Originally Posted by Mike Halloran
Quote
9: If you want to retain 100% copyright of the song with the new vocals make that clear from the start with something like this: "I am not just purchasing the vocals, but also the entire rights to said vocals, thus I alone retain 100% copyright of them. Further, I will not accept an NOC (No Objection Certificate)." [When an NOC is offered, the singer retains the copyright, but has no objection to you using them whether for profit or not].

Simpler:

This is a Work for Hire. You have no expectation nor are you entitled to share in any copyrights on this work.

If the song has air/internet play in any form and if the singer is a member of SAG/AGMA or AFM, then he/she is entitled to some of the performance/streaming revenues. You do not pay these, however—the streaming services etc. do and the respective Union collects and distributes those monies, not you, not ever.

Good point Mike

Always , always, always execute a Work for Hire with every single musician or singer for everything you have them do for you. ALWAYS. If you don't, they can prevent you from using your own song that they are playing on. And this is especially true with cowriters.... that's not a WFH but you do absolutely need a writer's agreement.

Paperwork isn't fun but it's essential.

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.