Songwriting Credit

[samurai2807]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Missouri

Need help, please.

Have a band, fired guitarist. Signed an unofficial document guitarist wrote up, saying that we'd give credit and an undetermined monetary compensation for a certain song, if we ever record it.
We're going to record this particular song. What rights does he have to that song and any monies we make from selling the song?

Thank you!!!

 

[Dandy Don]

Has he written other songs (either for you or for anyone else) before?

Ask him if he is a member of any of the musicians unions or songwriting associations that pay royalties (ASCAP, BMI, etc.). If he isn't, he should be and you can consult with these agencies or your own entertainment law attorney about how to proceed.

 

[samurai2807]

We (the band) are actually wondering if we are legally bound to pay the fired guitarist anything at all besides just giving him credit by name on the album.