My friends have made a band. Im not in it as i cant play an instrument, but i help with the lyrics, i design album and singles artwork, i also edit some songs using digital software on my pc (none of them is as computer literate as i am). im considered part of the band, but not exactly. my question is, if they get noticed for anything theyve created (songs) and ive helped create, do i have any claim on it (we dont have contracts within ourselves or anything). cuz if they get noticed then im not a really important part of the group, so will they (or can they) just drop me? I mean, without giving me anything?
Answers:
You can stay with the band as a songwriter and album artist, but if they get noticed and make a full-length studio album, they'll probably hire a producer for the mixing and overall audio design.
So yes, you do have (at least) partial copyright ownership of anything you've helped create, which would include album art, songs, etc.
If you want to be part of the band, see if yall can write in a background vocalist, like Emery (see "Ponytail Parades" from "The Weak's End") or various other bands.
Well, if you're writing songs, together or separately, you should be copyrighting your work. Otherwise, someone can easily steal it out from under you!
In the meantime, you should get a letter acknowledging everyone's part in any songwriting you've done. That way you all have a record of who's doing what. And, if ownership becomes a problem latter, you have something to support your claims.
Good luck!
You can take credit as being a co-writer and I would place a copyright on your artwork.
You should discuss this with you friends. But if your name isn't associated with the lyrics than you cant prove you created them in court (with out a very good lawyer). But if they really are your friends the won't let them drop you and it they get contracts make sure you name is on at least one of them as the Lyricist
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