SCOTT HOLIDAY On How RIVAL SONS Treat Royalty Income: ‘We Don’t Split Everything Equally, But We Split Things Very Amicably’
Rival Sons guitarist Scott Holiday says the band does not divide all royalty income equally, but its members handle the arrangements amicably. He argues that equal splits may not reflect each person’s contribution, while appropriate credit and a workable agreement matter to how bands share income.
Holiday said the band works under an agreement that allows for some flexibility, and suggested that arrangements can be revisited after recording as contributions become clearer. He noted that discussing every detail too early can hinder making music, while a drummer’s ideas or inspiration may merit a change in songwriting credit. Rival Sons are touring in the US and working on an album expected next year; their most recent releases were the two albums issued in 2023.
In short
- Rival Sons do not split all royalties equally.
- Scott Holiday says the band’s arrangements are amicable and flexible.
- The group is working on an album expected next year.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Royalty shares can reasonably reflect who wrote or otherwise contributed to a song, rather than being divided equally by default. A flexible agreement that allows credits to be revisited after recording may recognise contributions that emerge during collaboration, while amicable discussion can help the band balance fairness with keeping the creative process moving.
The case against
Equal splits can recognise that a band’s music depends on collective work beyond the contributions that are easiest to document, and can help sustain trust and a sense of shared ownership. Deferring decisions until after recording may also leave members uncertain about their compensation or influence, so agreeing clear principles in advance can protect everyone and reduce later disputes.
Explained simply
Rival Sons are an American rock band whose members write and record music together. When a song is played, sold or used elsewhere, royalties may be paid to the people who wrote it and, under separate arrangements, to the performers and rights holders.
Songwriting shares can be divided equally or according to members’ contributions, which may include lyrics, melodies or musical ideas. Bands often agree how to handle these shares, and credit can affect both payments and recognition.
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