Record contributions early
A split sheet documents who contributed to a song and the agreed percentage shares. It is easiest to complete while everyone remembers what they contributed.
List writers, legal names or agreed professional identifiers, contact details, song title and each person’s agreed share.
Separate writing from recording roles
Performing on a track does not automatically establish the same songwriting contribution as composing lyrics, melody or music. Clarify each person’s role.
Discuss whether a producer created the melody, a vocalist wrote lyrics or another collaborator changed the composition materially.
Make the percentages add up
All participants should understand the proposed shares and confirm that the total allocation is consistent with the agreement. Rules and practices can differ by jurisdiction and publisher.
Review the figures together before signing and keep a copy accessible to everyone involved.
Keep records with the release files
A signed split sheet can help prevent later confusion, but it does not replace every publishing or rights agreement that a release may require.
Store the final document alongside the master, credits, licence and distributor metadata; seek legal advice if the arrangement is complex.