Letting a signed band use my riffs...

[Ola Englund]

I just read through a PM sent to me about a band who want to use one of my riffs on their upcoming cd. As I'm really honored that someone want to use my stuff, I'm thinking what would be reasonable compensation for using my music.

Is there anything I need to think of before doing this?

Thanks for your time!


EDIT NEWS!: A demo of the song in question:
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=8779784

I got ok to post the demo of the song here.

 

[[UEAK]Clowd]

I would vote for points/royalties if possible - passive income is THE SHIT.

 

[lolzgreg]

Hire a lawyer before you sign away your life

 

[lolzgreg]

Hire a lawyer and get your royalties

Every album they sell, you get a nickel.

 

[Ermz]

If it's just a single riff, it may not be worth getting into an uproar about. I'd even consider just taking an up-front payment to reduce complications.

If we're talking like a song-worth though, then that's a different story.

 

[Ola Englund]

If it's just a single riff, it may not be worth getting into an uproar about. I'd even consider just taking an up-front payment to reduce complications.

If we're talking like a song-worth though, then that's a different story.

Yeah I'm more of doing this thing. Get the credit on the album and a payment or some kind of compensation(maybe play as support band on their tour)

 

[Ermz]

Totally man, work the angles, get what you can from the situation. The best rewards don't always come in the form of money!

 

[Soundlurker]

Hah, my ReGuitaring joke just got more serious

 

[slashvanyoung]

Cool. Negotiate whatever you find fitting as an up-front payment and then insist to be given compositional credits for the song, so you'll get the deserved royalties.

 

[Torniojaws]

Who knows, your riff might be the next Smoke on the Water/Enter Sandman/(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

 

[plague_rider]

If its a main theme of the song, then drop your up front payment a little bit for a slice of percentage and as you and others have suggested, any other perks like support slots and such

 

[Lasse Lammert]

if you ask for royalties and hire a lawyer etc the band will not be using the riff...I almost guarantee.
settle for a buyout instead

 

[Tokyurot]

First I'd go with credits and royalties on this one.

If you feel you wouldn't be doing much with those specific riffs in the future anyways,
hell, the opening slot on a tour sounds good too, so tour + credits

 

[Lasse Lammert]

usually the bands don't decide who's opening on a tour.
also...really, no band will go through all the hassle with royalties, contracts etc just for a riff.
a buyout is your only option

 

[Raptor7]

Upfront payment and credits

 

[plague_rider]

Thinking of it, if they arent too big a band then I agree with Lasse...

sorry to flip-flop

how easily did you come up with the riff??

 

[Chris_P_Critter]

It's not suprising to me that others would want to buy your music - your music is seriously good shit Ola.

You should charge by the note.

 

[Ola Englund]

It's not suprising to me that others would want to buy your music - your music is seriously good shit Ola.

You should charge by the note.

Thanks dude

 

[OctoberRust]

I think it depends on the level of the "signed band".
Being signed does not mean jackpot, it depends on the size of the label. Unless it's a real big act with commercial success I would just ask them to have your name in the album credits (no ghostwriting), something like "chorus/opening riff by ...", and ask them if they can give you some kind of payoff (doesn't have to be money) or some favour(s) in the future.
And even if it's a really huge band I'd be very humble. Depending on your personal relation to them I can imagine asking for percents and contracts can be really inappropriate.
I don't know your riff but I guess the chances that it will be the next Smoke On The Water, and selling in these dimensions, aren't big. So in my opinion make sure that your name is there, so you're not a ghostwriter and can be proud to be honored in such a way, and then have them give you something, whatever that may be.
Maybe they have a good endorsement deal and give one of their spare backup guitars to you if it'll be a hit, who knows.
I'd say it'll be better to make sure your name's there (can't stress it enough) and be cool with the band!
Maybe you'll end up writing some more stuff for them or even join them one day.

 

[smy1]

Lasse: actually, if I was the band in question, I'd totally agree to royalties before I pay an upfront fee. That way it doesn't come out of my pocket directly and with the royalties being as shit as they are, they probably only end up paying Ola 1.30 Euros

I do agree with OctoberRust, too. There is probably not any money in this. I am actually surprised that the band asked in the first place ...