
Jagular
Active member
I got the following email from someone who heard a song that I posted at NWR. First I have no delusions that this is going to make me a whole lot of money, so let’s just start there. Here is the message & then my questions follow:
OK, I never really thought about or researched this angle. I always kind of labored under the assumption that I would follow the traditional route through a publisher. What are the things I should be thinking about if I decided to let someone record one of my songs? Should I start my own publishing company? What are the possible pitfalls of doing this? What are the possible advantages of doing this? How do I know I would be compensated for use of my work (my guess is I wouldn’t have a clue how it was being used)?
I know these are general questions. Hopefully there are some of you here that may have some insight.
Thanks in advance. Now let’s have a lively discussion

Hi John,
I just heard the song The Gift, and I think your music is great! I really
loev that song. I was
just wondering if you would consider writing for other people or if you
allowed other people to record your music... I'm a
19-year-old country singer and am looking for some unique songs to record. I
just had one of the cover songs I recorded played on the radio, and have
some originals from various songwriters but would definitely be interested
in talking with you about the possibility of recording any of your songs. I
can send you a demo if you're interested in hearing a sample of my
voice. Please get in touch with me at [(deleted address). I hope to speak
with you soon!
OK, I never really thought about or researched this angle. I always kind of labored under the assumption that I would follow the traditional route through a publisher. What are the things I should be thinking about if I decided to let someone record one of my songs? Should I start my own publishing company? What are the possible pitfalls of doing this? What are the possible advantages of doing this? How do I know I would be compensated for use of my work (my guess is I wouldn’t have a clue how it was being used)?
I know these are general questions. Hopefully there are some of you here that may have some insight.
Thanks in advance. Now let’s have a lively discussion

