What is a writer role?

A writer role identifies who is responsible for different elements of a musical work. A description of what each writer role entails is below.

NOTE: At least one composer/author or composer writer role is required to submit a work registration with The MLC.

Writer Roles

 

Adapter (AD): One who modifies/adapts the text (lyrics) of an existing musical work.

Arranger (AR): One who modifies the musical elements of an existing musical work.

Author (A): One who writes the text (lyrics) of a musical work.

Composer (C): One who writes the musical elements of a musical work.

Composer/Author (CA): One who writes the musical elements and text (lyrics) of a musical work.

Sub Arranger (SR):  One who creates arrangements authorized by the Sub-Publisher.

Sub Author (SA): One who writes text (lyrics) which substitutes or modifies the existing text of musical work.

Translator (TR):  One who modifies text (lyrics) into a different language.

Income Participant (PA): A person that receives royalty payments for a work but is not a copyright owner.