make sense for the artist and the song, they may be really looking to be a helpful partner in the process. Let us know how it turns out--