May 18, 2024
“This album has me very excited because all the songs on the album are names of cities, that’s why it’s called El Viaje,” Fonsi revealed. “They are rhythmic songs, romantic songs...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
Kehlani is making a powerful return with her upcoming album, Crash, set to drop on June 21. This release marks her first full-length project since the 2022 hit album Blue Water Road....
Read moreMay 18, 2024
Ghostface Killah, the legendary member of the Wu-Tang Clan, is gearing up to drop his highly anticipated solo album, "Set the Tone," and the lineup looks nothing short of...
Read moreMay 18, 2024
The Chainsmokers emerge with a new EP, "No Hard Feelings," consisting of a mix of their past and future sounds. The hit-making duo's latest project is a revisitation of their roots...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
Sony Music, the world's largest music publisher, has taken a significant stance in the ongoing debate over artificial intelligence (AI) and copyright. Recently, Sony has sent letters to major tech...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
In a significant move for the music industry, Pete Ganbarg, renowned for his A&R expertise, has announced the launch of Pure Tone Records in a joint venture with Atlantic Records...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
Released in 2003 and re-released in 2004, The Killers' "Mr. Brightside" quickly became a defining anthem of the early 2000s, propelling the band to global superstardom...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, few artists have undergone as remarkable a transformation as Ariana Grande. With her extraordinary vocal range, infectious charisma, and unwavering...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
In April 2024, the classical music world witnessed a momentous event as 28-year-old conductor Klaus Mäkelä took the podium to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.This landmark...
Read moreMay 16, 2024
In a bold declaration of her values, pop icon Kesha has made headlines by permanently altering a key lyric in her 2009 smash hit "Tik Tok." Originally opening with "Wake up in the morning feeling...
Read moreMay 15, 2024
Billie Eilish is ramping up anticipation for her upcoming album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, with an enchanting preview of her new song, “Feather,” featured in the latest teaser for Netflix’s...
Read moreMay 15, 2024
Childish Gambino, the stage persona of the multi-talented Donald Glover, is making waves again in the music world. This Monday marked the release of "Atavista,"...
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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.
Music copyright is the legal right granted to the creator of a song. There are two distinct copyrights for every track:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To claim all owed royalties, an artist can sign up with a music publisher, who will handle:
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.
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.