Frequently Asked Questions

Tube preamp FAQs coming soon ...

Who owns the copyright for the music you create for me?
You do, simple as that. I have no claims to the music once I've been paid in full. Here's a quote from the US Copyright office:
What is a work made for hire?
Although the general rule is that the person who creates the work is its author, there is an exception to that principle; the exception is a work made for hire, which is a work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment; or a work specially ordered or commissioned in certain specified circumstances. When a work qualifies as a work made for hire, the employer, or commissioning party, is considered to be the author. See Circular 9, Work-Made-For-Hire Under the 1976 Copyright Act.

Why do you work with some people for free, but I have to pay?
Yes, I do work with friends on collabs for free. The difference is that with an internet collab, I retain ownership rights and partial control of the song - just like a member of a band. If any money is made with the song, I am owed royalties and have all the rights of a co-writer. Neither party has the right to make deals concerning the song without the other's knowledge and consent. Decisions about issues like whether or not to offer free downloads, or whether to join a compilation CD, must be mutually decided. Often, these internet collabs go on for months. They are spare-time projects with friends.

When I am paid to do work on a song, none of this applies. Paying clients get prompt, professional service. As stated in the question above, once I am paid, you are considered (by law) to be the author of the work and can do as you please. I do ask for the courtesy of being listed on song or album credits, but that is also your option.