TAXI.com

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.

Yes.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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