Business Side: Publishing for a performing songwriter...confused & dazed

[LisaBennett]

Ok so here's the deal.
I am a performing songwriter from the US but I'm currently in Belgium working on obtaining a resident VISA.
While I've been here in Belgium I have been working with a few producers/projects and now a few of those have come into fruition. One producer does primarily House/Club music and we have a song that his label picked up and want to sell as an "EP" featuring 3 versions of said song. Problem is, now he has to register the song and has asked for my PayPal info & what society I belong to. Last time I checked, I didn't belong to any society but I have been copyrighting my songs online. I've been researching what my best options are.... & I'm even more confused about what I should do. Since I am still a US citizen only, I can't register with a company here in Belgium but I'm not on US grounds and will still end up living here in Belgium anyways but I have a feeling that I need to act now. Also, there is a major event planning company here that would like me to perform at their future fashion shows and I don't know if this will end up being a problem too.
!!!HELP!!!
I want to get my money but Idk what steps I need to take for this to happen Most of the info I came across was on writers who would like to pitch their songs and that doesn't really apply to me.....or my situation. Someone PLEASE guide me in the right direction!!!!!

Lisa

 

[mjbphotos]

Why does he want your PayPal? To charge you or pay you? If its to pay you, tell him you'll take cash or check instead!

Make sure you don't need to belong to a union to perform in public there.

How are you copyrighting your songs 'on line'? US copyrighting is separate from Euro copyrighting, but I htink i fyou are copyrighted with some official agency, you're ok.

 

[LisaBennett]

Thank you!!

Well, I'm about 90% sure it's to pay me....he asked what kind of currency do I need to live and I told him euros. The 10% uncertainty comes from the fact that he's from Italy and I'm pretty sure he uses a translator to talk to me.
As far as my copyrighted material....I use the next best thing next to a poor mans copyright .....myfreecopyright.com.
(I have a feeling you might reprimand me for saying that)

Ummmmm, and it seems from the research that I've done that performing in public is fine without a union. Also I have performed for this event planning company once before but I did it for free to kind of get my foot in the door, then from that came the offer.
I'm just a bit scared about the technicalities of it once the payroll comes in, since I'm still in limbo as far as my VISA is concerned.
I want to make sure I go about this the right way.

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!!!!!

Lisa

 

[the Ozlee]

Since you are in Belgium and dealing with someone in Italy if you have not tried to research the internet for either the information concerning international contract law or associations, or groups I would at least talk with an attorney that has experience in this field. I know there is an organization here in the states that has a network for musicians that work together to provide a way for musicians to tour the states and if I am not mistaken it is a reciprocal arrangement for US musicians to tour at least some of the the countries in Europe. I would strongly suggest that you contact a chapter of the "Nashville Songwriters Association International". Since you are in Belguim it may have a chapter in one of the countries. If you were here in the states joining this organization would give you access and network that could provied you with a extensive resource and expertize for songwriters. This organization is strictly or at least appears to be for helping beginning or experienced songwriters develop their songwriting and the knowledge of the business side of their work. I know that there is someone within this organization that could help you with at least some information that you are looking for. I wish you the best with your career. The one thing I would advise you about from the experience I have had with working with a company that looks for artist to sign up that is located in Great Britain. Never give up control of the creative rights and that the contract be for as short a period of time as you can make it, I would only make it for one year with the option to renew, and that there are specific requirements and time limit for them to perform and what you expect for them to do and provide, and that you have some recourse or if they do not meet their performance requirement at any time during the contract period. I would also be specific about what is required from you to perform and fulfill your part of the contract. In other words do not agree to having to provide new material and public performances that could be come difficult and stressful for you. I think what I have shared with you will be what you are wanting to know and if you keep these conditions uncompromised you will find that your career will be rewarding. Do not be afraid to set your standards of what you expect high and do not make agreements thinking that you will be rewarded latter. There may be some exceptions such as performing at a charity function, but anything else I would not consider. If you are a true artist and performer and are serious and responsible about your work and you can entertain and draw a crowd. I believe you will get what you ask for and no matter what some agent thinks or says you will be respected because you have respect and value of your self and your work. JMHO

Keep the faith Ozlee

 

[Xdrummer]

I'm guessing they are asking if you are a member of BMI vs. ASCAP (the two primary groups which track/collected royalties and then pay the songwriter)

 

[cnynhiker]

You need to register yourself with ASCAP. They will pay you directly. If you don't have a publisher, just choose publisher unknown. ASCAP is fairly easy to join, and it won't break the bank. Copyright section is optional when you register your works. I find the quick registration is fast and easy. With ASCAP, you won't have to give out any PayPal info either. Also, the default is "world" when you register a song, so that's good anywhere you go, except maybe Mars or Venus.