Give up a songs licensing rights for 5 YEARS!?

Question

I have an opportunity to have one of my songs (one of my more popular ones) to be included on a compilation CD with 11,000 distributed all over the globe, retail stores, radio, etc. BUT... the record company, WOA international, asks to keep the exclusive licensing rights to the song for 5 years! That means that song cant appear on other compilations, video games or appear in TV/film spots, etc by sources OTHER than threw WOA's efforts. Although during those 5 years, they say they will be actively shopping the song around during those 5 years.
Is this a good deal?

I do need the exposure (like most musicians) even though my stuff can be found all over the indie sites online, however I have about 6-7 nonexclusive publishers shopping for me AND I just got a distribution deal (mostly digital). What I am missing is the press, marketing and promotion I guess. This WOA deal is exclusive for 5 years AND i might be asked to pay $200 for the compilation spot. hmmm... they're a legitimate label, but this still kinda smells like a bad deal, expecially for one of my most popular songs. Thanks! If anyone wants to hear my stuff, its at rkanemusic.com song #3 in question

Attorney.... I'm at a weird juncture in my career. No money for an attorney but lots of small deals and inquiries coming my way.

Answer 1

This is something you want to confer with an entertainment lawyer with. On the surface it sounds like a very bad deal since you did not mention any monetary compensation and no advance money. If you need the exposure however, it could be a great way to get your foot int he door. In essence WOA becomes your publishing company for that song for five years. As long as you do not give up ownership of the song, or your rights to receive compensation as the composer of the tune and author of the lyrics, this is not an unusual arrangement in that regard. That's why you want to retain consul however. You or I don't know what could be hidden in the contract that you are inevitably going to have to sign.

The bottom line is, if you have nothing to lose and everything to gain and you are not signing your rights away, go for it. If you already have an established reputation and you don't need the exposure, avoid this. If you can afford to get legal representation and get better advice, I would recommend that you do so. If you can't afford legal representation, then my best advice is that it might give you the exposure you need to do it up right next time. Best of luck with the song and if it gets posted online, I'd love to hear it sometime.

Answer 2

Cconsaul is correct (as usual) you definitely need to go over this with an entertainment lawyer. But, this deal is not uncommon. It would be a conflict of interest for your song to be used by another company while under contract with WOA.
Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

Check this company out to make sure they are legitimate.