When two or more people create a song together with the intent to merge their work, it is legally considered a “Joint Work.” By default, in many jurisdictions (including the US), all collaborators own an equal share of the song—even if one person wrote 90% of it—unless there is a written agreement stating otherwise. To protect yourself, you must use a Split Sheet to define exactly who owns what percentage of the lyrics, melody, and master recording.
1. The “Joint Work” Trap
If you and a friend write a song and don’t sign anything, the law assumes you are 50/50 partners.
- The Risk: If you wrote the entire melody and all the lyrics, but your friend suggested one small change to the chorus, they could legally claim they own half the song.
- The Solution: You must agree on the percentages before you leave the studio. Use the “Nashville Rule” (Equal splits for everyone in the room) or negotiate based on actual contribution.
2. The Essential Tool: The Split Sheet
A split sheet is a simple, one-page document that acts as a “receipt” for the session. It isn’t a complex 50-page contract, but it is legally binding.
What every split sheet must include:
- Song Title: Even if it’s a working title.
- Legal Names: No stage names or handles.
- Contact Info: Email and phone numbers for everyone.
- PRO Information: Each writer’s IPI number and their society (ASCAP, BMI, IPRS, PRS).
- Role: Who did the lyrics? Who did the music? Who produced?
- Percentage Split: The total must add up to exactly 100%.
3. Composition vs. Master Splits
Remember, a song has two copyrights. Your collaboration might have different splits for each:
- The Composition (Publishing): Usually split between the lyricists and the melody writers (including the producer if they created the musical bed).
- The Master (Sound Recording): Usually split between the artists and the producer.
Note: Just because you own 50% of the lyrics doesn’t mean you automatically own 50% of the master recording. These need to be listed separately on your split sheet.
4. Handling Collaboration with Audiobulb
Traditional publishers often struggle with collaborations because they only represent one of the writers, leading to “conflicting claims” that freeze your royalties. Audiobulb makes this easier:
- Conflict Resolution: We provide clean metadata registration. When you tell us you own 25% of a song, we register that exact amount. If a collaborator tries to claim more later, your signed split sheet (which you should keep on file) is your ultimate defense.
- Transparency for Teams: Since we take 0% commission, your collaborators don’t have to worry about “hidden fees” coming out of their share if they also use Audiobulb.
- Active Tracking for the Group: Our tracking technology monitors the song’s usage. Even if you only own a small slice of the song, we are still standing guard over the entire track to ensure it isn’t being used unfairly.
5. What if someone won’t sign?
If a collaborator refuses to sign a split sheet, you have a “clouded title.”
- The Problem: Music supervisors and labels will almost never touch a song if the splits aren’t clear. It’s too much of a legal risk.
- The Fix: If you can’t get a signature, keep all your emails, texts, and voice memos from the session. This is your “paper trail” to prove your contribution if you ever need to go to mediation.
Summary
Never leave a session without at least an email chain confirming the splits. It feels awkward to talk about money when the “vibes” are high, but it’s much more awkward to sue a friend two years later when the song becomes a hit.
Your Next Step: Did you recently finish a collaboration? Sign up for Audiobulb for $19.99/year and register your specific shares today. We’ll help you manage your global publishing rights, so you get paid every cent you’re owed, regardless of how many people are on the track.