> Hi Bernd & S, the only problem is I have to pay for a 50% mechanical licence upfront, if i want to use the song that in itself is not a big deal normally i would be exempt as I am the creator. <
In Germany you have to pay license fees whenever you produce a registered song - if it's your own you will receive as royalties what you paid up front. No problem (except you#d be losing the share that the publisher gets), no big deal.
>Also I have been activly promoting the two of the songs and have gotten them to two major artists without any help, so i am doing all the work at present and paying all the costs on behalf of my co-writer and his publisher ...>
correct. That's why I do NOT work with publishers (I do not care what my partners - the composers - do, may they split their shares - I'll keep mine).
> they could have shown some appreciation for my work. <
Sure. But you are expecting a lot. It's business, after all, isn't it? At least that is how publishers look at things.
BTW, you will probably get your share when royalties are distributed. Check your PRO's schedules when that will be. I'll receive my royalties for a CD that's been on the market since June in January next year. Royalties for live performances are handed out in April. But that's GEMA in Germany. Different PROs may handle that differently.
> I have a meeting tomorrow with the Chairman of a PRO who is a friend, he will advise me how to handle this. <
That's the way to go about it!
Good luck!
Bernd