Composers & Writers
Songwriter(s) – Publisher Agreement – Royalties
Songwriter(s) – Publisher Agreement (Copyright Assignment)
Songwriter(s) Name: ____________________________________________ (Print Names) _____________________________________________ Music by: ______________________________________________________ Lyrics by: _______________________________________________________ Composition Name: _______________________________________________ Composition Genre: _______________________________________________ (for band, singer, group, film, music video, stage production, game show, commercial, etc) Publisher(s) Name: _______________________________________________ Publisher Company: ______________________________________________ Project Name: __________________________________________________ Project Genre: _________________________________________________ (film, music video, stage production, game show, etc) Herein this Agreement the band, Indie band, singer, vocal group, choral group or musical publisher, or any person who will publish the Composition commercially for profit herein is called the “Publisher”. Herein this Agreement is between the above named and below signed Publisher and/or Production Company (herein called the “Publisher”) and the above named and below signed Songwriter(s) (herein are called the “Songwriter”). HENCE, in consideration of the promises, and of the mutual undertakings herein contained, and for other good and valuable considerations, the above named and below signed Songwriter and the above named and below signed Publisher agree as follows: 1. The Songwriter agrees to maintain the confidential nature of any and all matters relating to the Project and not at any time to take any unauthorized photographs, nor video, by any and all electronic or mechanical means, nor audio recording, by any and all electronic or mechanical means, nor to pass on nor to release to any person any information, photographs, videos, nor audio recordings nor things coming into her/his/their possession which relate to the Project. 2. The Songwriter hereby sells, assigns, transfers and delivers to the Publisher, its, heirs, successors and assigns, the above named original musical Composition written and composed by the Songwriter. 4. The Songwriter hereby covenants, represents and warrants that: (i) the above named Composition hereby sold is an “Original Composition”; and, (ii) neither above named Composition nor any part thereof infringes upon the title of the literary or musical property nor the Copyright in any other Composition: and, (iii) that she/he/they is/are the sole Writer and Songwriter and the sole Owner thereof and of all the Rights therein; and, (iv) has not sold, assigned, licensed, set over, transferred, hypothecated nor mortgaged any Right, Title or Interest in or to . . . . continued 12. The Publisher agrees to publish the above mentioned musical Composition in saleable form within ________________________________________________ (weeks, months, year) after the receipt of lead sheet of the above named Composition. Should the Publisher fail to do so, the Songwriter shall have the Right, in writing, by registered mail, to demand the return of such unpublished Composition, whereupon. . . . continuedComposer Collaboration Contract
Music and Lyrics
Two or more composers/songwriters working together on a song or music should have a signed Collaboration Agreement regarding the words/lyrics and music.
This is a comprehensively drafted six page, twenty-three legal clause music contract with Clauses regarding but not limited to: completion of the composition, income sharing, revisions, departure of a collaborator, addition of a new collaborator, Rights transfer, notices and dispute resolution.
This music contract Agreement between the independent Composer-for-hire and the Producer is drafted in plain English that is easy to read and comprehend. The music contract Agreement may be filled in on your computer or printed out and filled in later.
We regularly receive feedback that we have successfully drafted our music contracts to be as complete as possible for all legal situations. However, should you experience a unique personal situation requiring the drafting of a special clause, please contact us at your convenience. Otherwise, you may be obliged to find a local entertainment lawyer experienced in the music industry who will draft any and all other clauses for your Project’s unique situation or circumstance.
Our music contracts are based on the principles of contract law, are country neutral and may be used in Australia, Canada, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Sates or any country whose legal principles are based on the English or American Legal System.
Our music contracts provide legal protection for music writers and composers, music agents, music recorders, music producers, musicians and singers, music distributors and music marketers and are used by: Alternative bands, Ambient musicians, Blues Bands and Blues singers, Classic Rock Tribute Bands, Choral Ensembles, Country and Western Bands, Country Rock Bands, Country singers, Dance Bands, Electric and Electronic Bands, Folk singers, Hip Hop singers, Jazz singers, Jazz Bands, Jazz ensembles, Polka Bands, Rap singers, Rap groups, Reggae Bands and Reggae singers, Religious Groups and Religious Bands, Religious Singers, R&B Groups, R&B Bands, R&B Singers, Rock Bands, and International Bands and International singers.
Composer Collaboration Agreement Music and Lyrics
Music Composer(s) Name: __________________________________________ (Print Names) Lyrics Composer(s) Name: __________________________________________ Composition Name: _______________________________________________ Composition Genre: _______________________________________________ (for band, singer, group, film, music video, stage production, game show, commercial, etc) The above named and below signed Composers (herein called the Composer individually and the “Composers” collectively) desire to collaborate in the composing of the above named Composition (herein called the “Composition”). on the terms hereinafter set forth. HENCE, in consideration of the promises, and of the mutual undertakings herein contained, and for other good and valuable considerations, the above named Composers agree as follows: 1. The Composers hereby undertake to collaborate in the composing of a certain original Composition. 2. The Composers shall collaborate in the composing of the Composition and upon completion thereof shall be the Joint Owners of the Composition sharing all Rights equally, or as agreed, recorded and signed in Appendix “A”. 6. Any contract for the sale or other disposition of the Composition, where the Composition has been completed by the Composers in accordance herewith, shall require that the composing credits shall be equally shared . . . continued 11. If either/any Composer(s) shall be unavailable for the purposes of collaborating on such revision, then the Composer(s) who is available shall . . . continuedComposer Contract
Composer-for-Hire
Music and Lyrics
A Producer may require a Composer for a Project. The composer-for-hire may be requested to write music and/or lyrics for a television jingle, radio music commercial, music for a play, movies, short films, etc.
This is a comprehensively drafted twelve page, twenty-eight legal clause music contract with Music clauses regarding but not limited to: confidentiality, duties of composer, services being hired, compensation or royalties, rights as to title, changes, modifications and additions, assignment, force majeure, failure to perform and dispute resolution.
The Independent Composer-for-hire is not employee, nor partner, nor agent of the Producer, nor of the Production Company nor any other company or person affiliated with the Producer in any manner whatsoever.
Signing this music contract the independent Composer-for-hire is assigning any and all Rights to their work performance over to the Producer.
This music contract Agreement between the independent Composer-for-hire and the Producer is drafted in plain English that is easy to read and comprehend. The Agreement may be filled in on your computer or printed out and filled in later.
We regularly receive feedback that we have successfully drafted our music contracts to be as complete as possible for all legal situations. However, should you experience a unique personal situation requiring the drafting of a special clause, please contact us at your convenience. Otherwise, you may be obliged to find a local entertainment lawyer experienced in the music industry who will draft any and all other clauses for your Project’s unique situation or circumstance.
Our music contracts are based on the principles of contract law, are country neutral and may be used in Australia, Canada, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Sates or any country whose legal principles are based on the English or American Legal System.
Our music contracts provide legal protection for music writers and composers, music agents, music recorders, music producers, musicians and singers, music distributors and music marketers and are used by: Alternative bands, Ambient musicians, Blues Bands and Blues singers, Classic Rock Tribute Bands, Choral Ensembles, Country and Western Bands, Country Rock Bands, Country singers, Dance Bands, Electric and Electronic Bands, Folk singers, Hip Hop singers, Jazz singers, Jazz Bands, Jazz ensembles, Polka Bands, Rap singers, Rap groups, Reggae Bands and Reggae singers, Religious Groups and Religious Bands, Religious Singers, R&B Groups, R&B Bands, R&B Singers, Rock Bands, and International Bands and International singers.
There are two forms of this music contract Agreement. The first music contract the composer-for-hire is paid a one time compensation for services rendered. The second music contract the composer-for-hire receives royalties.
Composer Contract – Royalties (Composer-for-Hire) Music and Lyrics
Composer Contract One Time Compensation (Composer-for-Hire) Music and Lyrics
Music Composer(s) Name: __________________________________________ (Print Names) Lyrics Composer(s) Name: __________________________________________ Composition Name: _______________________________________________ Composition Genre: _______________________________________________ (for band, singer, group, film, music video, stage production, game show, commercial, etc) Producer Name: __________________________________________________ Production Company: _____________________________________________ Project Name: ____________________________________________________ Herein this Agreement is between the above named and below signed Producer and/or Production Company (herein called the “Producer”) and the above named and below signed Composer(s) (herein called the Composer individually and the “Composer(s)” collectively). HENCE, in consideration of the promises, and of the mutual undertakings herein contained, and for other good and valuable considerations, the above named and below signed Composer(s) and the above named and below signed Producer agree as follows: 1. The Producer hereby employs the Composer(s) to write, compose, orchestrate, arrange, adapt, and conduct the recording of the musical score (herein called the “Score”) to be used by the Producer as the soundtrack (herein called the “Soundtrack”) of the above named Project. 2. The Composer agrees to maintain the confidential nature of any and all matters relating to the Project and not at any time to take any unauthorized photographs, nor video, by any and all electronic or mechanical means, nor audio recording, by any and all electronic or mechanical means, nor to pass on nor to release to any person any information, photographs, videos, nor audio recordings nor things coming into her/his/their possession which relate to the Project. 8. The Composer shall comply promptly, diligently and faithfully with all requirements, directions and requests and with all rules and regulations made by the Producer in connection with the conduct of its business; to perform and render services conscientiously and to the full extent of the Composer’s ability and as instructed by the Producer in all matters, including . . . continued 16. The Composer fully understands that as Composer-for-hire, the Producer, as the Composer’s employer-for-hire, is and will be the Owner and Proprietor, exclusively and perpetually, of all Rights of ever kind and character whatsoever, whether or not such Rights are now known, in existence or contemplated, throughout the universe, in and to the Composer’s services . . . continuedCopyright Assignment
Copyright is instantaneous regardless of artistic merit. It is the exclusive Right of the Copyright Owner to copy/reproduce or gives permission to copy/reproduce an artistic, dramatic, literary or musical work.
Copyright is a property Right. It can be bought, sold, loaned, used as collateral. When the Copyright is assigned, a clause in the Assignment permits one Party to the Agreement to assign certain Rights to another Party.
In this “Short Form”two page, three paragraph music legal contract the Producer is assigned any and all Rights to the Work by the Writer. If the Producer is signing an Agreement for Copyright to a Work she/he must check that no previously existing contract disallows an assignment. The Producer should always have her/his Lawyer review the Agreement before signing.
This Agreement between the Copyright Owner and the Producer is drafted in plain English that is easy to read and comprehend.
We regularly receive feedback that we have successfully drafted our music contracts to be as complete as possible for all legal situations. However, should you experience a unique personal situation requiring the drafting of a special clause, please contact us at your convenience. Otherwise, you may be obliged to find a local entertainment lawyer experienced in the music industry who will draft any and all other clauses for your Project’s unique situation or circumstance.
Our contracts are based on the principles of contract law, are country neutral and may be used in Australia, Canada, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Sates or any country whose legal principles are based on the English or American Legal System.
Our music contracts provide legal protection for music writers and composers, music agents, music recorders, music producers, musicians and singers, music distributors and music marketers and are used by: Alternative bands, Ambient musicians, Blues Bands and Blues singers, Classic Rock Tribute Bands, Choral Ensembles, Country and Western Bands, Country Rock Bands, Country singers, Dance Bands, Electric and Electronic Bands, Folk singers, Hip Hop singers, Jazz singers, Jazz Bands, Jazz ensembles, Polka Bands, Rap singers, Rap groups, Reggae Bands and Reggae singers, Religious Groups and Religious Bands, Religious Singers, R&B Groups, R&B Bands, R&B Singers, Rock Bands, and International Bands and International singers.
Copyright Assignment All-Rights Transfer (Short Form)
Writer Name (Assignor): ____________________________________________ (Print Names) Title of Work Assigned: _____________________________________________ Producer(s) name (Assignee): ______________________________________ Producer Company: _______________________________________________ Project Name: ____________________________________________________ Project Genre: ____________________________________________________ (film, music video, stage production, game show, etc) Herein this Agreement the Independent Filmmaker is called the “Producer”. 1. This is an Agreement between the Assignor (hereafter known as the “Writer”) and the Assignee (hereafter known as the “Producer”) to Assign the Rights of the above named Work to be used in the above named Project. 2. For good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the above named and undersigned Writer hereby irrevocably transfers and assigns to the above named and undersigned Producer, her/his/their/its successors, heirs, and assigns, in perpetuity, all Rights (whether now known or hereinafter invented), Title, and Interest, throughout the world, including any Copyrights and renewals or extensions thereto, in the above named Work. (Copyright registration number if available ( _________________) 3. That, in consideration of _______________________________________ and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Writer does hereby sell, grant, convey and assign unto the Producer her/his/their/its successors, assigns and licensees forever, all Rights, Title and Interests including but not limited to the . . . continuedExclusive Songwriter(s) Contract
(Songwriter-for-Hire)
Music and Lyrics
Independent Songwriters and Composers are regularly hired for pay by a Commissioner to compose jingles, radio and television commercials, songs for singers, plays, movies etc.
This is an extensive eleven page, twenty-four legal clause music contract including but not limited to the following Clauses: confidentiality, assignment of copyright, composer/writer warranties of authorship, royalties, compensation, performance and broadcast rights, licensing and publishing rights, adaptation clause, reversion for non-publication, and arbitration.
This exclusive service music contract Agreement between the independent
Songwriter/Composer and the Commissioner is drafted in plain English that is easy to read and comprehend.
We regularly receive feedback that we have successfully drafted our music contracts to be as complete as possible for all legal situations. However, should you experience a unique personal situation requiring the drafting of a special clause, please contact us at your convenience. Otherwise, you may be obliged to find a local entertainment lawyer experienced in the music industry who will draft any and all other clauses for your Project’s unique situation or circumstance.
Our music contracts are based on the principles of contract law, are country neutral and may be used in Australia, Canada, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Sates or any country whose legal principles are based on the English or American Legal System.
Our music contracts provide legal protection for music writers and composers, music agents, music recorders, music producers, musicians and singers, music distributors and music marketers are used by: Alternative bands, Ambient musicians, Blues Bands and Blues singers, Classic Rock Tribute Bands, Choral Ensembles, Country and Western Bands, Country Rock Bands, Country singers, Dance Bands, Electric and Electronic Bands, Folk singers, Hip Hop singers, Jazz singers, Jazz Bands, Jazz ensembles, Polka Bands, Rap singers, Rap groups, Reggae Bands and Reggae singers, Religious Groups and Religious Bands, Religious Singers, R&B Groups, R&B Bands, R&B Singers, Rock Bands, and International Bands and International singers.
Exclusive Songwriter(s) Contract – Royalties
Exclusive Songwriter(s) Contract (Songwriter-for-Hire) Music and Layrics
Songwriter(s) Name: _______________________________________________ (Print Names) Music by: ________________________________________________________ Lyrics by: ________________________________________________________ Composition Name: _______________________________________________ Composition Genre: _______________________________________________ (for band, singer, group, film, music video, stage production, game show, commercial, etc) Commissioner(s) Name: ____________________________________________ Commissioner Company: ___________________________________________ Herein this Agreement is between the above named and below signed Commissioner(s) and/or the Commissioning/Publishing Company (herein called the “Commissioner”) and the above named and below signed Songwriter(s) (herein called the “Songwriter”). HENCE, in consideration of the promises, and of the mutual undertakings herein contained, and for other good and valuable considerations, the above named and below signed Songwriter(s) and the above named and below signed Commissioner agree as follows: 1. The Commissioner hereby employs the Songwriter to render her/his services as a Songwriter and Composer and otherwise as may be hereinafter set forth. The Songwriter hereby accepts such employment and agrees to render such services “exclusively” for the Commissioner during the term hereof, upon the terms and conditions set forth herein. 2. The Songwriter agrees to maintain the confidential nature of any and all matters relating to the commission herein and not at any time to take any unauthorized photographs, nor video, by any and all electronic or mechanical means, nor audio recording, by any and all electronic or mechanical means, nor to pass on nor to release to any person any information, photographs, videos, nor audio recordings nor things coming into her/his possession which relate to the commission of the song writing referred to herein. 4. The Songwriter hereby irrevocably and absolutely assigns, transfers, sets over, and grants to the Commissioner, her/his/its successors, and assigns each and every and all Rights and Interests of every kind, nature and description in and to the results and proceeds of Songwriter’s services hereunder, including, but not limited to the titles, words and lyrics, and music of any and all original arrangements of musical compositions in the public domain in any and all licenses relating thereto, together with all worldwide copyrights and renewals and extensions thereof, which musical works have been written, composed, created, or conceived, in whole or in part, by Songwriter alone or in collaboration with another or others, and which are now owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Songwriter, alone or with others, or as the employer or transferee, directly or indirectly, of the Songwriters or composition, and all worldwide Copyrights and . . . continued 9. The Commissioner may take such action as she/he/it deems necessary, either in the Songwriter’s name or in her/his/its own name, against any person to protect all Rights and Interests acquired by Commissioner hereunder. The Songwriter will, at Commissioner’s request, cooperate fully with the Commissioner in any controversy that may arise or litigation that may be brought concerning the Commissioner’s Rights and Interests obtained hereunder. The Commissioner shall have the Right to, in her/his/its absolute discretion, to employ legal counsel and to institute or defend any action . . . continuedPublishing Contract – One Time Compensation (Copyright Assignment – One Time Compensation)
Publishing Contract One Time Compensation (Copyright Assignment)
Writer(s) Name: ____________________________________________ (Print Names) _____________________________________________ Music by: ______________________________________________________ Lyrics by: _______________________________________________________ Composition Name: _______________________________________________ Composition Genre: _______________________________________________ (for band, singer, group, film, music video, stage production, game show, commercial, etc) Publisher(s) Name: _______________________________________________ Publisher Company: ______________________________________________ Project Name: __________________________________________________ Project Genre: _________________________________________________ (film, music video, stage production, game show, etc) Herein this Agreement is between the above named and below signed Publisher and/or Production Company (herein called the “Publisher”) and the above named and below signed Writer(s) (herein are called the “Writer”). HENCE, in consideration of the promises, and of the mutual undertakings herein contained, and for other good and valuable considerations, the above named and below signed Writer and the above named and below signed Publisher agree as follows: 1. The Writer agrees to maintain the confidential nature of any and all matters relating to the Project and not at any time to take any unauthorized photographs, nor video, by any and all electronic or mechanical means, nor audio recording, by any and all electronic or mechanical means, nor to pass on nor to release to any person any information, photographs, videos, nor audio recordings nor things coming into her/his/their possession which relate to the Project. 2. The Writer hereby sells, assigns, transfers and delivers to the Publisher, its heirs, successors and assigns, the above named original musical Composition written and composed by the above named and below signed Writer. 3. At the Publisher’s desire: (i) change the Title to the above named composition may be changed; and, (ii) change any and all of the following: words and lyrics and music thereof, and all Rights therein, and all Copyrights and the Rights to secure Copyrights . . . continuedPublishing Contract – Royalties
(Copyright Assignment)
A Songwriter/Composer will want her/his/their work published for profit whether it be music and/or lyrics for a television jingle, radio music commercial, music for a play, movies, short films, etc. Music publishers play a vital role in the development of new music and in taking care of the business side, allowing composers and songwriters to concentrate on their creative work.
This is a comprehensively drafted six page, eighteen legal clause music contract with Clauses regarding but not limited to: confidentiality, reversion, compensation or royalties, rights as to title, changes, modifications and additions, assignment, and dispute resolution.
The Independent Songwriter/Composer is not employee, nor partner, nor agent of the Publisher, nor of the Publishing Company nor any other company or person affiliated with the Publisher in any manner whatsoever.
Signing this music contract the independent songwriter/Composer is assigning any and all Rights to their work performance over to the Producer.
This music contract Agreement between the independent Songwriter/Composer and the Publisher is drafted in plain English that is easy to read and comprehend.
We regularly receive feedback that we have successfully drafted our music contracts to be as complete as possible for all legal situations. However, should you experience a unique personal situation requiring the drafting of a special clause, please contact us at your convenience. Otherwise, you may be obliged to find a local entertainment lawyer experienced in the music industry who will draft any and all other clauses for your Project’s unique situation or circumstance.
Our music contracts are based on the principles of contract law, are country neutral and may be used in Australia, Canada, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Sates or any country whose legal principles are based on the English or American Legal System.
Our legal music contracts for music writers and composers, music agents, music recorders, music producers, musicians and singers, music distributors and music marketers are used by: Alternative bands, Ambient musicians, Blues Bands and Blues singers, Classic Rock Tribute Bands, Choral Ensembles, Country and Western Bands, Country Rock Bands, Country singers, Dance Bands, Electric and Electronic Bands, Folk singers, Hip Hop singers, Jazz singers, Jazz Bands, Jazz ensembles, Polka Bands, Rap singers, Rap groups, Reggae Bands and Reggae singers, Religious Groups and Religious Bands, Religious Singers, R&B Groups, R&B Bands, R&B Singers, Rock Bands, and International Bands and International singers.
There are two form of this Agreement. The first music contract the Songwriter/Composer receives a one time compensation for the musical composition. The second music contract form the Songwriter/Composer receives royalties.
Songwriter(s) – Publisher Agreement – One Time Compensation
As an independent songwriter and/or composer you will want your music and lyrics published for profit. The Songwriter/Composer will negotiate and sign with a music Publisher. In today’s market the primary job of the music publisher is to link up new songs by songwriters with suitable recording artists to record them for profit and airplay. Promoting such songs, supervising the collection and payment of publishing royalties for sales to their writers, placing writers songs in other media such as movie soundtracks and commercials, and handling copyright registration and “ownership” matters for published songs, are among other jobs handled by a music publisher. Music print publishers also supervise the issue of songbooks and sheet music by their artists.
This is an extensive five page, fifteen legal clause music contract including but not limited to the following Clauses: confidentiality, assignment of copyright, composer/writer warranties of authorship, royalties, compensation, reversion for non-publication, and arbitration. Your Lawyer will draft any and all other clauses for your unique situations and circumstances.
This music contract Agreement between the independent Songwriter/Composer and the Publisher is drafted in plain English that is easy to read and comprehend. The music contract Agreement may be filled in on your computer or printed out and filled in later.
Our music contracts are based on the principles of contract law, are country neutral and may be used in Australia, Canada, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Sates or any country whose legal principles are based on the English or American Legal System.
Our music contracts for music writers and composers, music agents, music recorders, music producers, musicians and singers, music distributors and music marketers are used by: Alternative bands, Ambient musicians, Blues Bands and Blues singers, Classic Rock Tribute Bands, Choral Ensembles, Country and Western Bands, Country Rock Bands, Country singers, Dance Bands, Electric and Electronic Bands, Folk singers, Hip Hop singers, Jazz singers, Jazz Bands, Jazz ensembles, Polka Bands, Rap singers, Rap groups, Reggae Bands and Reggae singers, Religious Groups and Religious Bands, Religious Singers, R&B Groups, R&B Bands, R&B Singers, Rock Bands, and International Bands and International singers.
There are two forms of this Agreement. One form the Songwriter-for-Hire receives a one time compensation for services rendered. The second form the Songwriter-for-Hire receives royalties.