Controlled Composition

A term referring to a copyrighted musical work recorded and performed by the songwriter, i.e., a singer/songwriter. Normally, a songwriter is entitled to “mechanical royalties” paid to his or her music publisher for each recording sold, while a performer might get a separate fee or royalty. However, record companies will often try to treat a singer/songwriter as a single entity, seeking to agree either a single fee for the overall performance or a reduction on the performance fee reflecting the fact that a second composition fee will be received. The idea and fairness of controlled compositions is contentious.

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