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Guys, I have hired many vocalists and, sadly, made them sing on my highly unanticipated musical offerings. If chickens began to speak french, pigs start flying, and one of my songs is placed in a tv spot or movie, do I need to reach back out to those performers and have them sign a release? In many cases, I have hired them on AirGigs, but there isn't really any type of agreement, other than they create a project - AKA work-for-hire - and you agree to pay a fixed amount for their performance.

Thanks!
Joe

You need to get a WFH contract signed by them, if the tracks get signed by a library you need to have this.

100%

A library can't use them unless they have all the correct paperwork.

Yes but this is something you should get done at the time of the recording. You don't want to have to chase people down at the time of a deal offer from a library, sync agent, or music supervisor. That person may be nowhere to be found, refuse to sign, or want more money to sign. It can be messy and ugly and I've seen people lose deals this way. In the future, make sure you let the performer know up front that you require them to sign a work for hire.

Right now, I suggest you contact the performers you hired and get the agreements signed.

Best,
Casey

As said many times on these forums, there are good reasons to write new material for briefs. This problem often surfaces when those who are new to sync hope to 'find homes' for their back-catalogue, when it would probably be better to keep it separate. There's always Spotify .

Please don't submit any tracks to libraries unless you have the admin all squared. If they like your music you will be required to sign a legal contract that leaves no loose ends regarding ownership and/or WFH. If you let them down by not being able to complete this or cause a lengthy delay they will move on and possibly avoid dealing with you in future.

Casey H wrote: ↑

Sat Feb 22, 2025 8:55 pm

Yes but this is something you should get done at the time of the recording. You don't want to have to chase people down at the time of a deal offer from a library, sync agent, or music supervisor. That person may be nowhere to be found, refuse to sign, or want more money to sign. It can be messy and ugly and I've seen people lose deals this way. In the future, make sure you let the performer know up front that you require them to sign a work for hire.

Right now, I suggest you contact the performers you hired and get the agreements signed.

Best,
Casey

Thanks, Casey, solid advice. I'm a bit late to this now, but I'll be doing this going forward.

There is probably a newer version by now but this is what Erin had recommended at the time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNTQXFN4u9E&t=37s

MBantle wrote: ↑

Sun Feb 23, 2025 8:18 am

There is probably a newer version by now but this is what Erin had recommended at the time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNTQXFN4u9E&t=37s

Super helpful, thank you!