TAXI.com

Hello everyone,

Does anyone know for certain what the phrase "You must own and control 100% of your Master and Composition Rights" entails? I have tried e-mailing Taxi a few days ago but I have not got a response yet, and I am eager to submit stuff if I can

-Silje

I won't define any of this, but just direct your attention to the Taxi FAQ on the most important business terms (the issues above are not covered directly, but some of the terminology might be clearer to you after reading it).

http://www.taxi.com/transmitter/0908/mu ... g-101.html

Hi Silje
It means that you and your co-writers own the song copyright (composition) and the master recording and would be able to readily sign any deals without other permissions needed, potential legal claims, etc.

For example, if you had signed over your copyright to a publishing company as part of a publishing contract, you would NOT own and control 100% of your Master and Composition. Some exclusive library deals involve this signing over of copyright.

In general, if there are no exclusive deals signed for the track, you probably have the 100% ownership. However, look for other language in listings such as "Your song must not be part of any other catalog". In that case, you can't submit if you have current non-exclusive deals either.

HTH
Casey

Thank you guys for very informative answers. I was afraid that was what it meant.

I just signed a publishing deal, and as happy as I am about that, seems to limit my Taxi-possibilities quite a lot

Thanks again,

Silje

Silje wrote:Thank you guys for very informative answers. I was afraid that was what it meant.

I just signed a publishing deal, and as happy as I am about that, seems to limit my Taxi-possibilities quite a lot

Thanks again,

Silje

You signed a publishing deal? Congratulations!

Thank you

I am really happy about it, but at the same time, I had just started some amazing film/tv collabs with taxi members that I met at the rally, which I was enjoying so much, There is still some listings where it doesn't say that you have to own and control 100% though:)

-Silje

Silje wrote:Thank you

I am really happy about it, but at the same time, I had just started some amazing film/tv collabs with taxi members that I met at the rally, which I was enjoying so much, There is still some listings where it doesn't say that you have to own and control 100% though:)

-Silje

Actually, even if the listing doesn't say those words, it's always true. You can't pitch something for which you don't own the copyright without permission.

However, if you signed a deal with a publisher you can ask them if it's OK to pitch through Taxi for direct to supervisor (no other publisher/library) listings as long as you indicate (you could put it in the lyrics section) "(c) PUBLISHER XYZ". But I would also check with Taxi even if the publisher said OK, just to be sure it wouldn't cause them any issues with the client, violate their policies, etc.

Casey

Keep at it Silje. It will require some care on your part but I think (hope) you can work things out. If "Lucky Ones" is any indication, you've got a bright collaboration future here.

Regards,
Mike

Mike, thank you for your encouraging words. So cool that you listened to "Lucky Ones", of course that one is written with Steve Collom and he is awesome!

Casey, thanks for all the advice, I really didn't know that was the general rule, and of course I would never do anything that can cause Taxi trouble with their clients!!!

As long as it was ok for my publisher, I thought it would be ok to send to the "Major Label" listings as they are used to dealing with published writers. I did write taxi a week ago with no reply, but I will contact them again before I submit any more! Such a shame if I have to give up submitting generally, but I will still be a member so I can come to the rally:)

-Silje

Silje, does the deal you signed with your publisher only cover your pre-existing catalog? Or does it cover all of your future creations as well? If it doesn't cover future creations, you can certainly retain control of your new work and pitch those yourself. I assume - and hope - that you aren't going to stop writing, so unless you are obligated to sign everything you do over to your publisher, you should still be able to build a collection of pieces that you can submit for listings or pitch in whatever way you choose.

And congrats for the deal!

Richard