Christine,

In Nashville there's a joke that says if you were in the room when the song was written, you get an even split in it. Here, unless there is a written agreement, everyone gets an even split. And, yes, the person who wrote the chords are writing the song. "Louie Louie" would be nothing without the chords...or "You Really Got Me Now," or "Stairway to Heaven," or "Sweet Home Alabama." Can you imagine any of those songs without the chords?

Beyond that, I think Tom's right. In my first real band, some of the guys had parents who were consulting with attorneys. I was the "band leader," wrote the origninal songs, and started the band. But my parents passed away while I was in my teens, so I was on my own. It felt like I was fighting a corporation to get anything done. Needless to say, it was not a good working system. I think it would be better to let the guys feel independent. If they want info, point them our way and let them ask the questions themselves. Nothing wrong with counseling your son, of course, but maybe it's better to do it one on one, not in a public forum. Then he can take your advice or not and deal with the other fellows on an equal footing. I'm not criticizing you here, you're certainly being a good parent, I'm just giving my opinion.

All the Best,
Mike

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