I wouldn't cut a song for myself without an agreement. I played on a session years ago, the artist cut a song they heard at a writer's night without getting permission from the writer. When the writer found out they were cutting his song, he came into the studio and stood there watching as the tape was erased. It was a big waste of money. I'd recommend getting something in writing from the copyright holder. As Stu said, a deal may be negotiated where the owner of the demo doesn't have to pay the songwriter anything unless there's a commercial release, but I wouldn't recommend assuming that it's ok.

In your case, Ray, If I were the producer, by the time I settled on those 25, the writers would have been contacted and negotiated with. The first note wouldn't be recorded without a written agreement. As you say, I certainly would not send the writers any money. Of course, the label or artist might, if they wanted the song bad enough.

You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music