Should I Sell?

[popeyespappy]

Have you considered discussing it with a professional agent?

In this day and age location shouldn’t be a big issue. Find a couple that deal with artists in your style, and send them an email explaining that you have a potential buyer for one of your songs.

Very nice BTW....

[Erinome]

Have you considered discussing it with a professional agent?

A long time ago - when I was young and had possibilities. These days, there's not a whole lot of agents representing unknown song writers in West Michigan.

Unless you are 104 years old there are still possibilities for you. Come to Nashville. We have tons of agents representing unknown song writers. They're always looking for something fresh, and it doesn't have to be country.

[Cinjin]

Thank you all.

I think now that I've gotten some input I'll probably see if I can generate a little more interest before making the decision to sell it.

[theVOID]

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?

[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.

[theVOID]

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.

That's why you need to check him out and see what his averages are, short and long term, see if he has a history of dealing with popular/mainstream artists for one. If you see a few recognizable names that to me would be a sign that royalties would be better.

But really, you should ask that person who has experience, they'd be able to give you much more concrete advice than any of us on the forums with hypothetical musings.

[Cinjin]

That's why you need to check him out and see what his averages are, short and long term, see if he has a history of dealing with popular/mainstream artists for one. If you see a few recognizable names that to me would be a sign that royalties would be better.

But really, you should ask that person who has experience, they'd be able to give you much more concrete advice than any of us on the forums with hypothetical musings.

Agreed. I posted for one reason. Regular people giving honest feedback. If everybody across the board said sell it and sell it quick - I would know that the song is not as good as I think it is and I should just unload it, collect what I can and move on. I guess I just like this particular song.

[Faith No More]

It's great, but one has to remember the commercial aspects of the music industry. What's good doesn't always sell, and what sells isn't always good.