JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Mentor Questions Forum Single Song Contract

Hi all - I've been offered a single song contract (my first ) which is exciting but I was looking for some input from members who are familiar with this. How do I determine how long I feel comfortable for the song to be under contract etc? Can I ask that the contract be renewable every 6 months? Any input would be helpful. Thanks so much!

Maureen, 6 months sounds a little short to me. It takes more than that to generate interest in a song. I'd ask for a reversion clause no sooner than two years, and then it would probably have a trigger that allows the company to keep the contract in effect if they are working on a deal. Of course that would be spelled out in the contract.

You might want to have an attorney who specializes in music industry contracts to take a look at it for detailed advice.

Congratulations on getting your first offer. Here's hoping it's the first of many and that many of those create success.

Thanks for posting.

Mike

Congrats Maureen!

way to go girl

though I myself have signed song contracts-I am far from an expert-for which I defer to others-such as Mike Dunbar/Marc Barnette etc.....is it with a label/publisher/music licensing catalog or who? the specific company name would help in case any of our members have experience with them.........as Mike said-6 months doesnt seem standard to me......a little more info about this deal would help us help you.......

best of luck in any case and may you have many more contracts to worry about-lol.......

Tom

Maureen,

Because of the time it takes songs to get into the pipeline in order to even be considered to be cut, the publishers are goign to want as long as possible.Three years is pretty standard now. and it is very much a "take it or leave it" proposal. Many publishers have stopped even doing contracts on songs since it is very much a gamble any way.

Personally I would let them take it and see where they went with it and write more songs. You should use that more as an "open door" to bring in more songs to a publisher, than it being the end all on a song. There are always more songs and whenever someone is willing to listen to what you have lately, that is really what you are looking for. A career is never about one song. That is just the first step.

Publishers have the contacts you don't have. So let them take it and move on to other things.

Congratulations and good luck.

MAB

Thank you to all - The contract is for 30 months - so that seems standard - I think since it's my first contract I'm feeling gun-shy
Thank you for the advice and I will keep everyone posted on what happens next!

Go for it Maureen! Congrats!

You may want to Google info about the publisher first.

Good luck, John

Hi Maureen!

I particularly enjoyed "Last Song" at your site. (Was it this one?)

USED to be "1 year, Renewable"...(Which gave the Publisher a bit more "Inspiration" to work your song.) (And ya COULD have a bit more "Control" over your Patience Level.)

But, like Marc says, use it like a Door-Opener/get some Recorded Out-There...THEN get harder-to-deal-with..heh-heh! Sounds like you're doin' Everything Right/Good Luck/Best Wishes/Big Hugs,
Stan

Thanks Stan ! Trying to do it right

Actually the song is "There's No Reason For This Call"
Thanks!

Congrats.
That's a good song. I can see why it was chosen.

Maureen,

Please, before you sign a contract on anything for any reason, get an attorney to take a look and make sure that the terms are as you expect them to be and nothing more (or less). If it's important enough to require a contract with your signature on it, it's important enough to hire an attorney to protect you.

Years ago the contracts I dealt with were for 2 years. Marc may well be correct since he's active in the Nashville market, so 30 months splits the difference. Make sure your attorney explains any risk you have as well as what constitutes them meeting the requirement of getting a deal going on your song. Can they just have one of their friends record it? Does it have to be a major label release etc. I am not suggesting you start making demands, rather you need to know exactly what you are getting yourself into. I'd also research if that publisher has had any success. All of these things are due dilligence and totally reasonable for you to get a handle on.

Congrats and good luck!

Brian

By the way, the song reminds me of an early 70's throwback country song... you're definitely on the right track. Perhaps like a Juice Newton-ish thing. She's a JPF member too. = )

Brian

Most contracts are 18 to 30 months. I probably would never expect to sign something less than three years. What I would want is the ability to bring more songs in. An open door is what leads to better and better deals. If you have a lot of material, which you had better have in this day and age, it is great to have a sounding board, and as time goes by they might start paying for things, invite you to writer's retreats, help you with artists, etc.

One or even a couple of contracts does not a career make. Get something that is fair and try to build the relationship. I would also pay close attention to the people they are into and support. New artists,established writers, etc.That is where you want to be.

MAB

Thanks Brian - I am in the process of looking at all these things -

I love Juice Newton! The Sweetest Thing is one of my favorite songs

Thanks Marc ! I really appreciate everyone's time and advice.

I also visited your myspace and heard the song. Your song and your look seem very commerical to me. Try to keep up your friendliness factor with the publisher. I lost contact with the first publisher that gave me a single song contract - and the momentum was lost. I did not really realize what they were up against, expected too much too soon, and I should have extended the contract, but got busy doing other things.

If you take the contract, and you can do it, keep them updated with other songs they might like, which complement the first song.
Doug

thanks everyone for the advice- I posted an update in the success stories area -