Plain bullets. Both sides sign. No fine print.
Every commission is governed by a single, frozen agreement — written so a non-lawyer can read it in 90 seconds and an arbitrator can decide on it in minutes. If the template is updated, older commissions stay governed by the version that was signed at the time.
This draft is under reviewer feedback. Final wording will be archived verbatim per commission, with both signatures (timestamp, IP hash, template version) attached.
Platform ground rules
- Originals only. Songwriter certifies rights before posting.
- No AI-generated performances. Song must be performed and recorded by human musicians. No Suno / Udio / full-song AI covers. No deepfake or voice-cloned vocals.
- Allowed: mastering plugins, natural pitch correction, AI-assisted mixing, video color grading, routine post-production.
- Violation forfeits the pot, bans the band, and refunds backers.
What's happening
- Songwriter
{handle}is offering their original song "{title}" to be performed and recorded. - Band
{handle}agrees to deliver by {deadline} in the format(s) selected at post time.
Deliverable (creator selects 1+)
- ☐ Social vertical clip — TikTok / Reels / Shorts, ≥60s, 720p+, vertical
- ☐ Long-form video — YouTube / Facebook, full song, 720p+, horizontal
- ☐ Studio audio master — WAV ≥16-bit/44.1kHz, full song
- ☐ Studio multi-track stems — add-on for remix/license use
- ☐ Studio recording preferred — advanced signal
- ☐ Live one-take required — no overdubs; band must be heard playing in-frame
Proof-of-performance: Video deliverables: the video is the proof. Audio-only deliveries: band includes a ≥15s behind-the-scenes clip, multi-track stems, or ≥3 session photos showing the band + instruments.
The money
- Commission pot: ${pot} (audience-funded, anonymous backers allowed).
- Platform fee: 10%. Band net payout: ${band_net}.
- Money sits in escrow. Band is paid within 3 business days of songwriter approval (or auto-approval).
The rights
- Composition (melody / lyrics): Songwriter keeps 100%.
- Sound recording (master): 50% Songwriter / 50% Band by default, unless both sign a different split in the overrides.
- Either side may use the recording non-commercially (promo, portfolio, social).
- Any commercial use (sync, DSP monetization, sale) requires both parties' written OK; sound-recording revenue splits per the signed split.
Approval window
- Songwriter has 7 days to approve after delivery.
- No response = auto-approved.
- One revision round (default) if rejected with specific, written reasons; 14 days to deliver the revision.
Backing out
- Songwriter may cancel anytime before a band claims → all pledges refunded.
- Once a band claims, the commission is locked. Songwriter cannot cancel except for rights violation.
- Band may withdraw within 48 hours of claiming — no penalty.
- Band withdrawal after 48 hours forfeits the claim.
Refunds to audience
- No band claims in 90 days → full refunds.
- Band claims but fails to deliver → new claim window opens; pledges stay in escrow.
- Delivery approved → no refunds.
Disputes
- Either party opens a dispute within 14 days of delivery.
- covermysong.us arbitrates using this agreement as the sole source of truth.
- Arbiter decision is final and releases/refunds accordingly.
Overrides (optional)
Both parties can propose changes to these defaults before locking the commission. Edits are tracked; struck if left blank.
- Split override:
______________ - Revision rounds:
______________ - Deadline override:
______________ - Other:
______________
Signatures
When the commission locks, both parties sign a frozen snapshot of this template with their handle, timestamp, IP hash, and the template version. That snapshot is the legal document — the language above might change over time, but the one you signed never does.