Song Writer Contract for the United States

Song Writer Contract Template for United States

A Songwriter Contract is a legally binding agreement used in the United States music industry that establishes the terms and conditions between a songwriter and a music publisher or other entity. The agreement covers copyright ownership, royalty payments, delivery requirements, and various rights including mechanical, performance, and synchronization rights. It ensures compliance with U.S. Copyright Law and the Music Modernization Act while protecting both parties' interests.

Your data doesn't train Genie's AI

You keep IP ownership of your information

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Download a Standard Template

4.6 / 5
4.8 / 5
Access for free
OR

Alternatively: Run an advanced review of an existing
Song Writer Contract

Let Genie AI's market-leading legal AI identify missing terms, unusual language, compliance issues and more - in just seconds.
Upload your Doc

What is a Song Writer Contract?

The Songwriter Contract is essential in the U.S. music industry for protecting both creators and publishers. This agreement defines the relationship between parties, establishing clear terms for copyright ownership, compensation, and usage rights. The contract must comply with U.S. federal copyright laws, including the Music Modernization Act, and state-specific contract laws. A well-drafted Songwriter Contract is crucial for establishing professional relationships, ensuring fair compensation, and protecting intellectual property rights in the modern music industry.

What sections should be included in a Song Writer Contract?

1. Parties: Identifies the songwriter and the publisher/company engaging their services

2. Background: Establishes the context of the agreement and the parties' intentions

3. Definitions: Defines key terms used throughout the agreement including 'Musical Works', 'Publishing Rights', 'Royalties'

4. Scope of Services: Details the songwriting services to be provided, including delivery requirements and quality standards

5. Ownership and Rights: Specifies copyright ownership, transfer of rights, and exploitation rights

6. Compensation: Details payment terms, royalties, advances, and payment schedules

7. Term and Termination: Specifies duration of agreement and conditions for termination or renewal

What sections are optional to include in a Song Writer Contract?

1. Exclusivity: Specifies terms of exclusive arrangement between songwriter and publisher

2. Minimum Commitment: Details minimum number of songs or works to be delivered within specific timeframes

3. Co-Writing Provisions: Addresses rights and obligations in collaborative writing scenarios

4. International Rights: Covers terms for international exploitation and sub-publishing arrangements

What schedules should be included in a Song Writer Contract?

1. Schedule A - Existing Works: List of pre-existing works excluded from the agreement

2. Schedule B - Minimum Delivery Requirements: Detailed specifications for song deliverables and technical requirements

3. Schedule C - Royalty Calculations: Detailed breakdown of royalty calculations, splits, and payment procedures

4. Schedule D - Approved Co-Writers: List of pre-approved collaboration partners and terms of collaboration

5. Appendix 1 - Style Guide: Technical requirements and formatting guidelines for song submissions

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Music Agreement

Sector

IP

Cost

Free to use
Clauses
Industries

U.S. Copyright Act: Primary federal legislation (17 U.S.C.) governing copyright protection for musical works, including composition rights and ownership.

Music Modernization Act: 2018 law that updated music licensing legislation for the digital age, including streaming services and digital royalties.

Digital Millennium Copyright Act: Federal law addressing digital copyright issues, including online music distribution and anti-circumvention provisions.

Rights of Authorship: Legal framework protecting the creator's rights to claim ownership and attribution of their musical works.

Publishing Rights: Rights related to the publication, distribution, and commercialization of musical compositions.

Mechanical Rights: Rights governing the reproduction of songs in physical formats or digital downloads.

Performance Rights: Rights related to public performance of musical works, including live performances and broadcasts.

Synchronization Rights: Rights governing the use of music in combination with visual media (film, TV, advertisements).

Fair Labor Standards Act: Federal law establishing standards for employment relationships, potentially relevant if songwriter is classified as an employee.

State Contract Laws: State-specific regulations governing contract formation, enforcement, and interpretation.

PRO Regulations: Rules and requirements set by Performing Rights Organizations (ASCAP, BMI, SESAC) for music licensing and royalty collection.

Industry Royalty Standards: Standard practices in the music industry regarding royalty splits and revenue sharing arrangements.

IRS Regulations: Tax requirements and obligations for self-employed songwriters and music industry professionals.

Digital Distribution Rights: Legal framework governing distribution of music through digital platforms, streaming services, and social media.

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

Find the exact document you need

Exclusive Songwriter Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing exclusive rights between a songwriter and music publisher for the creation and exploitation of musical compositions.

find out more

SLA Software License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement defining terms for software licensing, usage rights, and service levels between provider and customer.

find out more

Songwriter Publisher Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing rights and obligations between songwriters and music publishers regarding musical composition administration and exploitation.

find out more

Songwriter Artist Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing rights and obligations between songwriters and music industry entities regarding musical compositions.

find out more

Single Song Artist Recording Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between an artist and record label for the recording and rights management of a single song.

find out more

Session Musician Work For Hire Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms and rights assignment for session musician services under work-for-hire principles.

find out more

Music Agreement Contract For Artists

A U.S.-governed legal agreement establishing terms between recording artists and music industry entities, covering rights, obligations, and compensation.

find out more

Composer Publisher Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement between composers and music publishers establishing rights, responsibilities, and revenue sharing for musical works.

find out more

Music Distribution Deal Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for music distribution rights and revenue sharing between rights holders and distributors.

find out more

Recording Artist Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between a record label and artist establishing terms for recording and distributing musical works.

find out more

Music Contract For Featured Artist

A U.S.-governed agreement between a featured recording artist and a record label, establishing rights, obligations, and compensation terms under federal and state entertainment laws.

find out more

Master Recording Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between a record label and artist establishing terms for creation, ownership, and exploitation of master recordings.

find out more

Artist Recording Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract between a record label and artist establishing terms for recording, distribution, and royalty arrangements.

find out more

Record Label Partnership Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing partnership terms between a record label and artist, covering rights, revenue, and obligations under federal and state law.

find out more

Sound Recording Agreement

A US-governed contract establishing terms for the creation, ownership, and distribution of recorded music between artists and record labels.

find out more

Music Promotion Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract establishing terms for promotional services between a music promoter and artist/band.

find out more

Co Songwriter Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing rights and responsibilities between collaborative songwriters.

find out more

Music Distribution Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for music distribution, including rights, revenue sharing, and distribution channels under federal copyright law.

find out more

Music Video Production Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms and conditions for music video production between artists/labels and production companies.

find out more

Composer Work For Hire Agreement

A U.S. legal agreement establishing terms for commissioned musical compositions as works made for hire, transferring copyright ownership to the commissioner.

find out more

Composer Licensing Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing musical compositions from composers to users, subject to federal copyright and state contract laws.

find out more

Simple EULA

A simplified software license agreement under US law that governs the relationship between software providers and users.

find out more

Film Score Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between a composer and production company for creating and delivering an original film score, addressing rights, payment, and specifications.

find out more

Contract For Musicians

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement establishing terms between musicians and hiring entities, covering performance, compensation, and rights.

find out more

Producer Artist Development Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement defining terms between a music producer and artist for development services, including rights, compensation, and obligations.

find out more

Music Venue Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms between music venues and performers/promoters for live entertainment events.

find out more

Song Share Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement that establishes ownership rights and revenue sharing arrangements between multiple parties for a musical composition.

find out more

Music Release Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for music release, distribution, and royalty arrangements between artists and labels.

find out more

Music Partnership Agreement

A U.S.-governed legal agreement establishing terms and conditions for musical collaboration between partners, including rights, responsibilities, and revenue sharing.

find out more

Music Ownership Contract

A U.S.-governed contract establishing ownership and transfer of rights for musical works.

find out more

Music Joint Venture Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing a joint venture between parties in the music industry, defining structure, rights, and profit-sharing arrangements.

find out more

Music Commission Contract

A U.S.-governed agreement between a commissioner and composer for the creation of original musical work, addressing ownership, payment, and usage rights.

find out more

Master License Music

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for licensing and using musical works across various platforms and mediums, in compliance with federal copyright laws.

find out more

Exclusive Songwriter Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement transferring exclusive rights in musical compositions from a songwriter to a music publisher, including copyright assignment and compensation terms.

find out more

Music Video License Agreement

A U.S.-governed agreement that establishes terms for licensing and using a music video, including rights, restrictions, and payment terms.

find out more

Live Band Contract

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement establishing terms and conditions for live musical performances, including rights, obligations, and compensation details.

find out more

Side Artist Agreement With Royalty

A U.S.-compliant legal agreement establishing terms between a record label and supporting musician, including performance rights, compensation, and royalties.

find out more

Producer Contract For Beats

A U.S.-governed agreement establishing terms for the creation, sale, or licensing of musical beats between producers and clients.

find out more

Musical Agreement

A U.S.-governed contract establishing rights, obligations, and financial terms between parties in the music industry.

find out more

Master Use And Synchronization License

A U.S.-governed agreement granting rights to synchronize both musical compositions and sound recordings with visual media.

find out more
See more related templates

Genie’s Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your documents are private:

We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it

2 Docs LeftAccess Now