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Mitski: Redefining Modern Womanhood Through Music

November 13, 2024

In today’s music scene, few artists capture the complexities of womanhood as honestly as Mitski Miyawaki. Known simply as Mitski, she’s become a powerful voice for the modern woman, exploring...

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The Artistry and Impact of Raye: A Dynamic Voice in Modern Pop Music

November 13, 2024

British singer-songwriter Raye, born Rachel Agatha Keen, has carved out a distinct space in the contemporary music scene with her soul-stirring lyrics and unique voice. Known for her candidness and...

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Unlocking the Art of Confessional Songwriting with Gracie Abrams

November 13, 2024

In an industry bursting with noise, Gracie Abrams has mastered the rare art of making listeners lean in. Her songs, built on confessional storytelling, cut through the clutter by speaking directly...

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Olivia Rodrigo: Giving Voice to Gen-Z's Fear, Anger, and Anxiety

November 13, 2024

Olivia Rodrigo’s music resonates deeply with Gen-Z. Her songs—raw, fierce, and honest—are filled with fear, anger, and anxiety, emotions that define the reality of today’s teens. As much as we’d...

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How Taylor Swift Masterminded Her Way to Global Success

November 11, 2024

Taylor Swift’s success is no accident; it's built on an unmatched knack for songwriting. According to Toby Koenigsberg, Associate Professor and Chair of Popular Music, Swift’s songs are both...

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Frank Ocean’s Coachella Set: Redefining What Live Performance Means

November 11, 2024

In today’s music landscape, live concert broadcasts have grown increasingly predictable, packaged, and polished. But at this year’s Coachella, Frank Ocean shattered the mold with a performance that...

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Anticipating Lil Durk's Deep Thoughts: A Deep Dive into His Upcoming Album

November 11, 2024

The Chicago rapper Lil Durk is out with his ninth studio album Deep Thoughts on 22nd November 2024. This album is a follow-up to his album Almost Healed (2023) and will have no shortage of eager...

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Morgan Wallen: From Small Town Dreamer to Country Superstar

November 11, 2024

Morgan Wallen's country music career has been one of hustle, raw talent, and the sort of sound that has changed the genre. Wallen began his career as a small-town visionary but his music never...

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From McDonald’s to Global Fame: Pharrell Williams Journey

November 11, 2024

Pharrell Williams' journey from a McDonald's employee to a global music icon, fashion mogul, and cultural influencer is a testament to talent, resilience, and innovation. His story is not just...

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How Charli XCX Redefined 'Brat' in Pop Culture

November 9, 2024

In a world where pop icons often aim for flawless personas, Charli XCX has taken a different route, embracing a new brand of "brattiness" that redefines what it means to be....

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Addison Rae’s ‘Diet Pepsi’ Poured New Life Into Her Music Career

November 8, 2024

In a move that caught the music world by surprise, Addison Rae’s latest single, Diet Pepsi, has reshaped her image and proved she’s more than just a social media star....

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Coldplay’s Influence on Modern Music and Culture

November 8, 2024

Coldplay has been a cornerstone of the pop-rock scene for over two decades, with their sound evolving from melancholic, guitar-driven ballads to vibrant, arena-filling anthems that defy genre...

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Understanding Music Publishing for Music Creators

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Photo Source: Canva

Understanding music publishing is crucial for artists looking to make their music a viable long-term career. This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of music publishing and how it can become a lucrative revenue stream for artists.

Understanding Music Copyright

Music copyright is the legal right granted to the creator of a song. There are two distinct copyrights for every track:

  1. The Sound Recording (Master Rights): This refers to the copyright of the original sound recordings, often owned by the artist or the record label.
  2. The Composition (Publishing Rights): This covers the musical elements, structure, and composition of a song, typically owned by the songwriter or composer.

The Role of Music Publishing

Music publishing deals with the royalties generated by a song’s composition. A music publisher represents songwriters or composers, managing and paying out royalties from their compositions.

Types of Royalties Collected by Music Publishers:

  • Performing Royalties: Generated from live performances, including concerts, festivals, and radio plays.
  • Mechanical Royalties: Stemming from manufacturing physical copies (CDs, vinyl) and digital streams/downloads.
  • Sync Licensing Royalties: Earned when a song is used in AV media (advertisements, films, video games).

The Process of Music Publishing

Music publishing revolves around how a song is used – copied, sold, performed, or broadcast. An independent musician might attempt to claim some of these royalties without a publisher, but it's a complex and challenging task. This complexity arises from the numerous organizations globally responsible for different royalty sources.

The Importance of a Music Publisher

Music publishers have established relationships with Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) and mechanical rights collection societies worldwide. They possess the expertise to track down every potential source of royalties, ensuring that artists receive what they're owed.

What is a Performing Rights Organization (PRO)?

A PRO collects performing royalties on behalf of composers and songwriters. Examples include PRS in the UK or ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC in the USA. PROs do not collect mechanical royalties, which are managed by different organizations like MCPS in the UK or MLC and Harry Fox in the USA.

Music Publisher vs. Performing Rights Organization

While PROs are responsible for licensing and collecting performing royalties, music publishers also handle mechanical rights and sync licensing. They reduce costs by grouping copyrights together, negotiating, and licensing to digital services, broadcasters, and venues.

Finding a Music Publisher

To claim all owed royalties, an artist can sign up with a music publisher, who will handle:

  • Registering music with PROs and mechanical rights societies.
  • Collecting all types of royalties globally.
  • Pitching music for sync placements.

Conclusion

Music publishing is an integral part of the music industry, vital for ensuring that artists are compensated for their creative work. By understanding and leveraging the services of music publishers and PROs, artists can maximize their income and secure their financial future in the music industry.

FAQs

Q: Can I manage my publishing rights independently?A: While possible, managing publishing rights independently is complex. Partnering with a music publisher can provide expertise and access to a broader network for royalty collection.

Q: What steps should I take to protect my composition?A: Ensure your music is copyrighted and registered with the relevant PROs and mechanical rights societies, either independently or through a music publisher.