Why and How to Fill Out Music Split Sheets for Songwriters & Producers [Free Download Included]

[@jessicazenzen6298]

This Video is the best one I have seen about this process by far! Thank you!! keep making more! SUBSCRIBED

[@binxofficial]

THANK YOU MARLEY! This video is awesome!!! :)

[@binxofficial]

This was SO easy to understand!

[@eddiedpaulding550]

Well said, just what I needed to hear. Keep up the good work.

[@andresrubalcava_]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Thanks

[@kimmnm4859]

First vid that got straight to the points!!!! I was just watching to see HOW to fill out the form but you gave an immeasurable amount of great info!! Blessings to U!

[@MarleyMacMedia]

All the best and thanks

[@LOVPage]

Informative video! Thank you! 🎶

[@grandstudio9d]

Hello sir just wanted to say thank you for fixing this issue for me. Your truly appreciated all around, From the knowledge that your willing to share with the public to caring about your subscribers and customer fan base. Thank you sir I for one truly appreciate you. Please B-Blessed

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Thanks Bill 😁

[@OniqueMusic]

daaam. this video is so informative. love it brother

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Thanks

[@achobeats9876]

im chopping and pitching samples and youtube content id does not notify me any copyright .Will i have any problems sell those beats?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Eventually you may get a content ID strike. The main thing though is to get clearance for samples if a track is beating released commercially. This can be cleared by you or the person who purchased it. It's up to you to decide.

[@PrinceFaculty-cd9cn]

I love this❤

[@crystalbutler659]

Your video is the best thus far! Omg! I was pulling my hair out up until now. Thank you! My only question is what if I have my own publishing thru ASCAP, in addition to writing. Does that change the split you just mentioned??

[@balthasarte5649]

Hey, I'm a singer-songwriter from Caracas, Venezuela. I'm still writing songs, so far from using this sheet. It's good to know what I can expect when I have my songs written and start looking for people to record them with. Thanks!

[@801cash-oldyoutube2]

VERY HELPFUL, THANK YOU!

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Glad it helped

[@youngdrilla7876]

Thank you

[@dewaynejay1032]

👍 Great stuff bro! Thanks for educating me on this.

[@MarleyMacMedia]

You are welcome:-)

[@blueslsd]

Thanks for this really good advice.

[@TroyLeonardO]

Keep up the great content

[@mcduffiemarketing]

Thank you for this information. One question. If you purchase exclusive rights to an instrumental, how will this get split between the artist and the label/company? Thank you sir

[@MarleyMacMedia]

That comes down to what you all agree. There's no "rule" as such, you have to discuss it and then confirm it on the split sheet. The other parties may already have their ow terms so just figure out what the agreement is.

[@corruptedseed7199]

What if a producer made the beat but you buy the exclusive rights, do You still have to do a split sheet or do you still have to include the producer in this process?

[@SunMaximus]

Amazing channel!!! Been watching a lot!!! Thanks for everything!!! How much does the BMI cost? Which is the best one?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Thanks.

[@relaxingsoundsofnature3390]

How do I get the split sheet and who do I give it to after filling it out?

[@TerreleRose]

How did you make your split sheet ?

[@Monzerrat_]

What if you are your own lable? Do you fill it with your own name and studio instead?

[@darnelldabachelor9605]

If you write the song, what percentage is the producer I titled to as far as publishing?

[@CashTalkProductions]

Should the % to be out of 200% like BMI or it's just BMI policy?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

I think it's just the way they do it. Just follow the basic principle

[@carterwatson1949]

the link that you have isnt a free split sheet when i went to clique the link

[@millimergmusic]

Does a loop count as a sample?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

If it's an audio recording of another piece of audio, then I would say yes it is a sample. Just because it's looped doesn't change anything IMO.

[@truthseeker36]

I have a question. what if I'm producing a cover album or song for an artist. Would I need a split sheet for that as well? Because if It's a cover song, I don't own the lyrics. The music is replayed and produced but still I dont own the original musical composition. I'm having a hard time understanding what to do in that situation.

[@truthseeker36]

Another question, Are split sheets given to studio musicians as well or is that usually just a 1 and done type of thing?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

I don't do this so can't give you much info, but I know that you will normally need a license to officially release a cover. Just search on how to get a cover license as your music distributer may be able to handle this (for example Distrokid does this). I would expect, based on whatever percentage is due to the original writers you would add that to the sheet but you are doing a new master recording so the normal split principle applies.

[@MarleyMacMedia]

If they are classified as work for hire (you are just paying for the work they are doing now) then no. But if they are contributing as a writer, eg. actually coming up with the melodies and giving you creative ideas etc, they could be included on the splits. It is completely down to what you agree to do and what your contract with them is.

[@ElmzXIX]

Nice! How would you get other parties to sign split sheets over the internet?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

I've never had to but you could use digital document signing services. Just do a Google search. Or use pdf signing apps on your computer and email it to each person to add their signature.

[@ElmzXIX]

@@MarleyMacMedia Thanks for the response! So how do you usually go about doing it? Also, when your sending out beats do you include terms of usage/ a contract? And do you use SoundCloud for them to preview them? Cheers

[@jonthedreameruk]

Thank you. Great content.

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Thanks bro

[@supastylez]

@@MarleyMacMedia can u please send me the Split sheet I do not see it on your website [e-mail]

[@TLBX369]

Does anyone have this document? It's no longer available on his website

[@MarleyMacMedia]

It is still on the site. Just sign up to the VIP membership. It's Free marleymacmedia.com/vip

[@timimiles883]

I tried to get the split shit but it said I've been blacklisted. I really need it😓😓

[@ebonx7907]

Regarding the sample declaration section, what if I obtained it from Splice or Arcade or any other loop selling platforms, should I declare them there? given that sites such as splice state that it is not an obligation to mention the looper behind it?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

This section only refers to sampling another creator's work where there isn't an agreement or a licence to use their work. This is different to those being offered on a marketplace (e.g. Splice) that should already have some sort of rights for you to use them. Check with the source to see what the rules are!

[@theoneonlytajab4415]

Hiya Marley. What If you’ve solely written a track a few years ago, then a producer produces a track years after and has several people singing their tracks on the same rhythm track and produces an album of it. Does the producer own 50% of each track & can the songwriter take their song and sing it on another instrumental, produced by someone else and it only belong to the songwriter?

[@cocojamzmusik526]

💯

[@ericschwartz9982]

Very helpful. I was asked the other day for my song ideas/samples from a studio owner who works with lots of producers and composers. We've discussed split sheets, but I'm wondering what your thoughts are on speaking to an entertainment attorney first? Should I let someone I do not know well hear my samples before we sign a split sheet? What is industry practice? Thanks

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Personally I’d make sure I have some proof that I created those ideas before I let anyone else get their hands on them. For example I would upload to somewhere online which provides a date stamp, a KZbin private or unlisted works. Splits sheets are for releasing your work as a finished song.

[@linndzproductions]

Hello I signed up and can't locate the split-sheet download in the dashboard ?

[@marlonmcpherson]

It's there among all the other downloads towards the middle of the page under "Additional Downloads"

[@ByCoreyLaury]

So I am the producer and writer of a song, I wrote my verse and the hook and I have a Featuring artist on the song who wrote his verse. He stated that he would like 20% and I get 80. How would I draft this? Is he also entitled to a percentage of the physical CD sales?

[@air718nyc]

what if its two writers and a producer but it doesnt fit on this sample split sheet what do i do?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Use another one and keep them together.

[@katherinehaughton2006]

Can you sign up a split sheet ahead of time even before you have an artist to record a song you've already written?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Sure. As long as they are happy with the agreement and sign it in the end, it shouldn't be a problem

[@katherinehaughton2006]

@@MarleyMacMedia Thank you very much.

[@alexandrapelayo1111]

Question. But who do we. submit this to? if the artist interested in our song has a label? how do I make sure that when he releases our song with the distributor we get the correct. royalties? doesn't the record label fill put the percentage on the distributor he decides to use? how do we keep up with the right pay? and doesn't the label also want a percentage of the songs? where would that go? if the label did not do the beat or lyrics?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

If things were ever to become so complicated with a track, I would seek the help of a music lawyer to make sure the paperwork is right. What I explained is for a more straightforward setup.

[@alexandrapelayo1111]

Thank you :)@@MarleyMacMedia

[@chromecannon2536]

10:44 talk about split

[@edariuscarpenter9897]

who do you submit the split sheets to when you’re done so the royalties get split?

[@sorrybutimnotsorry]

your PRO. BMI, ASCAP, PRS, etc

[@edariuscarpenter9897]

SyRm 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@grandstudio9d]

P.S Go to website purchase the kit you wont be sorry

[@air718nyc]

How do I get the split sheet and who do I give it to after filling it out? i think ive asked this question a million times in this comment section along with others and no one is giving an answer smh its the most important question

[@OfficialCarlaLorraine]

After you complete the split sheet someone puts the information on the PROs used by the various contributors, the PROs will send the money out quarterly. Keep the split sheets in a file cabinet for future reference. It's proof of the splits and once the information is entered into the PROs you need to keep the split sheets in case you need to refer to them later. You can make copies of them and give a copy to all the contributors for their own records as well. I hope this helps.

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Thanks for your input Carla

[@katherinehaughton2006]

If a songwriter decides to give the singer a small portion of the publishing will that singer have to be named as one of the co-writers on the split sheet even though the singer did not contribute to the songwriting?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Yes, if that's what you agree to do, they'd need to be added. Otherwise, there's no proof of their entitlement to royalties.

[@katherinehaughton2006]

What percentage of the publishing would be considered to be reasonable to give a singer who did not contribute to the creation of the song except for just singing it? Would 5% or 10% be reasonable?

[@katherinehaughton2006]

@@MarleyMacMedia Thank you so much.

[@solymar552]

do i have to be an american citizen or have a visa to be able to sign a split sheet?

[@23CUPS]

Oscar Rodriguez no

[@SPKRTv]

I have a question, the mixing engineer/master engineer how mutch % recieves?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

This is at your discretion and what you both agree as reasonable compensation. Typically this is done as work for hire where you are simply paying for a service.

[@Tapepusher]

Is it typical for a mixing/mastering engineer to expect a percentage from the master/publishing side of songs they produce?

[@xlxfx]

It's a growing rumbling especially in the rap industry. Engineers are indeed trying to get points or a % now. There is no law or regulation at this point. So it just comes down to what you feel and your relationship for now.

[@Tapepusher]

@@xlxfx It comes down to either paying higher upfront fees or paying a lower upfront and giving a percentage to your engineer. The problem is customers are turned away by high upfront fees yet don't want to give up percentages. When they say they want to maintain 100% of their masters the producer is put into a situation where he has to come up with a higher fee but not so high that turns the customer away.

[@flyghtmyleage6041]

so songs break down to 50% writer share and 50% pub share. So when doing the splits, the lyrics and music comp % are ONLY splitting the writer share % of royalties correct? The song's owner still keep the 50% publisher's share if there's no 3rd party publisher right?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

The song "owners" are all parties entitled to any revenue based on their contribution to the song. Publishing money is any revenue that comes as a result which would be then split based on the percentages outlined on the split sheet. It can be very complicated but what I explained is my understanding of it and how I have done it in the past. If no third party is involved (not a cover song or no publishing company) it's down to all to split up the 💯 of any future revenue. I would get help from a music lawyer if it wasn't a straightforward situation.

[@rivermana]

Super helpful. Have ran into a roadblock with registering for PRS - apparently you need to already have songs out that are getting played (and you have to provide details of the songs), annoying because I’m about to be part of a tune coming out, how am I suppose to be included in the splits with no PRO?

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Add the details after you get to register but still fill out what you can on the split sheet until then.

[@ronnizag]

Hey Awesome Split sheet. thank you for sharing that! Actually what happens if we are not registered to any pro yet? should we leave that field blank. wouldnt be greater to register with a pro first and then fill out that piece of split sheet with the IPI number etc? Thank you

[@MarleyMacMedia]

You can leave it off if you are not yet registered. Just have as much details on there to tie it back to you. But if you are serious you should register with a pro asap

[@ronnizag]

@@MarleyMacMedia thanks actually i have already registered with a pro so im good to go!

[@CliffKhawly]

I thought the split sheets were out of 200%. 100 for Lyrics & 100 for music/instrumental (composition)

[@jmason105]

Pretty cool channel. However website is not that good in my opinion. Very hard to navigate. Needs a bit of work just my opinion

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Thanks for your feedback. Do feel free to reach out directly if you had trouble finding something in the site.

[@MarleyMacMedia]

The Free Split Sheet is here: marleymacmedia.com/splitsheet/

[@ebere]

I entered my email twice, got asked to confirm my email which I did but still no split sheet. Can you please help me out?

[@Beatsbynysom]

@@ebere Cause its not free.

[@JohnScering]

In the current hip-hop and trap music world, there are "producers" writing tracks which I'm assuming is the "musical composition". But what about the vocal melody? Isn't that part of the musical composition? It seems to me that the person writing the melody or both lyric and melody should be entitled to part of 50% musical composition share. Or when you say "lyrics" are you meaning both the lyric and melody? Please shed some light on this.

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Usually when you "write lyrics" you do the melody as well.. thats if you get a beat and write to it. if you get other people involved telling you how to write (sing) the melody and change aspects of it then its up to you to work out how much they contributed and share your 50% with them. It can get complicated as the producer of the beat could also be this person making further contributions. Just use common sense

[@JohnScering]

@@MarleyMacMedia so when you write the lyrics and the melody you are entitled to part of the 50% that the "track" writer is getting. Correct? The vocal melody is part of the musical composition.

[@bootvillain]

totally NOT free

[@MarleyMacMedia]

There is a free split sheet inside the FREE VIP Membership. All you have to do is download it from the member's area: marleymacmedia.com/joinvip/

[@Beatsbynysom]

You bait people to your website make them sign up for your newsletter, promise a free split sheet in the meantime then BAM after they subscribe you tell them they have to pay? Thumbs down.

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Why would I do that? If you had a technical issue on my site with something I'm actually giving away for free simply reach out to me via the contact form rather than put this in my comments! That sheet has been delivered to hundreds of people.

[@Beatsbynysom]

Bait and switch and technical problems are very different

[@Beatsbynysom]

The information in this video is misleading and your approach was predatory. THAT'S why in put it in your comments.

[@MarleyMacMedia]

Please don't confuse things, the sheet IS free and has always been. Like I said, you can reach out to me directly via the site if there has been some sort of issue or confusion. Have a nice day.