Originally Posted By: JoanneCooper
Thanks guys. A quick update. I consulted an attorney and he told me something I did not know and that is that if a party cancels the contract due to non performance of the other party (which is what I did in October last year) then both parties should be returned to the situation as if the contract had never been signed. So in that case the copyright on the songs revert to me. I am in the process of removing them as publisher on all my songs.



Very good. Glad you got it worked out.


Be careful, and since this was a learning experience, I'm sure you will be in the future. Take time to read the contract carefully. A good reference contract for single songs is provided by the Songwriters Guild of America. It checks all the boxes needed to protect the writer. Use it to compare with the contract you're being asked to sign by any publisher.

https://www.songwritersguild.com/site/index.php/developing-songwriters/sga-contract

read all contracts one paragraph at a time so you understand it.... and if you don't understand something.... don't ask the publisher....ask someone else.... such as a music attorney to explain it to you. The cost is minimal compared to the aggravation of being stuck in a bad contract deal.

Glad you're clear on it now.

You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.