What you keep
- Writer share for lyrics/melody you wrote.
- Credit for your contribution (names + roles).
- Approval rights for material changes before release (as defined in the workflow).
Visual overview
A simple picture of how credit and terms stay clear
These visuals are not contracts — they’re a quick explainer of the mindset: clarity, approvals, and accurate credit.
Tip: If you ever feel uncertain about credit or roles, pause and ask. We’d rather clarify early than fix confusion later.
Core principles
Clarity in writing splits
Splits are documented before public release. No guessing. No ambiguity.
Creators keep dignity
We don’t “take” songs. We coordinate collaboration with approvals and written terms.
Integrity over hype
We prioritize Scripture, mission alignment, and fair credit—over trends and ego.
This page is informational (not legal advice). Final terms are governed by the applicable agreements and written approvals.
1) Ownership basics
In most cases, the songwriter keeps full ownership of the song (lyrics + melody). We document permissions so collaborators can help produce it and release it with your approval.
What we coordinate
- Collaboration logistics: arranging, musicians, editing, mix/master.
- Documentation: split confirmation + release readiness checklist.
- Distribution pathway: preparing assets, metadata, credits, and the “green light” moment.
2) Songwriting splits
Splits reflect real writing contributions. We confirm them in writing before anything goes public.
What counts as songwriting?
Generally, songwriting is lyrics and melody. If someone changes lyric lines or melody in a meaningful way, they may be a co-writer.
We aim to avoid “credit inflation” and protect the original writer’s intent.
How splits get finalized
- We identify writing contributors.
- We propose splits with the team.
- Everyone confirms splits in writing.
- Only then do we proceed toward public release.
3) Production, arranging, and session work
Production contributions can be handled different ways depending on the project’s needs and agreements.
Work-for-hire
A contributor provides a defined service (editing, session work, video, etc.) for agreed compensation or volunteer scope, without claiming songwriting credit.
Producer terms (if any)
In some cases, producers may receive an agreed share related to the sound recording or revenue share—documented clearly.
Co-writing (only when real)
If production introduces meaningful lyric/melody writing, the team can decide co-writing credit—again, documented in writing.
4) Approvals & release readiness
We don’t “surprise release” anything. We aim for clean approvals, accurate credits, and aligned expectations.
Before release, we confirm
- Final lyric version
- Final arrangement direction
- Credits (writers + contributors)
- Splits + any producer terms
- Artwork/visual approvals (if applicable)
If there’s disagreement
- We pause release until clarified.
- We revert to the last approved version.
- We document decisions to protect everyone.
5) Royalties & fundraising (simple)
Easy version: you keep your song, we help you finish it, and royalties follow the credits and registrations.
Church usage royalties (CCLI focus)
When churches sing or report these songs, we want the largest share to go to the songwriter/artist. We do that by keeping credits accurate, avoiding “extra” writers, and confirming splits in writing before release.
- Songwriting royalties are tied to lyrics + melody and the agreed writer splits.
- We help keep metadata and credits clean so reporting works correctly.
- If someone didn’t write lyrics/melody, they normally don’t receive songwriter credit.
CCLI outcomes depend on correct registrations and reporting, but our policy is: accuracy + creator-first.
Recording revenue vs. the song
There are two things: the song (composition) and the finished recording (the master). The song stays yours. If a project is materially funded/produced through a studio fund, a separate written agreement may define a recording revenue share.
- Composition (lyrics + melody): stays with the artist/songwriters.
- Master/recording revenue: only shared if agreed in writing.
- No split is applied without written approval.
If a famous artist/label wants your song, we don’t negotiate for you. That decision stays with you.
Fundraising for your song (creator-led)
If you want to fundraise to help produce your song—either with someone in the platform or a guest artist you request—that’s allowed. Fundraising never changes your ownership.
- You can raise funds publicly or privately (GoFundMe, church, sponsors, etc.).
- Guest artist outreach happens only by your request and with clear scope.
- 33KNG can manage and direct the project once approved.
Studio build support
Studio build support helps us fund worship projects now and build toward the long-term goal: a dedicated studio that serves Christians free.
- The studio exists to serve Christian creators with audio + video capability.
- Artists keep their songs; studio support builds mission infrastructure.
This section summarizes intent in plain language. Final terms for each project are defined by written agreements and approvals.
Next step
Ready to move forward?
If you have a worship song—submit it. If you want to help on the contributor side—join the community.