CO-SONGWRITER SPLIT SHEET

The CO-SONGWRITER SPLIT SHEET is a crucial tool for artists, managers, and those involved in the songwriting process. Let's break down its key elements and explain its significance:

1. Header Information:

- Song Title, Date, Location: This section captures basic details about the song, including its title, the date of creation, and the location where it was written. This information helps in tracking the song's origin and development.

2. Songwriter Details:

- Songwriter Name: Names of the individuals contributing to the song.

- Contact: Contact information for the songwriters.

- PRO NAME & IPI #: Performance Rights Organization (PRO) name and Individual Performing Information (IPI) number. This information is vital for royalty distribution and performance tracking.

3. Ownership Percentage:

- % of Ownership: This is where the co-writers specify the percentage of ownership they have in the song. It could be an equal split or vary depending on each writer's contribution.

4. Lyrics and/or Music:

- This column allows the writers to specify their contribution, whether it's in lyrics, music, or both. It clarifies each songwriter's role in the creation of the song.

5. PRO Affiliation:

- SOCAN (CAN), ASCAP (US), etc: This section notes the affiliation with performance rights organizations in different regions (e.g., SOCAN in Canada, ASCAP in the US). This is crucial for tracking and collecting performance royalties.

6. Signatures and Dates:

- Each songwriter provides their name, signature, and the date. These signatures formalize the agreement, indicating that the listed percentages and roles are agreed upon.

Significance for Artists, Managers, and those Involved:

- Internal and Registration Use: The split sheet serves as a valuable internal document for songwriting teams, ensuring clarity on ownership percentages and contributions. It also aids in the formal registration of the song with relevant copyright and performance rights organizations.

- Formal Agreement: The document can be used as a formal, signed agreement between co-writers. This is particularly important for legal and business purposes, providing a clear record of the agreed-upon terms.

- Avoiding Confusion: Encouraging all involved parties to sign off on the split sheet during or immediately after the writing session helps prevent confusion or disputes over ownership percentages later on. It establishes a clear understanding among co-writers from the outset.

In summary, the CO-SONGWRITER SPLIT SHEET.pdf is a powerful tool for maintaining transparency, avoiding conflicts, and ensuring fair distribution of ownership and royalties among co-writers in the collaborative songwriting process.