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Guide to Submitting Composer and Lyricist Credits

To ensure that all contributors are recognized and properly receive their royalties, read this article.

Ivan Parrales avatar
Written by Ivan Parrales
Updated this week

At UMW Recordings Inc., we prioritize accuracy, fairness, and proper recognition of every creative contributor involved in your music. When uploading your track, it's essential to provide correct and complete composer and lyricist information to ensure everyone is credited and compensated accordingly.


What Do These Roles Mean?

  • Composer: The individual(s) responsible for writing the musical elements โ€” melody, harmony, chord progression, or instrumentation.

  • Lyricist: The individual(s) who wrote the lyrics โ€” the verbal or poetic content of the song.

Note: A single person can serve as both composer and lyricist. Multiple individuals can share these roles on a single track, and all contributors must be properly listed.


Why Is This Information Important?

๐ŸŽต Royalty Distribution
Performance rights organizations (such as ASCAP, BMI, PRS, SACM, etc.) rely on accurate credits to distribute royalties. Incorrect or missing data can lead to lost income.

๐Ÿ“ข Professional Recognition
Proper credits ensure your name is linked to your work in the global music ecosystem โ€” vital for building your career and industry reputation.

๐Ÿ” Intellectual Property Protection
Accurate registration safeguards your creative rights and helps avoid disputes in the future.


How to Submit the Credits

When uploading your track through our platform:

  1. Use the full legal name of each contributor (no artist names or aliases).

  2. Specify their role(s): Composer, Lyricist, or Both.

  3. Include percentage splits, if applicable.

    Example:

    • John Smith โ€“ Composer โ€“ 50%

    • Maria Lopez โ€“ Lyricist โ€“ 50%

  4. If all contributors share both roles equally, indicate that clearly.


Best Practices

โœ… Have a signed agreement between all collaborators before distribution.
โœ… Keep backup copies of lyric sheets, session files, and composition drafts.
โœ… When in doubt, consult your legal advisor or reach out to our editorial support team.


Final Note

Miscredited songs lead to missed opportunities. UMW Recordings Inc. is committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that every creator gets the recognition โ€” and royalties โ€” they deserve.

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