This site was created as a general resource that explains music publishing in the simplest way possible. Now there’s an eBook to make it even easier. The Music Publishing 101 eBook is essentially the website lessons condensed into a quick-to-read PDF. It will walk you through the foundation of the publishing world, various deals and revenue streams, and tips to prevent yourself from getting screwed (or sued). Available on Gumroad on a “name your own price” basis, enter $0 in the box to get it for free! DOWNLOAD (Name your own price) DOWNLOAD (Name your own price) DOWNLOAD (Name yo ..read more

Our site covers the basics of the publishing world, but what do you do once you get the deal? ASCAP hosted a panel of music publishing veterans to share their insight on making the most of this vital relationship. You’ll learn how to engage with your publisher to set goals for your career, and how you can best work together to channel your creativity into continued success ..read more

If your music is used in a film, TV show or other audio-visual media, a cue sheet gives your performance rights society (PRO) the crucial info they need to pay you royalties. Learn the basics of a cue sheet from this explainer vid, presented by ASCAP ..read more

Andrea Martin spoke candidly at the 2011 ASCAP Expo Women Behind the Music Panel about her experience navigating the music industry. There are a lot of gems in this short video ..read more

The Music Licensing Collective (MLC) and Easysong hosted a webinar this week about licensing cover songs in today’s music industry. The 60-minute conversation explored the ins and outs of cover song licensing following passage of The Music Modernization Act of 2018. Take a look below, and let us know your thoughts!   ..read more

The statutory mechanical rate for physical and digital music sales has remained at $0.091 per track in the U.S. since 2006. However, that is set to change very soon. A settlement was reached between the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)—who represents the interest of Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group—with National Music Publishers’ Association and the Nashville Songwriters International Association. They collectively came to an agreement to increase the rate to $0.12 per track, representing a 32% increase. The settlement is off to the Copyrig ..read more

In the years I’ve been working in the music publishing world, I have heard several up-and-comers say that they are “signed” to ASCAP, BMI or SESAC. Usually I ignore it because I’m not a fan of confrontation with people I don’t know, but it’s almost always awkward. There is a major difference between a music publisher and a performance rights organization. If you are unaware of the difference, please take notes. Music Publisher A music publisher is a company responsible for exploiting the copyrights of its songwriters and composers. This means: pitching music to to potential licensees (artist ..read more

The Music Modernization Act (MMA) transforms the way streaming royalty rates are set, and will allow songwriters to see more transparency and compensation for their work. It’s the biggest adjustment to U.S. Copyright Law in decades, and reflects three major changes: Digital royalties will be licensed & paid in a more standardized way, through the Music Licensing Collective. Streaming royalty payments will now be paid directly to record producers and engineers for recordings they participated in. Artists with songs recorded/released prior to 1972 will now see royalties from digital streami ..read more

The Copyright Revision Act of 1976 (which became effective on January 1, 1978) included a clause that allowed artists & songwriters to reclaim their copyrights from the publishers & labels they transferred the rights to. This means any song created in or after 1978 is eligible for reversion either 35 years from publication or 40 years from the date of assignment of copyright to a publisher. For example: a song published in 1980 has the termination window of 2015-2020. If they want the copyright to revert back to them in 2016, the notice must be filed between 2006 and 2014. This has th ..read more

Frontman of the hugely popular pop-rock band OneRepublic and accomplished songwriter, Ryan Tedder talks about his background and breaking into the music scene, and persistence in “making it” in the music industry ..read more