Does an Artist Get Songwriting Credit for Recording Your Song? When a Share Is Earned and What to Say When Someone Asks

An artist loves your song. They say they will record it, and then they ask for a writing credit. Maybe it comes with a smile, maybe with a hint that the cut depends on it. If you have not heard this yet, you may. In 2021 a group of hit songwriters wrote an open letter about it.

This guide covers what counts as writing a song, what the law says about sharing credit, when a share is fair and what to say when you are asked. It is general information, not legal advice.

What counts as writing a song

The U.S. Copyright Office says the copyright in a work initially belongs to the author or authors who created it. When two or more authors create a work intending to merge their contributions into one whole, they are joint authors. The Office also says copyright does not protect ideas. So suggesting a topic, singing the song, producing the recording or promoting the release is not the same as writing it.

Songtrust's help center puts the practical test simply: 'A song is typically defined by its melody and lyrics.' It says producers generally do not get songwriting credit, though it notes exceptions. If an artist writes a new line, changes the melody or adds a hook, that is writing, and the credit should reflect it.

What hit songwriters said in 2021

In March 2021 a group of songwriters calling itself The Pact published an open letter. According to The FADER, its members pledged not to give publishing or songwriting credit to an artist who did not create or change the lyric or melody, or otherwise contribute to the composition, unless all the writers on the song receive a 'reasonably equivalent/meaningful exchange.' The letter described 'bully tactics and threats' by some artists and their representatives, said the practice had become normalized, and noted that songwriters 'have only their publishing revenue as a means of income.' It named no one.

Notice what the pledge allows. An artist who does shape a song should be credited for it. That is the line this guide uses: credit follows contribution. A 2025 report from the research firm MIDiA, as summarized by Synchtank, also flagged non-writing contributors receiving publishing shares as a practice that needs attention.

What the law says about splitting credit

In a 2016 letter to a member of Congress, the Copyright Office wrote that joint authors, absent an agreement to the contrary, share equal and undivided ownership. Its example: three songwriters who collaborate each hold an undivided one-third interest in the whole song. Co-writers can agree to different shares, but the Office notes that a deal that departs from equal shares transfers ownership interests, and under Section 204 of the Copyright Act that transfer must be in writing and signed to be valid.

Real songs are messier. The Office also notes that much pop and urban music is assembled from contributions made separately, such as the beat, the hook and the topline, so whether the result is a joint work depends on what the contributors intended.

When a share is fair

Bobby Borg, writing for Disc Makers, describes the two usual approaches. Some writers split equally no matter who wrote what, which avoids fights over credit during the session. Others weight shares to reflect who contributed what. He advises settling the percentages before you leave the session. Songtrust agrees that splits are up to the creators, who can divide rights evenly or by contribution.

A made-up example: Dana and Luis write a song together, 50/50. An artist then rewrites the chorus melody and one line, and everyone agrees that is real writing. They sign a split sheet at 40% Dana, 40% Luis and 20% the artist. Had the artist only recorded the song, the split would have stayed 50/50.

What to say when an artist asks

• Ask what they want to change. 'Which part would you like to rewrite?' is a fair, friendly question. If they have a real idea, write it together and split what you each wrote.
• If nothing is changing, keep the credit with the writers and offer what you can: a license to record and release the song, an exclusive for a set time if they want it to themselves, or a hold while they decide. Our guide to what a hold is explains the difference.
• If you choose to share income anyway, do it on purpose and in writing. A share of publishing moves ownership or income, so get it in a signed document and ask a music lawyer first.
• Keep the credit honest. The credit on your registrations and on the release should list the people who wrote the song. Our guide to crediting the songwriter shows where the names go.

A line you can use: 'I'd love for you to record it. The credit has to match who wrote it, so if you want to change the melody or the lines, let's write that together and split what we each write. If you'd rather record it as is, I can license it to you.'

How it works on Starchild

An artist who licenses a song here gets permission to record and release it, and every license comes with a certificate that names the writers. The writers stay the writers. Partners keep their copyright and earn 50% of each sale, minus the payment fee. An artist who wants a song to themselves for a while can take an exclusive license, which takes the song off the market for 3, 6 or 12 months. See songs for artists, or how to sell your songs.

Write it down before you leave the room

A split sheet is a written agreement that sets out each collaborator's percentage. Songtrust says it should include the title, any sampled songs, and each creator's legal name, collection society and publisher or administrator, and that you should sign it once everyone agrees the song is finished.

Without it, Songtrust warns, your PRO (performing rights organization), publisher or administrator may be unable to confirm your ownership percentage. If co-writers report different shares, or the total passes 100%, royalties are withheld until it is resolved. A split sheet is a record, not a copyright. For listing a co-written song, see splits and permissions.

Sources

• The FADER: Hit songwriters pen open letter asking artists to stop demanding writing credits for songs they didn't write, by Sajae Elder (Mar 31, 2021)
• RouteNote Blog: Top songwriters demand fair credit for writing hits, by Madeleine Amos (Apr 6, 2021)
• mxdwn Music: Hit songwriters ask big-name artists to refrain from asking for writing credits on songs they did not write, in open letter, by Roy Lott (Apr 5, 2021)
• Synchtank: MIDiA's 2025 Songwriter Report, The Songwriter's Role Is Shifting (2025)
• U.S. Copyright Office: Letter to Congress on PRO Licensing of Jointly Owned Works (Jan 29, 2016)
• U.S. Copyright Office: Circular 1, Copyright Basics
• Songtrust: How Split Sheets Work, by Andrew Parks
• Songtrust Help: Are Producers Considered Songwriters?
• Hypebot (Disc Makers): How Bands and Co-Writers Divide Shares in a Song, by Bobby Borg (2023)