Hook question

[casio]

Hey JMJ,
Hope all is going well with you, music and otherwise!
I had a short question for you:
This week was my first session date out of my own bands I recorded for and it was for a huge telecomunications company over here (kinda like this partr of europe's AOL I guess). Anyway, they had their own song done and I ws called in to lay down the bass and in the process of working on the lines with the producer I landed a hook which they plan to continue using cause they're thrilled with it they say.
Now, apart for it being great when someone gives you a compliment like that, everything else was the matter! they even said they plan on using it outside of the song itself in the form of possible ringtones or whatever so I tried to politely poke the question of what I can expect (if anyhing) concerning royalties or plain old recognition. Their answer was "nothing much" basicaly so I wanted to see if you had similar situations and if you have advice on how I could keep it as civil as possible?
thanks upfront!

 

[jmjbassplayer]

Hello there.

Congratulations on the session.

Since you've already been given the gig, and you don't need to walk on eggshells, it's time to find the person you need to talk to, and calmly and without emotion, make sure you are credited as a co-writer on that. It's a co-write. And if their answer is "nothing much", then you are very likely being taken advantage of. You need to find out who wrote it and demand a share of the split. What you did went beyond playing, it lies firmly in the province of writing.

Stay calm, but be persistent. If someone passes the buck and says they can't do anything for you, go up the food chain. After that, get a lawyer involved.

That's my opinion, anyway.

Best,
JMJ

 

[casio]

hey!
just to follow up on my little drama, it's been dealt with and I wanted to thank you. It was kind of difficult for me to think out how to deal with the situation so I could get something out of it and still not burn bridges by being forced to legal action or anything. So I managed to get into contact the guy who wrote the tune and after a pretty honest conversation he said he would back me and request I get credits for the song!
so thanks for making my first paycheck just a bit bigger!
and just thanks once again for your experience and everything else you've shared with us here on the forum, its been a huge help!

 

[JimmyM]

WTG, Casio! When it comes out, make sure you link us to audio of it. That's great they thought so much of your bassline, and it was great that the writer stepped up.

 

[casio]

I'll be sure to do so! I'm also glad, but you'll see it was pretty obvious since the main theme starts on the bass and continues through the song!
it should be mastered in a couple days!

 

[rosstanium]

always great to hear a happy ending. congrats casio!

 

[jmjbassplayer]

Casio,

Great job! Be sure to politely ride that through to its natural conclusion. Definitely don't just assume that it will all happen. These sort of things need to get monitored until it's dead certain that everything is wrapped up and in your corner.

Best,
JMJ