Yes - bonehead move

[jonathansorensen]

Ok, I'm aware that I'm playing cleanup because I didn't do what I needed to do but, that being said.

One of the most well received tracks I ever cowrote and produced has been sitting for a year because the cowriter never signed off on it. I see it as done but she wasn't sure. Then she disappeared. She's quite busy and quite successful so it's not like she needs me or the track but I would like to get it out there.

Would it be incredibly unethical for me to start shopping the track as long as I ran the deal by her before signing it? The track, like the one I did with her previously is one of those obvious, commercial tracks that will certainly place at some point. What say you?

JS

[Casey H]

Ok, I'm aware that I'm playing cleanup because I didn't do what I needed to do but, that being said.

One of the most well received tracks I ever cowrote and produced has been sitting for a year because the cowriter never signed off on it. I see it as done but she wasn't sure. Then she disappeared. She's quite busy and quite successful so it's not like she needs me or the track but I would like to get it out there.

Would it be incredibly unethical for me to start shopping the track as long as I ran the deal by her before signing it? The track, like the one I did with her previously is one of those obvious, commercial tracks that will certainly place at some point. What say you?

JS

It sounds like you are still able to contact her based on your saying "as I ran the deal by her before signing it".... You need to ask her if she would be willing to add her signature to any reasonable deals that you get presented if you shop the song. All writers and owners of master recordings usually must sign off on deals. If you feel she would cooperate and sign deals, you are probably OK. If not, you have a problem and you'd be wasting your time and that of publishers by pitching songs you can't deliver.

I've seen people get power of attorney agreements whereby you are given permission to sign deals for the other writer(s), but some libraries/publishers may be hesitant without the actual signature. And your co-writer may not be willing to give you such carte-blanche.

Best of luck
Casey

[jonathansorensen]

Thanks Casey,

Yes, finally got ahold of her and we're moving ahead. She's very talented and worth the back and forth so, alls good.

JS