Should I Sell?

[Cinjin]

So sell, it is.

I spose - better to get a guaranteed something rather than a unlikely fortune.

Do some math;

What is the average amount of money this person has made from his other songs over say a 5 year period (how many sales at what average price, how many radio plays at what price)?

What percent of that would you expect in royalties?

Is the amount you would receive in royalties for an average song over 5 years be relatively more than you would receive up front?

If the answer to the last question is yes I'd recommend trying to negotiate royalties, if the number is around the same amount in royalties I'd just take it up front.

I'd assume the revenues from royalties decreases significantly after a peak period, so whether or not the amount of revenues after 5 or 10 years enough to change that assessment I wouldn't know. Is there anyone experienced with this you can ask for advice?

I do know someone like that, but it would still be a very difficult computation to nail down. There's just so many unknown variables; the biggest of which is that I don't actually know who the singer is and often, the person (or entity) buying the song doesn't yet know either. They act as more of a industry middle-man. As for the duration of royalties ... Aerosmith still makes good off their 70's hits - not that I'm comparing myself to Aerosmith, I'm just trying to show that if a song continues to get played for a couple decades - it can be worth into the millions.

Odds are heavily stacked against this particular song having that kind of winfall ... obviously, but if somebody is interested - it leads one to wonder. What if some huge music star got their voice on it. Hmm?

I've heard of musicians screwing themselves big time for taking the quick money. Than again, I've also seen guys sell songs that you never hear of again.