Royalties on a cover song of an unknown musician

[rachelpayne]

We are doing a cover song written by an unknown musician who has passed away.
His family has given us permission to do this song, but we have no idea what % of royalties to give if the song goes anywhere.
We are not out to s**** anyone and they want us to write up a contract for everyone to sign.
Does anyone have any suggestions for us?

In case you need to know:
the band is just my husband & I.
We are not signed w/ any kind of label, management, etc.
We do our own recording at home.

[Velvett Fogg]

Hi Rachel

First of all
WELCOME to the forum,
and we hope you take a look around.

I think, this is a matter of common sense,
first of all, this song may have never seen the light of day,
should it not have been for your interest,
and secondly, it's what you think is a fair percentage to offer!
There are no hard and set rules, and I think taking into account
what I pointed out, you shouild only offer a nominal amount,
for a piece of mind.
The song is probably not in copyright, so you are being honest,
by offering anything at all.
However, you need to draw up a legal document,
so that everyone will be happy.
You can also, try asking our legal member,
by clicking on the web-site, he has posted in this sub-forum.

http://www.musiclawadvice.co.uk

I wish you both, every success, with your project.

[ukdenny]

We are doing a cover song written by an unknown musician who has passed away.
His family has given us permission to do this song, but we have no idea what % of royalties to give if the song goes anywhere.
We are not out to s**** anyone and they want us to write up a contract for everyone to sign.
Does anyone have any suggestions for us?

In case you need to know:
the band is just my husband & I.
We are not signed w/ any kind of label, management, etc.
We do our own recording at home.


When you record a song for a recognised lable the Artist (yourself and your husband) The Author of the song and The Composer are registerd on the CatCo Database (The UK Record Industry’s Sound Recording Database) at PPL UK any other contributors are also listed. The song is given an ISRC code.
Please feel free to register at www.mrbenidorm.com upload the song and we will take care of everything outlined above. It won't cost you anything and you will earn royalties on the digital downloads. We are fully licensed by MCPS-PRS Alliance
'Always Have A Dream'

[ukdenny]

PS Also the link in the above post will give you some very worthwhile advice.
http://www.musiclawadvice.co.uk

[Dave Drone]

sometimes it depends what you are going to do with the song, are you going to sell it on a web site or make a cd. If you sell it in mp3 form only on Itunes for example then Itunes will have the rights and alow you to sell it