WHAT IS A SPLIT SHEET?

What is a Split Sheet?

Imagine you’re an indie artist and you’ve just written a killer song. You record it, release it to the world, and then… magic! Your song explodes online, getting streamed millions of times. But here’s the thing: you don’t reap all the rewards alone. If other people contributed to creating the song, a split sheet comes into play to ensure everyone gets their fair share.

Think of it as a Musical Handshake:

A split sheet is essentially a legal agreement that breaks down ownership and royalties for a song among all the collaborators. It’s like a musical handshake, outlining who wrote what part, and how much of the “pie” (the song’s earnings) each person gets.

The Key Players:

• You, the Songwriter: If you wrote the melody, lyrics, or both, you’re a songwriter on the split sheet.
• Your Bandmates: Did they contribute to the melody, lyrics, or arrangements? They might be songwriters too!
• Guest Musicians: If someone helped write or perform a specific part of the song, they could be included.
• Producers: If a producer helped shape the song significantly, they might get a share.

The Splitting Up Part:

The split sheet specifies the percentage of royalties each person receives. This could be a simple 50/50 split between you and a co-writer, or a more complex breakdown depending on the number of collaborators and their contributions.

How Does the Money Flow?

There are different types of royalties a song can generate:

• Streaming: Every time your song is streamed on Spotify or Apple Music, a small fee is generated.
• Downloads: If your song is purchased for download, there’s another royalty payout.
• Public Performances: Whenever your song is played on the radio or live by another artist, royalties are earned.

The split sheet determines how these royalties are divided among the songwriters and other collaborators.

Why is a Split Sheet Important?

Having a clear and agreed-upon split sheet avoids confusion and potential disputes down the line. It ensures everyone involved is fairly compensated for their creative contribution.

The Indie Advantage:

As an indie artist, you have more control over the creative process and can negotiate the split sheet with your collaborators. Make sure everyone feels their contribution is valued and fairly recognized.

Remember:

A split sheet is a crucial element of music collaboration. It fosters fairness, transparency, and ensures everyone involved is celebrated for their part in creating the music. So, grab a pen (or open a digital document!), get your co-creators together, and create a split sheet that keeps the musical harmony flowing!