Stephanie Iken, Attorney at Law

Few things ruin a creative relationship faster than a disagreement over who wrote what. Songwriting credits determine who gets paid, who controls the work, and who gets recognition. Whether you are in a band, writing with friends, or collaborating online, getting this right from the start is essential.

Here is what Florida musicians should know about co-writing splits, split sheets, and how to avoid disputes before they happen.

1. Understand What a Songwriting Credit Really Means

A songwriting credit is not about who played the guitar solo or sang lead vocals. It is about who contributed to the composition itself. That means the melody, lyrics, chord progression, or any original musical ideas that make the song unique.

Performance, production, and arrangement are important but do not automatically make someone a co-writer. For example, a producer who mixes the track or adds effects is not a songwriter unless they also contributed to the melody or lyrics.

2. Agree on Percentages Early

The simplest way to avoid fights later is to decide splits before the song is released. There is no legal formula for how to divide songwriting credits. You can split everything evenly or assign percentages based on contribution. What matters most is that everyone agrees in writing.

Example:

• Two writers who each contributed equally may agree to a 50/50 split.
• A lyricist and a composer might agree to 60/40 if one carried more of the creative load.

You do not need a lawyer to agree on percentages, but it helps to put it in a signed document called a split sheet.

3. Use a Split Sheet Every Time

A split sheet is a short agreement that lists all writers, their roles, and their ownership percentages. It should also include contact information, performance rights organization (PRO) affiliations, and signatures.

A basic split sheet includes:

• Song title and date.
• Legal names of all writers.
• Publishing share percentages.
• PRO affiliations (such as BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC).
• Signatures of all co-writers.

You can create a simple version in Word or Google Docs, or download a template from your PRO. The important thing is to have everyone sign it before the song is released or registered.

4. Register the Song Properly

Once the split sheet is complete, register the song with your performance rights organization (such as BMI, ASCAP, or SESAC). Each writer should register the same title and percentages. If the numbers do not match, payments can be delayed or lost.

You should also consider registering the copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office, especially if the song will be released commercially. This gives you stronger legal protection if someone uses your work without permission.

5. Know the Difference Between a Songwriter and a Publisher

Each song has two parts: the songwriting share and the publishing share. When you register with a PRO, half of the royalties go to the writer and half to the publisher. If you do not have a publishing company, you can set up your own to collect both shares.

Example:

• Stephanie Iken (Writer, 50%)
• Gulfside Music Publishing (Publisher, 50%)

If you are working independently, you can register both under your name and collect all royalties directly.

6. Talk Openly About Contributions

Many disputes happen because people are afraid to talk about credit. Treat it as part of the creative process, not a confrontation. Have the conversation as soon as you start working together, not after the song becomes successful.

You can say something like, “I love where this song is going. Should we agree now on how to split credit so it’s clear later?” Honest conversations save friendships.

7. Learn from Famous Disputes

The music industry is full of lawsuits that could have been avoided with a split sheet. Members of bands like The Doors, The Verve, and even The Beatles faced long legal battles over songwriting credits. The lesson is simple: if it matters enough to make, it matters enough to document.

The Bottom Line

Fair songwriting splits protect both your art and your relationships. A simple written agreement can prevent years of tension and lost income. The earlier you discuss credits, the easier it is to focus on what really matters: making music together.

About the Author
Stephanie Iken is a Florida attorney who helps musicians and creative professionals understand and protect their rights. Her work focuses on practical legal guidance that helps artists build sustainable careers.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship.