Managing Splits and Agreements with Songwriters

Why Do Music Splits Matter?

Splits determine how royalties are divided. Every performance, stream, or sync generates income, which is allocated according to the splits registered with PROs, CMOs, and publishers. If splits are unclear or disputed, payments may be frozen until resolved. For collaborators, documenting splits is as essential as writing the song itself.

When Should You Agree on Splits?

The best time to agree on splits is during or immediately after the songwriting session. Waiting until a track is released often leads to disagreements. Even if percentages are tentative, it is better to record them in writing and adjust later.

Step-by-Step Workflow for Managing Splits

1. Discuss contributions honestly with collaborators at the time of creation.
2. Agree on percentages that reflect contributions (lyrics, melody, production, arrangement).
3. Complete a split sheet with all writers, publishers, and shares totaling 100%.
4. Ensure all collaborators sign the document (digital signatures are acceptable).
5. Register the agreed splits with your PRO/CMO and publisher.
6. Keep a copy of the signed split sheet for your records.

Once splits are confirmed, register your work promptly. See How to Register a Song with a PRO (Step-by-Step) for the full walkthrough.

How Do Territory Differences Affect Splits?

US PROs like ASCAP and BMI require splits to be registered and confirmed by all parties. Disputes can block royalty payouts. PRS, SACEM, and GEMA in Europe also require 100% splits, though some allow temporary registration while disputes are resolved. JASRAC in Japan has strict requirements for matching splits, and discrepancies often lead to long delays. Local societies in Latin America often rely on publisher submissions, making accuracy critical.

Split Sheet Template

A split sheet is a simple agreement that records contributions and ownership. A typical template includes: Song Title, Date of Creation, Writers' Names and Contact Information, PRO/CAE/IPI Numbers, Percentage Ownership (must total 100%), Publisher Information (if applicable), ISRCs/ISWCs (if available), Signatures of All Parties.

Below is a simplified example:

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SPLIT SHEET AGREEMENT

Song Title: ___________________________
Date of Creation: _____________________

Contributors:
Name: ____________________   CAE/IPI: ________   Role: Lyricist/Composer/Producer
Ownership %: _______

Name: ____________________   CAE/IPI: ________   Role: Lyricist/Composer/Producer
Ownership %: _______

Publisher (if any): ___________________________
ISRC (if released): ___________   ISWC: ___________

TOTAL OWNERSHIP: 100%

Signatures:
_____________________   _____________________   _____________________

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Do It with Lumoza

Most split disputes happen because the splits were not written down at the right moment. Lumoza captures contributors and percentages at upload and creates a verifiable, timestamped record, so when someone questions the split a year later, the answer is already there.

Quick Checklist

□ Splits agreed during the session.
□ Percentages total 100%.
□ Split sheet completed and signed.
□ Registered with PRO/CMO and publisher.
□ Copies stored securely.
□ Updates made for any changes.

Bottom Line

Splits are how the money gets divided. Get them in writing during the session, sign them, register them. A simple split sheet prevents years of arguments and lost income. With Lumoza, splits get captured at upload and locked in alongside the rest of the metadata.

Related reading

• Metadata Checklist for Artists: Avoid Missing Royalties (metadata checklist)

• How to Register a Song with a PRO (Step-by-Step) (PRO registration walkthrough)

• How to Prepare a Catalog for Digital Rights Management (catalog preparation)