Music Business - 477 - Publishing

Songwriter Agreement

A deal between a songwriter and a publisher. Also called a co-publishing agreement.

"Off the Top" charges

Fees that a publisher will deduct before applying your royalty percentage.

demo

An informal recording that's solely for the purposes of pitching a song to artists, film companies, etc.

adminstration agreement

A deal where the publisher has no ownership of the song copyright.

Term Songwriter Agreement

Record deal except that, instead of making records, you agree to give the publisher all the songs you write during the terms.

MDR (Minimum Delivery Requirement)

When a publisher requires a minimum number of songs per period.

Co-writers / Collaborators

when an writer writes a song with other people.

track

the background rhythm and instrumentation, on which the melody and lyrics are laid.

topline

the lyrics and melody of a song.

beat writer

Artists who only create beats for songs.

Reversion of Copyright

A contractual provision stipulating that the publisher must give back the copyright and all additional rights to a song at some point in the future

retention period

The period of time after the end of the term during which the administrator or subpublisher will retain rights in songs for which they secured uses.

pipeline earnings

Money that is received by the publisher but not yet accounted to you.