Buy Out Fee

[SteveBaruah]

Do EXCLUSIVE libraries still offer buy out fees for songs?
If so what is the average amount?
I know this is pretty much non-existent now for cues but was wondering if this is the same for songs.

Thanks.

[andygabrys]

Yes.

Totally depends on the library, the material, and how desirable you are as a producer / performer or how much industry clout you have.

[SteveBaruah]

Ok cool. I could only find old info on the internet, but it often says $1000 a song is generally tops. More likely half that though.

[Casey H]

Like Andy said, it varies WIDELY according to many variables. It definitely can be a lot less than $1000 in many cases, especially for unknown artists/writers. Taxi has run buyout listings many times over the years. I'd say $1000 is quite a bit on the high side as far as those listings.

One thing to keep in mind is that in most cases, even though you took a buy out, you still would get PRO royalties for any broadcasts.

[eeoo]

I have a publisher that pays me upfront for instrumental cues so it's not a totally unheard of practice. Also, they reach out to me when they need stuff and I've only done two "albums" of 6 or 7 cues each over the last 3 or so years, so it's not like I'm cranking out a bunch of cues every week and getting upfront money for them.

[SteveBaruah]

Wow up front money for cues! Feel free to message me the libraries name

[JohnnyP]

Hey Steve.
Yeah pretty much what Andy & Casey said.
Personally I've had 1 song buyout (vintage 1996) which was a bit less than 1k. I get writers share but no split on sync fees. But I've also hooked up with a library just this year that has paid me a few k upfront for vocal songs (3 different genres) and I keep all writers share and split sync fees 50/50. These deals vary widely but as Andy mentioned a lot of it is about what you can bring to the table.
Best of luck, John

[SteveBaruah]

Hey John, wow sweet deal! Sign me up!!