Take out Vocals?

[sethlit]

I have 3 rock tunes that have recently been pretty successful with various library submissions. However, I just heard back from one that asked if I could send them the same songs but as instrumentals. This particular library seems to be pretty successful and has a variety of genres including songs WITH vocals. If it were any of my other songs, no problem. But these 3 songs are part of an my IndiRock band's EP of which we would like to keep as one, and whole.

I am still very new to the licensing world. Is this "take out vocals" thing normal? Do you have any ideas of their intentions? I'd be a little disappointed to hear these specific songs performed with an Elvis impersonator singing about staying in school. (joke)
Just to be clear, all of my other tunes in my library are open game Elvis can have at it, for the right price.

Thanks for any insight.

Seth

[matto]

Two reasons they would want this:

1- Since there is a LOT more instrumental music than vocal music used especially in TV, it gives your song additional chances to get placements and make you money.

2- Even if the vocal song is used, a lot of times a music editor will edit back and forth between the vocal and instrumental versions depending on how much dialog is in the scene (because vocals often get in the way of dialog.

I wouldn't worry about somebody else recording a different lyric/melody over your track, that is extremely rare...

HTH,

matto

[jdstamper]

Something to think about ... My understanding of an exclusive deal is that the library would typically gain all the rights to your song which may include a vocal version even if they have never heard the vocal. Or put another way, you might not retain your rights to a vocal version of the song. Maybe others could confirm this.

I don't know if that's a problem for you, just want to make sure you're aware of it. In my case there are some songs where I think the lyrics might have potential (someday in a future re-write) so I might not pitch an instrumental version which would tie my hands on what I could do with the vocal version later.

Of course it all depends on how your deal is structured. Jim

[sethlit]

Thanks guys, great words.

My agreement is non-exclusive. I'm pretty adamant about that. I know that exclusive deals can be great (so I hear) but with these songs, I'd only feel comfortable going non. I did end up mixing the tracks without vocals and sent them off to be included in their library. I'll let you know if I get any placements with em.

Thanks again for the comfort guys.