Making music can feel like such an overwhelming process with just the creative process alone. Unfortunately, the creative process also requires paperwork if you want to properly monetize your music. 

Dot your i’s and cross your t’s.

Whether you’re looking to get your music placed in film/TV or just release it on DSPs, it is recommended to create split sheets for all songs that you work on. If you’re new to music and you don’t know what split sheets are, let me break it down for you.

Split sheets are a form of keeping track of the collaborators on each song or work. They detail each collaborators percentage of ownership in the record on the publishing and master side. After all collaborating parties come to terms on the percentages of ownership, they all sign off on the sheet certifying the agreement. 

This can be very helpful in the future when it comes to negotiating deals, licensing your music, and in the worst case; you getting sued. 

Doing clean and transparent business is one of the easiest ways to rise up through the music industry and gain respect from your music peers. If you’re not used to having conversations with your collaborators on what everyone’s compensation should be, this is your sign to start having those conversations. Although they may be uncomfortable, having splits/compensation figured out with the paperwork to certify the agreement can help increase the value of your catalogue and make negotiating on your behalf much easier.

If you’re interested in learning more about how deals and percentages should be structured, check out the book “All You Need to Know About the Music Business” by Donald Passman.

Happy creating!