Back
April 24, 2022 • 2 mins read
Music publishing is the business of creating, producing and distributing musical compositions. A music publisher is a company that manages the copyright to a song or composition. They are responsible for ensuring that the composer is paid for their work, and they also promote and protect the composition.
There are two principle rights associated with any sound recording: the copyright to the composition, and the copyright to the master recording. Music publishing is concerned with the first copyright. The composer owns the copyright to their composition. The music publisher then owns the right to license, protect and collect income on behalf of that composition.
Music publishing royalties are payments that a composer receives for their work. These royalties are paid to the composer when their composition is used. The amount of money that a composer receives depends on the use of their composition. Use of a composition in a major motion picture, for example, will likely generate far more revenue than an online streaming advertisement.
Upon writing a new musical work the composers will automatically own the copyright in the composition. In order to collect income by way of music publishing royalties the composer will need to either register the work with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) or sign a publishing contract with a music publisher, or sometimes both. It is important to have a lawyer read over the contract before you sign away any rights in the composition.
Music publishing companies work by signing a contract with a composer. This contract gives the company the rights to the composition. The company may then license copies of the composition in order to generate revenue for both parties. The composer is paid for their work through royalties which the publisher is responsible for collecting.
An overview of the sync licensing process and how to pitch your music for placements. Sync licensing is one of the most lucrative opportunities for musicians, offering not only income but also incredible exposure. Hearing your track in a film, TV show, or ad can elevate your career to new heights. But breaking into this […]
We’ve made the difficult decision to wind down Vampr Distribution. This service has helped many of you get your music on major streaming platforms, and we’re incredibly proud of the artists who’ve released work through it. However, to better focus on Vampr’s core mission — helping creatives connect and collaborate — we’ve decided to sunset […]
How to create or commission eye-catching visuals that represent your brand and grab attention. Your music deserves visuals that capture its essence and make a lasting impression. Whether it’s album covers, single artwork, or promotional graphics, high-quality visuals are key to establishing your brand and grabbing attention in a crowded music landscape. In this guide, […]
If you’re an artist looking to take your music to the next level, you might be wondering how to hire a music producer who can help shape your sound. A skilled producer can elevate your tracks, refine your style, and ensure your songs have the professional polish they need to stand out. Whether you’re recording […]
Let’s get one thing straight: making great music is only half the battle. If no one hears it, it doesn’t matter how fire your tracks are. That’s where marketing comes in – and for emerging artists trying to build a career from scratch, smart marketing can be the difference between staying underground and selling out […]
A step-by-step guide to crafting a professional press release for your next single, EP, or tour. Press releases are a powerful tool for grabbing the attention of journalists, bloggers, and industry professionals. Whether you’re promoting a new single, announcing an EP, or sharing tour dates, a well-written press release can help you stand out and […]
