A split sheet records who contributed to a song and what percentage each person owns. It is one page, it takes ten minutes, and skipping it is the most reliable way to lose money on a record that does well.
Why timing matters
Splits are easy to agree on before anyone knows whether the song matters. They get considerably harder after a sync placement. Sort it in the room, on the day.
What belongs on the sheet
- Song title and the date of the session
- Every contributor's legal name and role
- Publisher and PRO affiliation for each writer
- The agreed percentage, adding up to 100%
- A signature from everyone listed
Common mistakes
Producers are frequently left off entirely, even when they wrote the chord progression. Features get a performance credit but no writing share when they wrote their own verse. Decide deliberately rather than by omission.
An unsigned split sheet is a conversation, not an agreement.
Keep the signed copy with your masters. When a publisher or distributor asks, you will have it ready.