Hi there, anybody ever heard of a ghostwriting producer? I guess that's me. I'm at a crossroads in my producing career and need some help. I've been ghostwriting for this big EDM name producer for about a year. I make the tracks from scratch with a set BPM and style to his liking. Sometimes he sends over a track that just needs fill-ins. We work out of pro tools everything is Midi base with files being bounced back and forth. He ends up tweaking parts and puts his twang on it and shops it with his name on it. Now I knew this when i signed up that's not the problem. I've seen no FUNDS!! from the work contributed. I expressed my frustration he assured me the process is long and stuff takes time. That it's not my sound that stuff's in the works and this artist like this blah blah blah......All the while I'm confused to how he makes his money. When I signed up I was told I'd be credited as a writer on the tracks.Also that I receive a percentage of all tracks sold plus royalties. Do you guys think I'm wasting my time? I don't wanna burn a bridge or opportunity. You always hear those horror stories of people being taking advantage of in the industry. Let me know would really help! Btw there is a contract it just breaks down royalties and percentages of what I'd get.However I can walk away anytime.

[disclaimer: im not a lawyer lmao if i was i would be out making money rn]

have the songs been released, and if so, are you set up with a Performance Rights Organization like ASCAP?
if so, how long has it been since the songs came out?
does the contract specify when you get paid by?

as a rule, in any creative industry, if a client is telling you "don't worry, just trust me," that's a HUGE HUGE HUGE red flag. people (even within the industry) don't always respect the work that goes into what you do. press them for specifics. you need to put food on your table just like everyone else. double check the contract, see if there are payment dates set up. if you can talk to them in person, do that (if not, maybe skype/facetime/ phone call).

more importantly, if you have the resources available, i'd recommend talking to like, an actual lawyer about best practices for songwriting. especially if you plan on pursuing ghostwriting further.