What Is a Split Sheet?
A split sheet is a written agreement between the collaborators of a song that details how the song’s royalties will be divided. This is important because, without it, there’s no official record of how the ownership of the song is shared. The sheet typically includes:
The names of the collaborators
A breakdown of each person’s contribution to the song
(whether it’s lyrics, melody, production, etc.)
The percentage of royalties each person will receive (this can vary based on the contributions)
Having this in writing is essential for maintaining transparency between you and your collaborators and avoids any confusion or disputes down the line.
Why Are Split Sheets Important?
Clarifies Ownership and Royalties: The primary purpose of a split sheet is to ensure everyone involved in the creation of the song is properly credited and compensated. In the music industry, royalties can be a significant income stream, so it’s important that everyone is clear on how they’ll be paid. A split sheet provides clarity on how revenue from streaming, radio play, licensing, and other sources should be divided.
Prevents Future Disputes: A lack of a split sheet can lead to disagreements later on, especially when the song starts to generate income. Without clear documentation, one collaborator might claim they should receive a higher percentage of the royalties than what was agreed upon. By having a split sheet, you’ve got a legally recognized document to refer to in case of a dispute.
Necessary for Copyright Registration: Copyright registration is the next critical step after your music is recorded. For copyright purposes, having a split sheet is important because it helps define the ownership of the work, making it easier to register the song with the copyright office. It also protects your intellectual property and ensures that you can prove ownership if anyone tries to claim it as their own.
Professionalism and Industry Standard: When you take the time to fill out a split sheet, it shows that you’re serious about your craft and business. It’s a step that many experienced artists take to protect themselves and their work. If you’re working with collaborators who are new to the process, having a split sheet in place will also help them understand the importance of protecting their contributions and establish a professional working relationship.
Key Components of a Split Sheet
To ensure your split sheet covers all necessary details, here’s what you should include:
Song Title: Make sure you include the full title of the song.
Names of All Collaborators: List everyone involved in the creation of the song, from the writers and producers to any session musicians.
Percentage Breakdown: This is where you’ll specify how the royalties are split. Be as specific as possible, and make sure everyone agrees on the numbers upfront. If someone contributed to the melody, lyrics, and production, their percentage might be higher, for example.
Date of Agreement: This helps establish when the split was agreed upon, which can be important in case of a dispute.
Signatures: Each collaborator should sign the document to confirm they agree with the percentages and terms. This makes the split sheet a legally binding agreement.
How to Use a Split Sheet
Fill It Out Before You Release the Music: Ideally, a split sheet should be filled out before any music is released, ensuring that all contributors are on the same page regarding royalty distribution. The earlier, the better.
Keep a Copy for Your Record: sAlways keep a signed copy for your personal records. This is especially important in case the song becomes a hit and royalties start coming in.
Register with PROs (Performance Rights Organizations): Once you’ve got your split sheet, you can register the song with a Performance Rights Organization (PRO), such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. This ensures that all contributors are properly registered and receive the royalties they’re entitled to when the song is played publicly (on the radio, in films, TV shows, etc.).
Incorporate it into Your Copyright Registration: When registering your music with the U.S. Copyright Office (or other copyright authorities), the split sheet can be submitted as part of the documentation. This helps establish clear ownership and make sure everyone’s rights are protected.
Conclusion
Taking the time to complete a split sheet shows that you’re serious about your music career and helps ensure that everyone involved in the creation of a song is fairly compensated. It’s a small step that can save a lot of trouble later on and is a critical part of building a sustainable and professional music career.
So, whether you use our guide or create your own, just make sure you have one in place. It’s a simple, yet vital tool for protecting your work and your rights as a creator.
READY TO GO? Download our free split sheet guide here!
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