Just putting it out there that I don’t think those articles about Louis and Liam earning the most money of everyone in One Direction are to be taken as gospel.
Album sales apparently account for a very small portion of a musician’s income.
Even with writing credits accounted for I doubt the end results of their paychecks related to the album are so significantly different that it matters, if it did, I’m sure we’d see all five names on every track. Plus we know Harry has tons of completed songs registered not being used. There’s likely no bigger exposure for a songwriter than One Direction at the moment and if I were in One Direction and likely going solo after it ends, I’d sure fight to get one of my solo written songs on the albums if there was significant money at stake.
Midnight Memories writing credits
Louis Tomlinson - 12/18 songs
Liam Payne - 9/18 songs
Harry Styles - 4/18 songs
Niall Horan - 2/18 songs
Zayn Malik - 1/18 songs
http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20100712/23482610186.shtml
Merchandise and bottoms in seats (Stadium tour anyone) are how band make their real money
http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/2013/02/how-to-make-money-touring-with-your-band-pt-2/
It’s very likely that they make money from appearance fees as well.
Likely Harry makes good money in appearance fees for showing up at events. Remember he’s attended to a few teen girl birthday parties.
I wonder if Liam get any perks or paid to spend so much time at Funky Buddha?
Niall is seen about at events often so some of them might be paid appearance.
Many suspect One Direction did or now has a 360 deal which could explain a lot of things.
Read about 360 deals:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/360_deal Note the criticisms.
http://www.lommen.com/pdf/bob-donnelly-360-article.aspx Very informative but long.
http://www.kentlaw.edu/perritt/courses/seminar/Basofin-360%20Deals-FINAL.pdf Academic but interesting
http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/permalink/2013/07/02/threesixty