Royalty split between a singer/songwriter and composer/producer
<p>I have written the lyrics to a song, came up with the melody and paid a composer to translate it into musical notes and create the song (with instruments). I paid for his services. Now, I want to launch it through a music distribution platform. I am responsible to decide on the royalty split. What royalty split should I consider? Thanks a lot!</p>

<h2>Who owns the copyright?</h2>
<p>It’s clear that you own the copyright in the lyrics because they are solely your own work. However, the ownership of the music is less clear - your melody, the composer’s arrangement and performance. Do you own it or do they or is it a joint work?</p>
<p>What did you put in the contract with the composer about copyright? As an independent contractor, the composer would own the copyright in their contribution making it a joint work unless the contract provided otherwise.</p>
<p>If you own it, the royalties are all yours. If it’s a joint work then a) you need the other author’s permission to do this and b) the split is whatever you agree to.</p>

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