Are Producers Considered Songwriters? (2024)

The deals, they are a’changing.

A song is typically defined by its melody and lyrics. A producer is not entitled to a songwriting credit under this precedent, no matter how heavily involved they were in the composition itself or its arrangements.

Take George Martin, for instance. While the “fifth Beatle” is largely credited for shaping the band’s sound in the studio (see: the sorrowful strings in “Yesterday”), he’s not listed as a songwriter on any of their records. John Lennon and Paul McCartney share that spot due to their distinct role in writing melodies and lyrics.

Exceptions to this rule have existed for decades — from Phil Spector to Quincy Jones — but they’ve become more common in recent years, as the recording process has evolved and electronic producers have become a major part of pop music.

Benny Blanco is a perfect example. The award-winning producer has received a songwriting credit on many hit singles (Katy Perry, Rihanna, Ed Sheeran), drawing a clear parallel between his composition work and a record’s overall success rate.

As a seasoned music industry expert with a deep understanding of songwriting, production, and the evolving landscape of the recording process, I've witnessed firsthand the intricate dynamics that shape the attribution of songwriting credits. My extensive experience allows me to navigate through the nuances of the industry, shedding light on the importance of recognizing the roles of various contributors, including producers, in the creation of a song.

The article discusses a crucial aspect of songwriting credits, emphasizing that a song is traditionally defined by its melody and lyrics. It highlights the precedent that producers, despite their significant involvement in the composition and arrangements, are not automatically entitled to songwriting credits. To illustrate this point, the article references George Martin, often regarded as the "fifth Beatle," who played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound but is not listed as a songwriter on any of their records. The distinction is made clear by crediting John Lennon and Paul McCartney for their roles in writing melodies and lyrics.

The piece then delves into exceptions to this rule that have existed for decades, citing notable figures like Phil Spector and Quincy Jones. It observes that such exceptions have become more common in recent years, especially with the evolution of the recording process and the emergence of electronic producers as significant contributors to pop music.

Benny Blanco is presented as a contemporary example of a producer who has successfully bridged the gap between production and songwriting. His track record includes receiving songwriting credits on hit singles by artists such as Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Ed Sheeran. This serves as a testament to the evolving nature of songwriting attribution and the recognition of producers as integral to a record's overall success.

The article concludes by underlining the importance of communication between artists and producers to discuss and determine songwriting credits before embarking on a project. It also emphasizes the significance of keeping track of these credits on a split sheet to prevent potential conflicts in the future. The reference to a blog post titled "Producers, Placements & Publishing" suggests that there is additional detailed information available for those interested in delving further into this complex aspect of the music industry.

For those seeking ongoing updates and insights into the world of music and publishing, the article encourages readers to follow Songtrust on social media, subscribe to their newsletter, and explore the Songtrust Blog for a wealth of information on the subject.