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Why Coldplay Keeps Getting Better and Better

June 2, 2024

For nearly two decades, Coldplay has been a prominent force in the music industry, inspiring countless new bands. While many bands hit a plateau in their popularity, Coldplay seems to defy this...

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Eminem Drops Surprise Single 'Houdini' Featuring A-List Cameos and a Time-Travel Twist

June 2, 2024

Eminem has just released his latest single, “Houdini,” on Friday, May 31, marking the debut track from his highly anticipated upcoming album, *The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce)*. The new...

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Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s daughter North West performs ‘The Lion King’ song at Disney concert

May 29, 2024

The Hollywood Bowl recently hosted a spectacular live production of Disney’s ‘The Lion King,’ featuring North West in the role of young Simba. The 10-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian...

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The Innovative Genius of Tyler, The Creator: Shaping Modern Hip-Hop and Culture

May 29, 2024

Tyler, The Creator, born Tyler Gregory Okonma, is an artist whose creativity and innovation profoundly impact modern hip-hop and popular culture...

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Vince Staples' "Dark Times": A Journey Through Paranoia and Nostalgia

May 29, 2024

"Fans said they want 2015 Vince,” Vince Staples declares on “Étouffée,” a standout track from his sixth studio album, Dark Times. While the Southern California rapper’s...

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Exploring the Future of AI in Music: Washed Out’s Groundbreaking AI-Generated Music Video

May 29, 2024

In a groundbreaking collaboration between technology and art, indie artist Washed Out has unveiled a fully AI-generated music video for his latest single, "The Hardest Part."...

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Phoebe Green’s ‘Ask Me Now’ EP: Embracing Love, Growth, and Artistic Freedom

May 29, 2024

Manchester’s alt-pop sensation Phoebe Green is back with another exhilarating release, offering fans a tantalizing taste of her forthcoming EP ‘Ask Me Now’...

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'American Idol' judge Katy Perry shuts down the 'biggest lie' of the music industry

May 26, 2024

Katy Perry, renowned for her dynamic pop hits and vibrant persona, has revealed a new source of inspiration for her upcoming music. Speaking at the "American Idol"...

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G-Dragon's Anticipated Comeback: A New Chapter for BIGBANG in 2024

May 26, 2024

The music world is buzzing with excitement as G-Dragon, the frontman of the legendary K-pop group BIGBANG, announces his much-anticipated comeback in 2024....

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BTS: Gearing Up for a Mega World Tour Next Year

May 26, 2024

The global music phenomenon BTS is set to captivate the world once again with the news of their upcoming mega world tour scheduled for next year。。。

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Twenty-One Pilots' 'Clancy': A Triumphant Finale to a Decade-Long Saga

May 26, 2024

The end of an era has come for Twenty-One Pilots, and with the release of their latest album, "Clancy," the duo has brought their long-running narrative to a triumphant close...

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Lady Gaga Says Her New Music Is ‘Nothing Like Anything That I’ve Ever Made’

May 25, 2024

Lady Gaga has never shied away from pushing the boundaries of her music, and her recent announcement at the Los Angeles premiere of "Gaga Chromatica Ball" signals...

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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.