Learn how How Bands And Co-Writers Divide Percentage Shares In A Song. This informative articles show how ownership is determined with a discussion on copyright law, exceptions, contracts, and actual examples from current bands.

Writer Bobby Borg notes that "The "all for one, one for all philosophy" makes perfect sense at first, and works for many years of a relationship. However, once a group becomes successful and everyone in the industry begins telling the vocalist or guitarist that he or she's the real star and genius of the band, trust me-the divisions in the new songs will quickly change in their favor. For example, guitarist Stone Gossard and vocalist Eddie Vedder wrote most of Pearl Jam's songs, yet the band originally split the percentages in its compositions equally-each member (five in total) received 20 percent. However, as the group became more successful and vocalist Eddie Vedder was recognized as "the star" or "the man," essentially becoming the only irreplaceable member of the group, the band wanted to keep him happy. The group allotted 36 percent of each song to Vedder, and 16 percent went to each of the other three members of the band."