The Ultimate Guide to Music Publishing: Cutting Through the Jargon for Aspiring Music Professionals

By 
Joey Affatato
Joey Affatato . Aug 20, 2023 . min. read
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As you hone your musical prowess, the world of music publishing may seem like an enigma, wrapped in jargon and mystery. Fear not – we're here to shine a light on this complex space, breaking down the basics of music publishing to help you navigate your way to success. So, let's uncover the secrets of music publishing!

1. Copyright: The Foundation of Music Publishing

Before diving into the world of music publishing, it's essential to understand copyright. Copyright is the legal protection that safeguards your original work, such as a song or a beat, granting you exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and license your creation. Keep in mind, though, that copyright only protects the expression of your idea, not the idea itself.

2. Royalty Collection: Show Me the Money!

With your copyright in place, you're now ready to explore the business side of your music – royalties. Royalties are the payments you receive when your music is used commercially. There are several types of royalties:

  • Mechanical Royalties: These are payments you earn when your music is reproduced (e.g., via streaming services or CDs).
  • Performance Royalties: These are payments you receive when your music is performed publicly (e.g., live concerts or radio broadcasts).
  • Sync Royalties: These are payments you receive when your music is used alongside visual media (e.g., films, TV shows, or commercials).

3. The Role of a Music Publisher: Your Partner in Success

A music publisher is a company that manages the copyrights of your musical works, ensuring you're fairly compensated for their commercial use. Music publishers can help with:

  • Royalty Collection: They work with performing rights organizations (PROs) and other entities to collect royalties on your behalf.
  • Licensing: They negotiate and secure licenses for your music, opening doors to new revenue streams.
  • Promotion: They can help promote your music to a wider audience, increasing its commercial potential.

Join the BeatStars Publishing Family!

Now that you have a grasp on the basics of music publishing, it's time to elevate your career by partnering with BeatStars Publishing. By joining the BeatStars Publishing family, you'll gain access to a team of experts who will help you navigate the complexities of music publishing while ensuring you maximize your earnings from mechanical and performance royalties.

As a BeatStars Publishing member, you'll benefit from a variety of incentives, such as worldwide royalty collection, 100% ownership of your songs, 1 year admin agreements, and more. Don't leave your music publishing journey to chance – partner with BeatStars Publishing to unlock your full potential as a music creator!

Sign Up with BeatStars Publishing

Free with your Starter or Professional membership.
Start Collecting Royalties

Sign Up with BeatStars Publishing

Free with your Starter or Professional membership.
Start Collecting Royalties
Written by Joey Affatato
Growth Marketing Associate @ BeatStars, music enthusiast, and songwriter living in Hamilton, NJ
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