Originally Posted by Christine Donovan
Well, the last question I posted about my sons band..CTL caused quite a ruckus! Seems I ahve a different definition of songwriter than some...

My question:

If a musician in a band composes a framework of chord patterns that have no distinctly discernible note for note melody...then another member of the band takes that composition at that level and picks out a melody (and there could be many melodic variations possible) and then puts words to this melody that consists of distinct singular notes. Who is the songwriter?

To me ...both are.
They are co -writers.

What do you think? am I wrong?



If it was a intentional collaboration, I think it should be considered a co-write.
If it was a incidental collaboration and/or if ownership is being argued...then the test for a co-write would be determining if each participant's part qualified as a "original" contribution. So you (or somebody) must decide if the melody and chord progression are both creatively unique.

And I have to add Christine, you should try to take it easy on these Good Old Boys here. They are only trying to help. Some of their advice might have gone a bit off-topic, but you really can't blame them for wanting to relive a little of their youth.
I was even tempted to tell you all about how my band and I played on the main stage at the County Fair when I was 15. Oh, what a sweet gig that was! We were the opening act for Donald Watson and His Dancing Duck. But of course...I digress.

Good luck with your dilemma
(and just in case you were wondering...that duck could really rock!),
wink
GJ

Last edited by GJShades; 11/08/08 03:53 AM.