Music Publishing: Only half the battle...

Ever thought of making money while relaxing at your favorite vacation spot?  That is precisely what some musicians and writers are doing more often than not.  Why?  And most importantly....how?!!!

The why is simple, you can make money from simply spreading the seed of your own music in more ways than you can think of.  Typically selling downloads and CD's was the way to do it.  Now, the streaming platforms (i.e. Pandora, Spotify, etc.) have made it possible for one to enjoy music on demand.  On the other hand, piracy has made it nearly impossible for the music industry to recover from the downfall it suffered on its CD and download sales.  Therefore, because now we can tune to digital radio, and streaming platforms, music payouts have restructured.  So, many music makers are cashing in on having their music posted on these and other more direct platforms.

How can an artist and composer make money online from a simple stream?  As a music maker, you must understand the basics of how is the money being generated on your behalf.  There is the revenue from a composition standpoint.  These are the royalties that a composer makes from simply being the composer of the work.  PRO's (ASCAP, SESAC, and BMI) are still at the forefront of the collecting process here where terrestrial or digital.  However, one very important issue is to be observed.  Besides the composer, the performer and record company (could be the same!), holding the master (or master recording) rights are also entitled to a piece of the royalties from any digital streaming source.  Unlike terrestrial radio that only pays via a PRO to the composers involved, digital radio and streaming companies pay the composers and also the performers.  As said, the composers are paid through any of the PRO's involved, however, the performers will be paid via Sound Exchange.  To get your piece of the royalties owed you need to, as an artist or band, get registered and exercise your due diligence in order to expect some return on your work.    

Therefore, music publishing as we know it, has expanded through time.  Making music available to the public is only part of the process.  Getting your music registered the right way can make all the difference.  Whether you are a composer, a performer, or both, there is money you need to claim.  The funny thing is that although it is your right as any one of the above, you need to exercise it and get educated in business and revenue aspects of your creative work.