When you distribute music—especially a song you didn’t write—it’s important to credit anyone who contributed to the music and/or lyrics. This guide explains who qualifies as a songwriter or composer, and how to enter those details in your CD Baby member account.

Who counts as a “songwriter/composer”?

• A songwriter/composer is anyone who contributed to the writing of the music and/or the lyrics.
• If you’re distributing a version of a song you didn’t write, you should list the original composers to ensure proper credit and legal compliance.

Where do I enter the information in my account?

• Log into your CD Baby member account and go to the album or single you’re working on.
• Click View/Edit next to the appropriate release.
• Click the TRACKS & AUDIO header.
• Scroll to the Songwriter Information section:
  • You’ll see the Songwriter section on the track details page.
  • If a songwriter is already listed in your Songwriter Bank, you can select them.
  • If they are not in the bank yet, click Add New Songwriter.
  • To assign a songwriter to the track, click Add to this Track next to their name.
• Note: All songwriter names you’ve ever used in your CD Baby account will appear in the Songwriter Bank—but that doesn’t automatically mean they’re assigned to every track. Assigned names will appear below the Songwriter Bank with a label like “Added Below.”

Things to note

• Be sure to credit all relevant contributors to the music and/or lyrics—omitting someone can affect royalty payouts.
• If you’re submitting a cover, sample, or version you did not write, listing the original composers is especially important.
• If you’ve already submitted the release and need to correct songwriter information, check your CD Baby account options—editing may be limited once a release has been distributed.