What Is Music Publishing & A Music Publisher?

When entering the music industry, one of the vital aspects that every artist, songwriter, and producer should understand is music publishing. You might be wondering: what is music publishing, and what does a music publisher do? This article will guide you through these fundamental concepts, exploring their importance and how they can propel your music career forward.

Understanding Music Publishing

Music publishing refers to the business of managing, promoting, and monetizing musical works. When a song is created, it automatically has copyrights attached to it, including both the sound recording (master rights) and the composition (publishing rights). The role of music publishing is to ensure that the songwriter and composer are compensated for the use of their music, through mechanisms such as royalties from various sources including streaming, broadcasting, live performances, and more.

The Role of a Music Publisher

A music publisher is an entity or individual responsible for overseeing the administration and commercialization of musical compositions. The key tasks of a music publisher include:

• Registration of Works: Ensuring all songs are properly registered with performance rights organizations (PROs) to facilitate the collection of royalties.
• Licensing: Negotiating and managing licenses for the use of music in films, TV shows, video games, commercials, and other media.
• Royalty Collection: Tracking and collecting royalties from various sources, ensuring the songwriter or composer gets paid.
• Promotion: Actively promoting songs to artists, record labels, producers, and media to secure placements and increase exposure.

Why Is Music Publishing Important?

Music publishing is crucial because it provides songwriters and composers with a steady income stream. Royalties from music can come from several sources:

• Performance Royalties: Earned when a song is played on the radio, TV, or performed live.
• Mechanical Royalties: Generated from the sale of physical copies, digital downloads, and streams of music.
• Sync Licensing Fees: Payments received when a song is used in conjunction with visual media, like movies, TV series, or commercials.

With a music publisher managing these royalties, artists can focus on their creative endeavors, leaving the business aspects to professionals.

How to Choose a Music Publisher

Selecting the right music publisher is a critical decision that can impact your career significantly. Here are some factors to consider:

• Reputation: Research the publisher’s history and standing in the industry. Look at the success of their current and past clients.
• Services Offered: Ensure the publisher provides comprehensive services including licensing, promotion, and royalty collection.
• Personalized Attention: Consider whether the publisher offers tailored services to meet your specific needs.

Publishing Deals

There are different types of music publishing deals, each offering varying degrees of control and financial benefit:

• Full Publishing Deal: The publisher gets a significant share of the ownership rights and income but provides extensive support and resources.
• Co-Publishing Deal: The artist and publisher share ownership and income more equally, often 50/50.
• Administration Deal: The songwriter retains ownership and grants the publisher a percentage of income for administrative tasks.

Each deal has its pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on your career stage and personal goals.

SoundOn and Your Music Publishing Journey

As an artist looking to get the most out of your music, SoundOn can be a valuable partner. SoundOn not only helps you distribute your music across platforms like TikTok, but it also connects you with opportunities that can enhance your music's reach and generate income. By registering with SoundOn, you gain access to insightful tools and a global network designed to support your music career.

Understanding music publishing and the role of a music publisher is essential for any music professional. With the right knowledge and partnerships, you can maximize your earnings, protect your artwork, and reach new heights in your music career.

Whether you're just starting or looking to take your career to the next level, make informed decisions about music publishing and seek out the resources that align with your goals. Register with SoundOn today and start your journey to success.