Unraveling the Complexities of Songwriting Credits: Insights from the Billboard Latin Music Week Panel

The topic of who gets songwriting credit on a song can often lead to uncomfortable conversations in the music industry. However, at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week, this issue took center stage during the riveting and informative "Why Are There 50 Writers On My Song?" panel discussion. Moderated by Pierre Hachar, managing partner at The Hachar Law Group, the panel featured regional Mexican singer-songwriter Eden Muñoz, renowned producer-songwriter Sergio George, and Colombian hitmaker Keityn, who delved into the nuances and challenges surrounding songwriting credits.

Unveiling the Intricacies of Songwriting Credits in the Modern Music Landscape

Defining the Deserving Composers

The panel discussion began with a focus on the fundamental question of who should receive songwriting credit. Keityn emphasized the importance of ensuring that the true composers are recognized, stating, "The credit has to go to whoever participates in the writing process. When you're in a studio, you know who is a composer and you know who is not."

Muñoz echoed this sentiment, highlighting the need to establish clear boundaries in the studio. "It's extremely important to set limits in the studio. It's how I work today. I separate the songwriters and take them to a different table, and they are the only ones in that room," he explained, underscoring the importance of distinguishing between those who actively contribute to the writing process and those who may be present but do not directly contribute.

Recognizing Indirect Contributions

The conversation also delved into the more nuanced aspects of songwriting credit, particularly when individuals who do not technically write the song still contribute to its development. Sergio George shared his perspective on this, stating, "In my opinion, anyone who contributes to the process should have songwriting credit. I remember I was in a songwriting camp, there were like four to five people, and there was one person who gave some ideas of how the song could be. That person actually had nothing to do with my music, but got credit because if it wasn't for her, the song would not have been made."

This highlights the complex nature of determining songwriting credits, as even indirect contributions can be seen as integral to the creative process. The panelists emphasized the need for fairness and recognition of all those who play a role in shaping the final product.

The Impact of Streaming Platforms on Songwriting Credits

The discussion also touched on the influence of streaming platforms, such as Spotify, on the way songwriting credits are attributed. Keityn noted, "The 50 songwriters thing is not even about the artist, songwriter or producer, to be honest. Platforms like Spotify, when they do the breakdown of who gets credit on their platform, it is always based on the actual split, and they label them as songwriters. I don't understand why everyone who is in the split [gets listed as] as a songwriter."

This observation highlights the potential disconnect between the creative process and the way songwriting credits are ultimately displayed on digital platforms, which can lead to confusion and misunderstandings among industry professionals and the general public.

The Evolving Role of Managers in Songwriting Credits

Another intriguing aspect of the panel discussion was the changing role of managers in the songwriting credit landscape. Muñoz shared his perspective, stating, "Today, we are in a business where managers [have the] sin of arrogance and want to be everywhere and get songwriting credit. I remember back in the day, the manager would sometimes even hide, but now it seems like they are glued to one another. Sometimes the manager acts more like the artist."

This observation underscores the shifting dynamics within the music industry, where managers are increasingly seeking to assert their presence and claim a stake in the songwriting process, blurring the lines between their traditional role and that of the artists they represent.

The 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week and the accompanying Billboard Latin Music Awards promise to be a platform for continued discussions and insights into the complex and ever-evolving world of songwriting credits and the music industry as a whole.