In a recent development, Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, and musician Matthew Spatola has filed a lawsuit against Jason Derulo, Sony Music Entertainment, and Columbia Records, alleging unpaid royalties and lack of credit for his contributions to the hit song ‘Savage Love.’ Spatola, known for his work with artists like Drake and DJ Khaled, claims that he collaborated with Derulo to create the instrumental composition and recording of ‘Savage Love’ in Derulo’s Los Angeles home studio in April 2020. Despite their joint efforts, Derulo allegedly released the song without providing any credit to Spatola.
The lawsuit also involves a dispute over the sampling of a song called ‘Laxed (Siren – Beat)’ by Jawsh 685, a teenager from New Zealand. Spatola asserts that he and Derulo worked with the sample in the studio to create the instrumental version of ‘Savage Love,’ but when Derulo released the song on TikTok, he failed to credit both Spatola and Jawsh 685. Although Derulo initially agreed to give Spatola credit, he allegedly failed to follow through, prompting the legal action.
In the lawsuit, Spatola seeks to be recognized as a co-author and joint owner of the sound recording and composition of ‘Savage Love,’ including any remixes. He also demands prospective and retroactive royalties, as well as an accounting of all revenues derived from the song’s exploitation by the defendants. This legal battle aims to correct the alleged oversight and ensure that Spatola receives proper credit and compensation for his significant contributions to the megahit.
To avoid issues like this from happening to you always make sure you complete split sheets after each session when you are collaborating with others. Although there are options to do work for hires where musicians get paid a one time fee, that doesn’t appear to be the case here based on reports, which means Spatola should have been properly credited and is entitled to royalties for his contributions.
A Split Sheet is a document used in the music industry to outline the percentage of ownership that each songwriter or producer composed in a song.
You can DM the phrase: split sheet to us @themezzoagency and we will send you ours for free.