Introduction

‍‍In the music industry, managing song ownership can be complex, especially when multiple songwriters and collaborators are involved. This is where a split sheet comes in—a crucial document that clarifies ownership and royalty splits among everyone who contributed to a song. In this guide, we’ll explore what a split sheet is, why it’s essential, and how you can create one in minutes with Flou.

What is a Split Sheet?

A split sheet is a document that outlines each collaborator’s ownership percentage in a song. Think of it as an agreement that details how much of the song each person owns and, in turn, how much they’ll earn when the song generates income.

Why is a Split Sheet Important?

A split sheet isn’t just a formality—it’s a protection for everyone involved in creating the song. Here’s why:

1. Prevents Disputes: By setting clear ownership shares, split sheets help avoid future disagreements about song royalties.
2. Clarifies Rights: Ensures each contributor’s ownership is documented, giving them legal grounds to claim their share.
3. Essential for Earnings: Properly split sheets make it easier to register songs with royalty collection organizations, ensuring you get paid.

Example of a Split Sheet in Action

Let’s say Carlos, Carla, and Carmen co-write a song called "Claridad." Without a split sheet, each would own an equal share (33.33%). However, if they decide Carlos gets 10%, Carla 40%, and Carmen 50%, they can use a split sheet to officially record this. Now, when “Claridad” earns money, they’ll each receive their agreed share.

When Should You Use a Split Sheet?

You should use a split sheet whenever multiple people are involved in creating a song. Here are the typical scenarios:

• Songwriting Collaborations: When more than one person works on the lyrics or music.
• Producing and Recording: Producers and engineers are increasingly included in split sheets, especially for independent releases.

Without a split sheet, each contributor might automatically own an equal share, which may not reflect the actual work each person did.

Consequences of Not Using a Split Sheet

Skipping a split sheet can lead to complications and disputes. Without one, you might face arguments over song ownership or lose out on earnings because there’s no formal documentation of each person’s contribution. A split sheet secures each person’s share and keeps things fair.

Separate Split Sheets for Song and Recording?

Yes, it’s often wise to have separate split sheets for:

• Composition (Music and Lyrics): Covers ownership of the underlying song.
• Master Recording: Covers ownership of the specific recording of the song.

Copyright law treats these as two distinct assets, so having separate split sheets keeps things organized and legally sound.

Key Factors Influencing Song Ownership Negotiation

When negotiating ownership splits, several factors come into play:

1. Contribution Level: The amount of work each person put into the song (e.g., writing lyrics, composing music) can determine their share.
2. Music vs. Lyrics: Some collaborators might prefer to divide ownership based on their specific contributions to the music or lyrics.
3. Experience and Reputation: More experienced contributors might negotiate a larger share, especially if their expertise or reputation can increase the song’s chances of success.

Who Should Be on a Split Sheet?

Only creators—those who contributed to the music or lyrics—should be on the split sheet. Managers, lawyers, and other business personnel are typically compensated through separate agreements.

Requirements for a Legally Valid Split Sheet

To be legally valid, a split sheet must meet the following requirements:

• Be in Writing: A split sheet must be documented, either on paper or digitally.
• Be Signed by All Involved Parties: Every contributor needs to agree and sign for it to be binding.
• Total 100% Ownership: The ownership percentages of all contributors must add up to 100%, with no leftover shares.

Ensuring these elements are present will make your split sheet legally binding and enforceable in case of any future disputes.

How to Structure a Split Sheet: Essential Information to Include

A split sheet should cover several details to ensure clarity and fairness. Here’s what to include:

1. Song Title: The official title of the song or composition.
2. Contributor Names: Full legal names of everyone involved in creating the song.
3. IPI/CAE Numbers: Unique identification numbers for songwriters, available through Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP or BMI.
4. Society Information: The PRO or Collective Management Organization (CMO) each contributor belongs to, responsible for collecting royalties.
5. Ownership Share (%): The ownership percentage for each contributor, totaling 100%.
6. Role: Each contributor’s role (e.g., Composer, Author).
7. Publisher Information: Name of each contributor’s publisher, if applicable, along with the publisher’s IPI/CAE number.

Essential Clauses in a Split Sheet

Including specific clauses in your split sheet adds another layer of protection. Key clauses to include:

1. Agreement Introduction: States that all contributors agree to the terms in the split sheet.
2. Ownership and Copyright: Clearly defines each person’s ownership share.
3. Sample Proportion Adjustment: Adjusts ownership shares if samples from other songs are used.
4. Licensing of Rights: Outlines how each person’s share can be used by others, like record labels or distributors.
5. Administration Rights: States each person’s right to manage their share of the song.
6. Third-Party Contributions: Accounts for guest artists or samples, ensuring all contributors are fairly represented.
7. Indemnity and Liability: Protects contributors from legal issues related to others’ contributions.

Automate Your Split Sheets with Flou

Creating a split sheet can be time-consuming, but Flou streamlines the process. Here’s how:

Step 1: Set Up Contacts

Add collaborators either individually or in bulk with a CSV upload. Enter details like name, email, IPI/CAE number, and publisher info to make setup quick.

Step 2: Add Contributors to the Split

Select collaborators from your contact list, and Flou will auto-populate their split information, minimizing errors.

Step 3: Name the Song

Enter the song title to keep everything organized and properly labeled.

Step 4: Define Ownership Splits

Easily set up ownership percentages, and save your custom splits as templates to use for future projects.

Step 5: Send for E-Signature

Send the split sheet for digital signing, streamlining the process and ensuring it’s legally binding.

“Flou has halved our contract setup time, making it easy to create, approve, and sign contracts seamlessly.”
– Joan Bonilla, CEO, One Music Global Publishing

FAQ: Songwriter Split Sheets

1. 1. Do I need a split sheet if I work alone?
‍No, split sheets are only needed when multiple people collaborate on a song.

2. Do I Need a Split Sheet for Every Song Collaboration?
Yes, using a split sheet for each collaboration ensures everyone’s contributions are accurately documented.

3. Can Producers Be Included on a Split Sheet?
Absolutely! Many producers are included, especially if they contributed creatively to the music or lyrics.

4. Do Managers or Agents Need to Be on a Split Sheet?
No, split sheets are meant for contributors to the song itself. Managers and agents should have separate agreements.

5. What Is the Difference Between Ownership and Royalty Shares?
Ownership reflects who legally owns the song, while royalty shares dictate how the revenue is split.

6. Can I update a split sheet after it’s signed?
‍Updates are possible but require all parties to agree in writing.

Streamline Your Songwriter Split Sheets with Flou

Creating split sheets doesn’t have to be tedious. With Flou, you can set up, manage, and sign split sheets in seconds, ensuring clarity and fairness for all collaborators. Try Flou today to simplify your music collaborations and make contract management effortless.