What is Music Publishing? Everything Artists Need to Know

Here in this blog post, we are going to tell you everything you may need to know Music Publishing, last week we talk about Music distribution, just incase you missed it, click here to read it.

Hey there, fellow music creators!

As a songwriter and artist who’s been in the game for a while, I know firsthand how confusing the world of music publishing can be. It’s a maze of jargon, contracts, and royalties, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But trust me, understanding this stuff is crucial if you want to make a living from your music.

So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s break down music publishing together. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from the basics to the nitty-gritty, so you can take control of your music career.

What is Music Publishing?

At its core, music publishing is the business of managing and monetizing your songs. It’s about making sure you get paid whenever your music is used, whether it’s on the radio, in a movie, or even as a ringtone.

Think of your songs as your babies. You birthed them, nurtured them, and now they’re ready to go out into the world and make their mark. A music publisher is like a manager for your songs. They take care of the business side of things, so you can focus on what you do best: creating awesome music.

Types of Music Publishing Deals

• Exclusive Publishing Deals: In an exclusive deal, you grant a publishing company the exclusive rights to your compositions. This means you can’t work with any other publisher or manage your own publishing.
• Non-Exclusive Publishing Deals: Non-exclusive deals allow you to work with multiple publishers or manage your own publishing simultaneously.
• Co-Publishing Deals: Co-publishing deals involve sharing the rights to your compositions with another party, often a record label or another publisher.
• Administration Deals: Administration deals involve hiring a publisher to manage your rights, while you retain ownership.

Music Publishing Rights: What You Need to Know

• Mechanical Rights: Mechanical rights cover the reproduction and distribution of your music, such as CD sales, downloads, and streaming.
• Synchronization Rights: Synchronization rights cover the use of your music in visual media, such as films, TV shows, and commercials.
• Print Rights: Print rights cover the publication of your sheet music or lyrics.
• Performance Rights: Performance rights cover public performances of your music, such as concerts and radio play.

How Publishing Deals Work

Music publishing deals come in many shapes and sizes. Here’s a simplified overview of the process:

1. Research: Identify publishers that align with your genre and career goals.
2. Pitch: Submit your music to publishers for consideration.
3. Negotiate: If a publisher is interested, negotiate the terms of the deal, including the duration of the agreement, the rights being granted, and the financial terms.
4. Sign: Once you’ve agreed on the terms, sign the contract and begin working with your new publisher!

Music Publishing Companies: Roles and Responsibilities

• Registering Your Music: Publishers register your music with performing rights organizations (PROs) and mechanical rights organizations.
• Licensing Your Music: Publishers license your music for use in various contexts, such as films, TV shows, and commercials.
• Collecting Royalties: Publishers collect royalties on your behalf and distribute them to you.

How to Choose the Right Music Publishing Company

• Research: Research different publishers and their reputations.
• Evaluate Services: Evaluate the services offered by each publisher.
• Red Flags: Watch out for red flags, such as high commission rates or poor communication.

The Music Publishing A-Team: Key Players

There are several key players in the music publishing world:

• Publishers: Companies that represent songwriters and composers. They handle licensing, administration, and often play a role in promoting your music.
• Performing Rights Organizations (PROs): These organizations collect performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers. Major PROs include ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC (in the US).
• Songwriters and Composers: The creative masterminds behind the music. They own the copyright to their compositions.

The Publisher’s Playbook: What They Do for You

A music publisher wears many hats, but their primary role is to help you maximize your earning potential as a songwriter. Here’s what they can do for you:

• Licensing: They pitch your songs for use in film, TV, commercials, and other media.
• Administration: They handle the registration of your songs with PROs, collect royalties, and ensure you get paid accurately and on time.
• Promotion: They may help promote your music to industry professionals and secure opportunities for you to showcase your talents.
• Negotiation: They negotiate contracts and deals on your behalf, ensuring you get the best possible terms.

Key Terms in a Publishing Contract

• Copyright Ownership: Clarify who owns the copyright to your compositions. Most publishing deals involve transferring some or all of your copyright to the publisher.
• Term: The duration of the agreement, typically ranging from one to five years.
• Royalties: The percentage of royalties you will receive from various income streams.
• Advances: An upfront payment you receive from the publisher, which is recouped from your future royalties.

Music Publishing for Independent Artists

• Self-Publishing: Self-publishing allows you to manage your own rights and royalties.
• Admin Publishing: Admin publishing involves hiring a publisher to manage your rights while you retain ownership.

Registering Your Music: A Step-by-Step Guide

Okay, so you’ve poured your heart and soul into crafting that perfect song. Now, it’s time to make sure it’s protected. Registering your music is a crucial step in establishing your ownership and ensuring you get the credit (and the royalties!) you deserve.

Why Register?

• Proof of Ownership: Registration provides a legal record of your copyright, which can be invaluable if you ever need to take legal action against someone who infringes on your rights.
• Eligibility for Statutory Damages: In the US, if your work is registered, you may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney’s fees if someone infringes on your copyright.
• Public Record: Registration creates a public record of your work, deterring potential infringers and making it easier to license your music.

How to Register Your Music (US):

1. Copyright Office: In the United States, you’ll register your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office. You can do this online through their electronic Copyright Office (eCO) system.
2. Application: You’ll need to fill out an application form, providing information about your work, including the title, authors, and date of creation.
3. Deposit: You’ll also need to submit a copy of your work (a recording or sheet music) as a deposit.
4. Fee: There’s a filing fee, which varies depending on the type of work and how you file.

How to Register Your Music (Nigeria):

1. Musical Copyright Society Nigeria (MCSN): If you’re in Nigeria, you can register your music with MCSN. They are a collective management organization responsible for managing the rights of composers and publishers.
2. Registration: You can register as a member of MCSN and then register your individual works. They have a membership registration process and specific forms for registering your songs.
3. Documentation: You’ll need to provide documentation of your work, such as recordings and lyrics.