In the last few parts parts, we broke down the different contributors to a song from Artists and Authors to Arrangers and Producers. This week, in Part 3, we move into the studio where the music is made and talk about something very important: Splits and Shares.
What Happens in the Studio?
When a song is being created, there are different people involved. You’ll often find Music Creators (Composers/Beat Makers) and Authors (Lyric Writers). Every studio session is different, but what’s important is that everyone who contributes creatively is entitled to a share of the work this is what we call splits.
If there is no written agreement before or during the session, confusion will follow. So, we’re here to help you understand how to fairly divide a song. And if you’re unsure about your specific case, feel free to contact us Pondoland Times is here to help! Email: musicrights@pondolandtimes.co.
Advice to Beat Makers (Composers)
Before we continue a quick word to beat makers:
Please register yourself with a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) like SAMRO or CAPASSO, and notify your beats with proper titles. This means giving your beats names and registering them even before they are used by others. You will thank us later, because it protects your ownership and ensures you get paid when your beat is used.
Understanding the Splits
Here’s a simple and fair formula you can use if no agreement has been made beforehand. It has helped solve many conflicts in the industry:
Total of a Song = 100%
The song is split 50% for the music (beat) and 50% for the lyrics (words).
We talking those who created.
MUSIC SIDE – 50%
- Melody (25%) – Whoever created the core melody of the song.
- Other instruments (25%) – Drums, basslines and other instrumental layers.
If one person created both melody and other instruments, they get the full 50%. If it was a collaboration, they share based on what they contributed.
LYRICS SIDE – 50%
- Chorus (25%) – Often the most repeated part; very important!
- Verses (25%) – This part can be shared among the writers of the verses.
If everyone wrote their own verse, they must split the 25% verse share between them. The person who wrote the chorus gets their full 25% unless it was a team effort.
Why You Need a Split Sheet
Every time you create a song with others, fill out a split sheet. It’s a simple form that states:
- Who was involved
- What each person contributed
- What percentage each person owns
- Full names as in ID and ID numbers must be there.
- IPI numbers must be there
- ISRC Code must be there
Without this, many Recording Musicians end up fighting over songs long after they’ve been released. Don’t let that happen to you.
Pondoland Times is here to help protect your work and your rights.
We will continue sharing knowledge, and you can always reach out to us for personal guidance.
Next time, we’ll talk about music notifications, registration and royalty collection how you can make sure your music is earning you money while you sleep!
Until then, keep creating, but also protect your creativity.
![STREAM: Duncan - After Tears [Official Audio]](https://pondolandtimes.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Duncan-After-tears.jpg "STREAM: Duncan – After Tears [Official Audio]")
