Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Florida

Featured Artist Question

I featured an artist on my album where he wrote and performed the chorus to one of my songs. We made no verbal or written contract. After my album was released he is now wanting payments for his contribution. I only pressed 1,000 CD's.

What is he entitled to? Can he sue me? I just want to pay him something and get it over with. I understand the Mechanical Royalty rate is $.091. Can I pay him $91 and call it a day? By the way, this artist is not signed to any label, has no publisher, and this is the 'only' recording that he is on. Please help! Thanks!


Asked on 2/04/08, 3:41 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Johm Smith tom's

Re: Featured Artist Question

I agree with Mr. Rose. Pay him and write accord and satisfaction in the memo section of the check. You should use contracts in everything you do; so contact me if you want to get some that you can reuse; I practice this area of law and am licensed in FL also.

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Answered on 2/05/08, 5:38 pm
Brent Rose The Orsini & Rose Law Firm

Re: Featured Artist Question

Without a contract, he's entitled to something. Of course, the question is how much. Most judges would agree with you, that the mechanical royalty rate is a proper measure of how much you should pay.

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Answered on 2/04/08, 11:25 pm


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