Why Every Independent Artist Needs a Split Sheet (Before Releasing Any Song)

In today’s independent music world, collaboration is everything.

If you'd like for Zemira Israel to collaborate on your song,

  1. start with step 1 here
  2. then complete step 2 before song is released here

Artists, producers, writers, and engineers are constantly coming together to create powerful music—but too many creators overlook one of the most important steps in the entire process:

Documenting ownership.

That’s where a split sheet comes in.

If you are serious about your music, your brand, and your future income, a split sheet is not optional—it’s essential.

What Is a Split Sheet?

A split sheet is a written agreement that clearly outlines:

  • Who contributed to the song

  • Who owns what percentage

  • How income will be divided

  • Who controls publishing and administration

In our own process at Bezzemi Records, every collaborator fills out and signs a split sheet before any business is conducted or the song is released 

That’s intentional—and it protects everyone involved.

Why Split Sheets Matter (More Than You Think)

1. They Prevent Future Disputes

Most issues in music don’t happen at the beginning—they happen later.

  • When the song starts making money

  • When it gets placed in a film or commercial

  • When someone feels they deserved more

Without a signed agreement, everything becomes he said / she said.

A split sheet removes confusion and locks in clarity from day one.

2. They Protect Your Copyright Ownership

Every song has two copyrights:

  • Composition (lyrics + melody)

  • Master recording

Your split sheet ensures that:

  • Each writer’s percentage is clearly defined

  • Ownership is legally acknowledged

  • Each party can administer their share properly

As outlined in our own agreement, each writer maintains their ownership percentage and has the right to administer or assign it if needed 

That’s real ownership—not assumptions.

3. They Prepare You for Sync Opportunities

If your goal is to land placements in:

  • Film

  • TV

  • Commercials

  • Video games

Then you need your paperwork in order.

Music supervisors do not chase down artists to figure out splits.

They want:

  • Clear ownership

  • One point of contact

  • No legal risk

Our split sheet even establishes a designated contact for sync deals, so there is no confusion when opportunities come in 

That alone can be the difference between getting placed—or getting passed on.

4. They Ensure Everyone Gets Paid Correctly

Streaming, publishing, and licensing income all depend on accurate splits.

Without a split sheet:

  • Royalties can be delayed

  • Payments can be misallocated

  • Platforms may reject your registration

With a split sheet:

  • Percentages are already agreed upon

  • PRO registrations are smoother

  • Everyone knows exactly what they’re owed

 

5. They Show Professionalism

This is a big one.

When you present a split sheet before working with someone, you communicate:

  • You take your craft seriously

  • You respect business structure

  • You value fairness and transparency

Serious artists respect structure.

Unprepared artists avoid it.

When Should a Split Sheet Be Signed?

Immediately.

Not after the song is finished.

Not after it’s uploaded.

Not after it starts making money.

Before anything moves forward.

At Bezzemi Records, we require that:

“All writers and publishers complete and sign the split sheet before any business is made with the song and before it is officially published.” 

That standard has saved us from countless potential issues.

What Should Be Included in a Split Sheet?

A solid split sheet should capture:

  • Song title

  • All contributors (legal names + stage names)

  • Contribution details (lyrics, production, melody, etc.)

  • Ownership percentages

  • Publishing details (PRO, IPI numbers)

  • Signatures from all parties

Our template goes even further by including:

  • Sync agreement acknowledgment

  • Publishing administration structure

  • Distribution intent

  • Song metadata (ISRC, release info, etc.)

Because details matter.

The Reality: No Split Sheet = Risk

Let’s be honest.

If you’re collaborating without paperwork, you’re taking a risk.

You’re trusting that:

  • Everyone remembers the same percentages

  • No one changes their mind later

  • No opportunities create tension

That’s not a strategy—that’s a gamble.

Final Word: Make It a Standard, Not an Option

If you take anything from this, let it be this:

Every song. Every time. No exceptions.

A split sheet should be part of your creative workflow just like:

  • Recording

  • Mixing

  • Mastering

  • Distribution

Because music is not just art—it’s intellectual property.

And ownership matters.

Want to Work With Us?

If you’re collaborating with Zemira Israel or Bezzemi Records, you’ll be asked to complete a split sheet as part of the process.

Not to complicate things—but to protect everyone involved and build something sustainable.

If you'd like for Zemira Israel to collaborate on your song, we have 2 steps:

  1. start with step 1 to inquire here
  2. then complete step 2 before song is released to prep the Split Sheet here

Call or Text "Zemira Feature" to inquire about a feature at 800-207-9868
Or email info@bezzemirecords.com

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