Lesson 06 / 24 · 30–45 min + replies · preparation time

Agree credits, shares and permissions

A credit names a contribution. An ownership share records a right. A royalty split records a payment arrangement. They can differ, so agreeing one does not settle all three. Paying a collaborator does not by itself explain every right you need for a release.

Terms in this lesson

Song / composition

The underlying music and lyrics, distinct from a particular recorded performance.

Master / recording

A specific sound recording of a song or other audio work.

Work through it

1
Gather the messages and agreements about the song and recording. Confirm songwriter shares in writing with the co-writers. Use a suitable song-share agreement, and get advice if there is a dispute.
2
Confirm performer credits, producer terms, recording ownership, permissions to release and any ongoing payments. Keep the approved record where everyone can find it.
3
List samples, purchased beats, loops, cover songs, artwork and photographs. Check the actual licence for your intended use; a downloaded file is not evidence of permission. Covers, samples and video uses need their own checks.
4
Mark each item clear, awaiting permission or needing advice. Keep the release provisional while a necessary permission or ownership agreement remains unresolved.
5
If you work as a band or ongoing partnership, agree how decisions, expenses, income, shared equipment, the name and accounts are handled, including what happens when someone leaves. Songwriting shares alone do not settle the group arrangement.
6
Before a producer or mixer begins, agree the work, delivery files, revisions, fee or advance, any recording royalty and its calculation, payment timing, credits and rights. Discuss any songwriting contribution separately. A percentage of the recording income is not automatically a songwriting share.

You are ready to move on when…

Credits and shares have a written record or a named action to resolve them.My release-permission list includes music and visual materials.

You can leave an application or outside reply pending. Record the next step before moving on.

Your working notes

Confirmed credits / agreed shares / agreements stored / third-party material / permissions still needed

Resources for this task

Musicians’ Union: standard agreements Templates and guidance · some member access
UK copyright: who owns the work Official guidance · free
MU: contracts and agreements UK agreements and advice · some member access

Further reading · Passman chapter references

Optional reading · Passman, 11th edition. Chapter 11: producer and mixer arrangements; Chapter 18: co-writing; Chapter 21: group arrangements.

Optional reading from the 11th edition (2023). No purchase needed. US legal context: use current UK sources for local procedures.

Deeper explanation · Before a bigger commitment

Working as a band or partnership

Agree how you make decisions, approve spending, share earnings and handle shared assets. Cover ownership and use of the name, access to accounts, recordings and equipment, plus someone joining or leaving. Keep this agreement distinct from each song’s writer splits. A discussion list is preparation for an appropriate agreement, not a substitute for one.

MU: agreements and partnership advice ↗

Keep practising. Confirm contributions and permissions during each collaboration.

Lesson complete — I have done the work or recorded my next step.

Next: Choose your PRS, MCPS and PPL route.

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