A Composer Split Sheet is a written agreement that shows how the ownership and royalties of a song are divided among everyone who contributed to writing it (e.g., lyricist, composer, producer).
Here’s why it’s important:
1. Clarity & Fairness
- It clearly records who contributed what (lyrics, melody, production, etc.).
- Everyone knows their exact percentage share, preventing misunderstandings later.
2. Royalty Payments
- Royalties are paid out according to the split.
- Without a split agreement, collecting royalties through SAMRO, CAPASSO, and other rights bodies can be delayed or disputed.
3. Legal Protection
- A signed split sheet acts as proof of ownership shares.
- If disputes arise, it protects each composer’s rights.
4. Industry Requirement
- Labels, publishers, and distributors often require a composer split before releasing or licensing a song.
- It ensures transparency for collaborations.
5. Preserves Relationships
- Settling percentages upfront helps avoid conflicts between collaborators later in the song’s life.