Split sheets: avoid fights before they start

A one-page agreement that records who owns what. Sign it the same day you finish the song.

Most collaboration disputes happen months later, when a song starts earning. A split sheet stops that.

What to write down

• Song title, date and place it was created
• Every contributor’s full legal name, contact, and role (music, lyrics, production, arrangement…)
• Percentage ownership of the composition (must total 100%)
• Percentage ownership of the master recording (can differ from composition)
• Who can license it, who collects money, and how often payouts are shared
• Credit wording and signatures (a photo of signed paper or a signed PDF is fine)

Starter template

SPLIT SHEET
Song: ______________________  Date: ____________
Contributor 1: ____________  Role: ________  Composition %: ___  Master %: ___
Contributor 2: ____________  Role: ________  Composition %: ___  Master %: ___
Contributor 3: ____________  Role: ________  Composition %: ___  Master %: ___
Totals must equal 100% each.
Money is shared in the same percentages unless agreed otherwise in writing.
Signed: ______________ ______________ ______________

How to split? Talk openly. Common starting points: equal split between writers, with producers/arrangers negotiated separately. There is no single rule — what matters is that everyone agrees and signs.

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