Adam Levine, Dave Stewart and the producer of The Voice teamed up to launch a brand new program on NBC called Songland.
It is a TV show for the next “big hit songwriter” to be discovered by some of the industry’s biggest players. What the unassuming songwriter maybe doesn’t know is that by submitting their music for consideration, regardless if they are chosen to participate in the show or not, they are giving up 100% rights to their song.
According to entertainment lawyer Wallace E.J. Collins III:
“The NBC/Universal submission agreement for the “Songland” TV show states that NBC will own all rights to use and exploit all of your songs involved in the show including the songs you submit in the initial application. You would also purportedly be giving up your copyright even if you do not get selected to be on the Songland TV show (so whatever songs you use to audition would arguably become their property even if they do not choose you). It also states that you waive your rights to claim any royalties from the songs whatsoever.”
The deadline to submit music to Songland is March 4. Whatever you decide to do, be sure to read through the contract very thoroughly and make sure you understand what you’re signing up for as with any contract!
