Copywriting material.

[capnkid]

How does one go about copywriting finished songs if one doesn't know how to read or write music?

[RickW]

Originally Posted by capnkid

How does one go about copywriting finished songs if one doesn't know how to read or write music?

Not necessary to have the above ability. Just put a recorded copy of the song (single instrument and vocal is more than adequate) and a printed copy of the lyric into a big envelope with a copyright form and send it along with payment ($35?) to the Copyright office. Forms are available online. It's pretty easy actually.

[daryle_ackerman]

Originally Posted by RickW

Not necessary to have the above ability. Just put a recorded copy of the song (single instrument and vocal is more than adequate) and a printed copy of the lyric into a big envelope with a copyright form and send it along with payment ($35?) to the Copyright office. Forms are available online. It's pretty easy actually.

$30 US.

http://www.copyright.gov

You'll want to use the form SR section. You can copyright both the "underlying" musical work and the sound recording that way.

They accept international submissions as well.

Oh, as of late (post 9/11), they appear to be using some sort of X-Ray that can harm CDs so put your CD in a jewel box (like regular CDs come in) -- not a paper sleeve -- and post that in a cardboard box. Adds to the cost (2 wks. from Canada is just under $6) but better safe than sorry, which applies to the copyright process itself as well.

[capnkid]

thanx. i wonder if people get their submissions sent back due to another song sounding similiar?

[7string]

Originally Posted by capnkid

thanx. i wonder if people get their submissions sent back due to another song sounding similiar?

I think the LOC is a bit too busy to listen to every submission and compare to previous submissions.

[patlang12]

Originally Posted by 7string

I think the LOC is a bit too busy to listen to every submission and compare to previous submissions.

hahahah... .yeah I was thinking that too. I have a question similar to this one. I am in a band right now. I don't really like the words that the singer is coming up with. I have talked about quiting the band and taking my songs with me, but the singer says that they are "our" songs now. What should I do about it?

[7string]

Originally Posted by patlang12

hahahah... .yeah I was thinking that too. I have a question similar to this one. I am in a band right now. I don't really like the words that the singer is coming up with. I have talked about quiting the band and taking my songs with me, but the singer says that they are "our" songs now. What should I do about it?

If he wrote the lyrics and you wrote the music then you can put whatever original lyrics you want to your music. And if the song is already copyrighted with his lyrics and your music, then you're stuck. If it hasn't been copyrighted, then copyright your music immediately and then down the road you can write your own lyrics. But I wouldn't tell him up front because he's liable to beat you to the punch and copyright the whole song. Legally, if he copyrights the whole song (music and lyrics) he will need your signature as co-writer, however, he can just rip you off (and it HAS been done!) and copyright it himself.