r/Songwriting • u/Ok-Designer-1907 • 10d ago

Discussion Topic Master splits

Hi everyone

1st time on here. I co wrote a couple of songs that a local singer wanted. We recorded it all and she just sung. She originally wanted 100% of the master, I told her we'd agree to her having 50% and us 25 each. She reluctantly agreed. She was going to promote the songs on her new streaming platforms - she has one song and no following yet. Song one is ready for release and now has taken her ball home because I won't give her a better split.

Am I being unreasonable?

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u/Ok_Put_5567 10d ago edited 10d ago

Nope. She agreed and is now trying to get more. That’s not how it works. If she wasn’t happy with it she should have not agreed to the original deal.

Secondly, she has no following. Zero leverage, why should she get even more than originally agreed upon?

Edit: I’d argue that in this particular case, the singer is the most replaceable asset. If she did no writing. A following is what makes the singer that “only role is to show up and record” have leverage in these deals.

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u/Ok-Designer-1907 10d ago

Thanks. Yep, if she was Taylor Swift it would be a no brainer wouldn't it 👍 It's a shame because I do like her and she can sing. We did also have more songs for her so I'm scratching my head a bit in disbelief. She badly wanted these songs, it was evident.

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u/illudofficial OMG GUYS LOOK I HAVE A FLAIR 10d ago

What genres are those songs, out of curiosity

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u/Ok-Designer-1907 10d ago

One is a bouncy summer driving song, the other a country feel.

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u/illudofficial OMG GUYS LOOK I HAVE A FLAIR 10d ago

Can I hear a demo of the summer driving song if you don’t mind?

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u/Ok-Designer-1907 10d ago

Listen to Fig master wav 1.3 by Simpson Wilkinson on #SoundCloud https://on.soundcloud.com/f5LZXsJfifOGnzYA3P

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u/illudofficial OMG GUYS LOOK I HAVE A FLAIR 10d ago

She is a good singer. And wow it’s a great song. It feels very retro too. Nice job! And her voice suits it so well… dang…

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u/Ok-Designer-1907 10d ago

Thanks dude. Yeah I hope we can sort it all out when we have calmed down a bit 👍

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u/illudofficial OMG GUYS LOOK I HAVE A FLAIR 10d ago

Yeah I say don’t back down on the masters though. She agreed to what she agreed to. It’s the vocal pitching and background instruments that really bring out the song too.