We allow a variety of edits to uploads. You can change the description information of your song or lyric and alter the prices for which you wish to sell them. You can delist/ re-list items and add/ remove artwork and images.

For legal and contractual reasons, we do not allow audio edits, or the swapping of one song for another.

We do allow corrections to lyrics for typos but impose strict character limits. We do not allow major edits, reworkings or title changes  This is to protect against fraud and to facilitate copyright protection.  One of the major benefits of Songbay membership is our free copyright protection on all uploads. This would not be possible if users were able to substantially alter the original uploaded content at will. It would also be impossible to collect royalties on song or lyric sales if the original source or title had changed.

To edit uploads/content/descriptions/prices or to add artwork to uploads, login to your Songbay account and from your user dashboard choose the link:  'Edit Your Uploads' then 'Edit Details'

The direct link to this area is:

https://songbay.co/my-submissions

At Songbay,  you can sell music and lyrics in a variety of ways and set your own fees:

• As a Download (Allowing personal use only).
• As a Cover version License (Allowing other artists to make a cover version (re-recorded) version of your song or lyric).
• As a License (Allowing your song or lyric to be used by another person/organization for a specific purpose.
• As a Copyright Exchange (Allowing all rights and ownership to be purchased by a Buyer).

Licensing

This is the most popular selling option at Songbay. In simple terms, a music license is like agreeing to loan a song or lyric to another person. Instead of 'loan', the music industry uses the word 'license'.

Songbay licenses

This is the most popular selling choice for songwriters at Songbay. In simple terms, a music license is like agreeing to loan a song or lyric to another person for a specific purpose. Instead of 'loan', the music industry uses the word 'license'.
Example uses of these licenses (loans) might be for a website, creating a cover version of a song or lyric, a company video, a radio commercial, film track, etc.
The buyer pays the artist a fee for a license and can then use the work legally (for one single project only).
A license is a great option for both seller and buyer. The seller keeps total control of their work and is also entitled to receive royalties whenever their work is performed or broadcast, whilst the buyer gets to use the work legally without having to own the copyright.

All our licenses are 'non- exclusive' agreements, meaning as a seller, you can sell multiple licenses simultaneously. For example, you could grant a license to 10 different people for 10 different projects and receive 10 royalty shares, potentially quite a profitable arrangement!
The more your work is licensed, the more fees and performance/broadcast royalties you will receive.
We even supply and complete the license agreements between seller and buyer without charge!

Copyright Selling

Another unique option offered at Songbay is copyright selling.
We allow you to sell the copyright of your work to another person if you wish. The new person then becomes the legal owner and copyright holder of the the music or lyric and gains full control of it.

Clearly this is the most expensive option for buyers and (initially), the most lucrative for sellers.

Most composers/lyricists prefer not to use this selling option but some, wishing for higher fees, are happy to sell copyrights.

** It is  important to realise that agreeing to a copyright sale means agreeing to relinquish all rights to your song or lyric. Once sold,  you no longer have any control over it and no rights to any future income or royalties generated. The new owner would not even need to credit you as the original songwriter/ lyricist. For these reasons, we strongly advise you to think very carefully about choosing this selling option. If in any doubt, choose a license selling option instead.

As with all sales at Songbay, we supply and complete the copyright agreement between seller and buyer without charge.

How much should I charge for my work?

Unlike other companies, we allow you to set your own fees for your work without deducting commission from you sales. So whatever fee payments you
receive at Songbay, you keep!

When uploading your songs and lyrics to our online sellers area, we advise you on the recommended industry prices, to ensure you do not over or under charge for your work.

Useful Links:

Songbay Free Copyright Protection >>

Songbay Quality and Assessment Criteria >>

How to Buy Music and Lyrics at Songbay

1. Use our powerful search functions to find something suitable.
2. You can search by style or keywords.
3. Use the preview buttons to listen to songs / read lyrics.
4. Select the 'Purchase' option displayed next to the Song or Lyric.
5. Choose a suitable buying option. These are clearly displayed with each song or Lyric and vary from a simple digital download to an entire copyright purchase. The prices are clearly displayed for each buying option.
6.  Follow the simple step by step instructions, complete the checkout process then download your chosen song or lyric. You will also receive a completed contract to keep for your records.

• You can also contact artists directly using the live chat function in your user dashboard or from the contact form on each artist's page. You may wish to discuss a specific writing request or have a collaboration proposal. You will need to register in order to do so, which is free

Do I have to pay to search or contact artists?
No, we provide this service free of charge. Once registered, you can use the contact link on the artist's page or the live chat function from your user dashboard. You may wish to discuss a collaboration project or have a specific songwriting request in mind.