Do I have to sign the recording studio's split sheet?

[bohemianlife]

Or maybe I should just give in? Or is that evil? They did a decent recording. And then I could do another recording if it made any money with another studio for hire. I think I have a better version in my head.

But my lawyer friend said before I sign anything for anyone, go see a lawyer. It's like a no-win situation, except for burying this thing and going to another studio without hint of a previous recording.

Anyone want to hear the song? This is all quite hilarious to me, actually. I'm just a school teacher who was looking to dabble in a hobby. Now I know why my favorite writer Cobain killed himself. There are a lot of sluts, sharks, and hangers-on in the industry. If I were a 27 year old, I don't think I would have been able to handle this. Thank goodness I've studied the Eastern philosophies of non-attachment since I passed age 27!

[bohemianlife]

Now this is interesting, direct from the U.S. Copyright Office. I wonder if it applies to regular salaried producers? At least I'm having fun learning the business:

See page 4

http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ09.pdf

[bohemianlife]

Well, it looks like I've decided to bury this recording and start over. Case closed. Thanks a lot for your input. I really appreciate it.

[Casey H]

Anyone want to hear the song?

Yes! Why don't you post in peer to peer? It's often good to get feedback on the pure songwriting side of things before investing in a demo anyway.

Best
Casey

[Kolstad]

Anyone want to hear the song?

Yes! Why don't you post in peer to peer? It's often good to get feedback on the pure songwriting side of things before investing in a demo anyway.

Best
Casey

No thanks, I'm only interested in the legal issues
Disclaimer, I'm not a lawyer.

[bohemianlife]

That's hilarious Kolstad! I don't know if I should show Casey because then there might be some hidden legal issue where I'm not allowed to find a new for-hire producer through him!

OK, I'll tell you when I post it. Thanks again, guys! It's nice to know there are some good people out there.

[bohemianlife]

Ok, I posted it. Maybe we can make it much better. That would be great revenge!

[VanderBoegh]

Man, what a crappy situation. Sounds like a lose-lose for everybody involved. My schmuck-off-the-street advice it to scrap that recording. Forget it ever happened. Post a rough home recording you've done in peer-to-peer to seek input on lyrics and arrangement. Then work with one of the Taxi forum people to record a new version. Get all paperwork squared away first this time, and try it again. My guess is you'll have a better product as an end result, and you won't have to deal with all this nonsense.

~~Matt