Welcome to the wonderful world of a producer.
 
Just be sure to include "across the whole universe and for all time." That became boiler plate back in the 80s for work for hire - I signed some of those contracts on both sides of the agreement.

I'll answer your question regarding "how to answer him".
 
"I'm sorry, but this is a hire for work arrangement. As you (the singer) didn't write the song or pay for any of the production costs, and hold no publishing rights, I'll be paying you for your time and talent for recording the vocal. If this isn't acceptable to you, I'm quite confident I can hire someone else". (last sentence is optional)
 
I've been on both sides of this thing, and here's what inexperienced talent doesn't understand. This is BUSINESS! You're both learning something about how it works. This stuff has to be handled up front. It should be negotiated and both parties should sign legal documentation before a note is played. 

I'm hiring a sax player to play on 3 of my tracks.  I'm actually paying a studio to mix my album, and we decided to have someone play the synth-sax lines i had recorded.  I'm not paying her at all, I'm paying the studio an hourly rate (for time, not creative input) and they are paying her.
 
For my expectations, i think signing off is overkill.
And if worst comes to worst (i become popular or respected), I do have the copyright and date-stamped recordings showing my playing exactly what she will be playing.

Slugbaby
I'm hiring a sax player to play on 3 of my tracks.  I'm actually paying a studio to mix my album, and we decided to have someone play the synth-sax lines i had recorded.  I'm not paying her at all, I'm paying the studio an hourly rate (for time, not creative input) and they are paying her.
 
For my expectations, i think signing off is overkill.
And if worst comes to worst (i become popular or respected), I do have the copyright and date-stamped recordings showing my playing exactly what she will be playing.

But what is she "messes" up and you decide to keep THAT take with the unplanned "mistake" that truly is amazing?  CYA is the way I see it... (Cover Your A..)
 

Fair point Patm.

moffdnb
Hi all,

I've found a potentially great singer and he seems to be happy enough with getting a payment on a "Work for hire basis".  I've just been asked now if the track was to be picked up by TV or manages to sell allot, what would happen then.

Now I suspect he is seeing if he can agree on getting a % of royalties also (if it was successful).  I can understand this but I'm a little cautious as I'd prefer a one off "Work for hire" and leave it at that.

I'm looking for some advice on how best to answer him.  I have written the Music and Lyrics and the guide melody and his contribution will only be as a session singer.  So I really feel like offering him a % also would be selling myself short.  


Any advice on how best to negotiate this without sounding stingy or alienating him from what I consider a reasonable agreement as it is?


Much thanks for any help,
Ste

Airgigs.com is a pure work for hire site. After you audition their audio (or video) examples you pay one price up front for them to do your song. Each artist sets the amount of changes you can get for that price and their turn around time.
 
I've used two people there so far and I'm very pleased with the results.
 
Check that out.

Try airgigs.com (can't post link as it deletes the post).
 

It is very clear cut. If you have written the music and the lyrics then you do NOT have to pay anything other than the session fee. If the song is successful it is because of your composition not their singing. Anything other than this is getting way over complicated. Also you will make more money as well.

Whatever is not specified in a written contract is open to disagreement, challenge and expensive disputes later.

Many, many musicians have found that out to their cost. Don't join them.

Whatever is not specified in a written contract is open to disagreement, challenge and expensive disputes later.

Many, many musicians have found that out to their cost. Don't join them.