JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Mentor Questions Forum Song Plugging Contract - HELP

I have a song that I was offered a song plugging contract - they will pay for the demo and get 50% of the publishing rights if they place the song - the contract is good for 1 year. This is what the song has done so far - 1st Place - Dallas Songwriters Association, 1st Place - Portland Songwriters Association,
1st Place - Rivertown Showdown, Columbus, GA, Honor Award – Great American Song Contest and Honor Award – American Songwriters Magazine - which covers all the contests I sent it to. I know the song is good but I don't know anyone or have any contacts in the bizz. What should I do? My 20 year old son wrote the melody and is going to sing the demo - he is very good and I want to promote him also.

PV,

Hi, my name is Marc-Alan Barnette. I have a business that helps guide writers through the process of writing, promoting etc. What you need to realize is that contest songs are judged against the others in the contest and might be great for that but a very different deal when they get to the real world of songwriting.
The first thing you should do is get some critiques on the song from independent sources before committing resources for a demo. If the company is offering to pay for the demo that is a pretty good first step. But even after the demo is done getting it pitched in a town like Nashville is never a given. This is a very competitive town and a LOT of people trying to do the same thing. If you have someone working the song that is a great deal and giving up half the song is very standard. That is the business half of the song.
For members of this and other threads I am involved with I often can do a quick evaluation on the song. If you want to contact me on my private e-mail I will do it for you no charge. You should just make sure you have the strongest thing you can before getting it into the market place.
Be happy to help if needed.

MAB

You say the contract is good for one year. Does that mean there is a reversion clause in the contract? If there is a one year reversion clause, you have nothing to lose.

It's also a good sign that they're willing to pay for the demo costs. The 50% deal would be fine with me.

As long as they don't ask for money upfront, and as long as there's a reversion clause (and you own 50% of the publishing), I'd say "go for it".

If you can afford one, consult with a music industry attorney (for peace of mind).

Best, John

Marc, you posted a micro-second before me.

Marc is more knowledgeable than me - and sums it up much better. Besides, my experience is only in film/tv music contracts.

Your opportunity still sounds sound to me.

John

John,

Great minds think alike. I would think this is pretty standard, do the demo, pitch the song, if anything happens they take the publishing, if nothing it all reverts back in one or two years. I would think there would be very little problems.
PV,something you might consider is letting myself and John here, if he is willing to give independent comments on the song. That way you might find it could fit into his perview which is more Television and film based, or my expertise in the more country oriented market. might help you.

MAB

I'm pleased you associated my mind in an analogy with yours Marc.

PV, broadcast quality is neceesary if you're looking for film/TV placements. Film even more so than TV.

Best, John

PV, I agree with John and Marc, chapter and verse

It sounds like a good deal as long as they aren't charging you anything, have a good track record, and are offering a good reversion clause.

Congrats on the song.

Mike

Did you contact them or did they contact you?

My son sang it in a contest at their club and won - and they called the next day and said they wanted to plug it for us - they have a studio there also. I know people that know them - sounds like a fair deal I guess. Thanks for looking at it.

As long as they are not asking for money it sounds good. If they pitch it and get it recorded, they deserve 50%, which would go to a publisher anyway. They could be the publisher and own 100% of publishing, you would own 100% of writers share, which is split with cowriter.