Hiring Session Players For An Album

[perfektspace6]

I am working on a project that is at a point where I need some additional musicians to play instruments that I am not proficient in. I have completed tracks for bass, synth, piano, and will do vocals at a later time. I would like to hire a guitar player at a minimum. I have programmed drums but will probably hire a drummer. I have identified a few players locally as well as some players on airgigs that look promising.

My question is whether I need to have session players sign anything that indicates that these are my songs and they are providing a service for a fee but are not songwriters. No idea if the songs will go anywhere but the material is promising and I want to make sure I am covering my bases and protecting my songs.

Any advice or guidance in terms of things I should be careful of and any contractual considerations?

Edit: Not sure if this is a band management thread or recordings or something else. I trust our moderators will shift if needed.

 

[jerry]

Pay them decently and have them sign a release.

 

[MuseChaser]

Contact your local musicians' union. They'll be more than happy to advise you.

 

[The Owl]

I've used airgigs.com to hire additional musicians/singers online. Usually very reasonable prices and very high quality musicians.

 

[pbass2]

You can keep it simple and just have them give you an invoice when you pay them, and have it state that it's "work for hire". Or you can draft up a simple "work for hire" agreement as well, but stipulating it in the invoice is usually sufficient.