Comments for Songwriting Questions Need As Much Help as Possible

Jan 05, 2009
Rating

deep breath, ok, here we go...
by: La Playa

1.) How much does it cost in this current year 2008 to get a song fully copyrighted?

It costs nothing.

2.)Is this plan a good plan that I'm about to explain, for making a deal as a beginner songwriter into the music industry?

No, it is not a good plan.

3.)I want to make Hit Songs (Lyrics Only) and copyright them and license them to labels and artist for a fee of $50,000 + 6 cents for every time my song is downloaded from itunes and the price of the licensing fee moves up some more every 50 songs I make.

That will not happen, there is NO WAY that would ever happen. You dont get anything up front for writing a song, especially just the lyrics, you only get paid when it sells, if it sells.

4.) Do you have to fly out to make a licensing deal with a label and can they pay for me to fly out to their to the label for the negotiation meeting. Will they pay for me and my lawyer to fly out into that state and stay there for a while until things are settled?

No they wont pay for anything like that!

5.)How long on average does licensing deals take to be closed or rather settled?

Depends on the deal.

6.)When you license your song to a label what all can they do with it?

Sync for film, release for cd, download, remix, compilations, discount, bargain basement, delete, sell to third party etc. Mostly they do nothing at all with your song...

7.) How long does the label get to use your song that you licensed to them?

Between whatever you agree and forever.

8.)Can you take home your contract
to go over it with a lawyer?

Yes

9.)Will I be able to stay in contact with a label for future purposes or other hit songs I make?

Of course

10.)Can I just make the lyrics to a song and the band or singer come up with a melody with a producer or something?

That's called co-writing. If your lyrics really are worth $50k then I would like to see them first: http://www.ceolnua.com

11.) Where do you get you licenses from to license your music to labels and third party members?

from a lawyyer.

Hope this helps, you sound like you need to read some books about the business side of music, but dont let that put you off your goal, the music, the songs, they should come first. I have been in the business for my whole life and you can make money from it, I have had hits, films, themes, written songs, travelled the world, it is possible but it is not get rich quick, more like get very low wages slow. But every once in a while you hit the jackpot, about once every ten years i find...

andy