David

I would not advise anyone to sign a 100% publishing contract for a song without a reversion clause, a clause that gives you back the publishing rights after a specified period.

I would not advise paying anyone to plug songs until you are no longer "very new" to the process and until your team all agrees that it's time to pay a plugger (you have a team, don't you? do a search here for info on teams [Linked Image]) and then, I'd want to shop around for pluggers...with my team's help.

First, you need to get your feet wet. Demo, don't pay a lot for them, get backtracks (music without vocals) because you WILL be changing your lyrics on at least some songs.

Link your demos or post lyrics to the free sites like ours and others to get free peer group critiques. Remember, these are critiques made by amateur critics...that can be better and it can be worse info LOL. When everyone is saying your songs are ready, then have a pro critique from someone like our Barbara Cloyd, or get a critique from NSAI or one of the PROs. Gradually, when you know that your songs are in the pocket, then they are ready to pitch. If you try to pitch too soon, you might find some doors get closed to you.

Also, do your homework. I don't know anything about this company you are talking about, but I do know that if they are sharks, they'll never get a good cut for anyone. You taint your name by going with a shark.

As I said, I've not familiar with this company but that means nothing, they could have some big songs or writers. But trying to tie up a beginning songwriter's publishing and offering a beginner a plugging service does not look good, unless your songs are absolutely amazing (and if they are, then you might keep shopping for a better deal.)

So get some books on the subject, check out our mentor site on the home page. Look for online songwriter magazines and sites. Don't pay for things unless you get something in return. Don't sign any contracts without an attorney, and DON'T SIGN ANY CONTRACTS WITHOUT AN EXPERIENCED MUSIC BUSINESS ATTORNEY. Other than these ideas, and also getting a good music lawyer to look at contracts, that takes care of any advice from my end. (that doesn't sound right does it!)

All the Best,
Mike

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You have to practice improvisation. -Art Tatum

Mike Dunbar Music

You've got to know your limitations. I don't know what your limitations are. I found out what mine were when I was twelve. I found out that there weren't too many limitations, if I did it my way. -Johnny Cash

It's only music.
-niteshift

Mike Dunbar Music