Lingo and Terms You Need to Know in Music Publishing
- Michael Adu
- Jun 26, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 4, 2024
Music publishing is a crucial aspect of the music industry that often flies under the radar for many musicians and music enthusiasts. Understanding the lingo and terms used in music publishing can be vital for anyone looking to navigate this complex field. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the essential terms you need to know in music publishing.
Rights
Rights in music publishing refer to the legal entitlements associated with a song, including performance rights, mechanical rights, and synchronization rights. Understanding rights is crucial for protecting intellectual property and ensuring proper compensation. Performance rights allow the song to be publicly performed, while mechanical rights cover the reproduction of the song on physical and digital media.
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Songwriter and Musical Work
One of the first terms you’ll encounter is “songwriter.” A songwriter is an individual who writes the lyrics, melodies, or both for songs. Songwriters can write for themselves as performing artists or for other artists. When a song is created, it generates what is known as a “musical work,” a key term in music publishing. A musical work consists of the composition (the music itself) and the lyrics.
Copyright
A fundamental concept in music publishing is the “copyright.” Copyright is a form of protection granted by law to the creators of original works of authorship, including musical compositions. This protection allows the copyright holder to control the use of their work and receive compensation for its use. The length of copyright protection varies by country, but it typically lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years.
Publisher
The “publisher” is another critical term. A music publisher is a company or individual responsible for managing the copyrights of songwriters and composers. They ensure that the works are properly registered, licensed, and monetized. Publishers also handle the collection of royalties, which are payments made to songwriters and publishers for the use of their music.
Royalties
Royalties come in different forms, and it’s essential to understand the various types. “Mechanical royalties” are generated from the reproduction of a musical work, such as when a song is sold as a digital download or a physical copy. “Performance royalties” are earned when a song is performed publicly, whether it’s on the radio, in a live venue, or streamed online. “Sync royalties” are earned when a song is synchronized with visual media, such as in a movie, TV show, or commercial.
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Performing Rights Organization (PRO)
One of the primary organizations involved in collecting performance royalties is the “Performing Rights Organization” (PRO). In the United States, the main PROs are ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. These organizations collect royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers whenever their songs are performed publicly.
Administration
The term “administration” in music publishing refers to the management and exploitation of a songwriter's catalog by a publishing administrator. This includes registering songs with PROs, issuing licenses, collecting royalties, and distributing payments to the songwriter. Sometimes, songwriters sign an “administration deal” with a publisher to handle these tasks without transferring ownership of their copyrights.
Splits
Splits refer to the division of ownership and royalty shares among the co-writers of a song.
Proper documentation of splits ensures fair compensation and avoids disputes.
Split Sheet
Another important concept is the “split sheet.” A split sheet is a document that outlines the ownership percentages of a song among its writers and publishers. This is crucial for ensuring that royalties are distributed fairly according to each contributor’s agreed-upon share.
Advance
The “advance” is a term that refers to a payment made by a publisher to a songwriter before any royalties are earned. This advance is recouped from future royalties, meaning the songwriter will not receive additional royalty payments until the publisher has recouped the advance amount.
Licensing Agreement
Finally, it’s essential to understand the concept of a “licensing agreement.” A licensing agreement is a contract that grants permission for someone to use a copyrighted work in a specific manner. This could include using a song in a film, TV show, advertisement, or even a cover version by another artist. Licensing agreements detail the terms of use and the compensation the copyright holder will receive.
Absolutely, the secret to success in the music industry, and indeed any field, is to keep learning. The music industry is constantly evolving with new technologies, trends, and opportunities. By staying informed and continuously educating yourself on industry practices, emerging trends, and innovative techniques, you can better navigate the complexities and seize the opportunities that come your way.
Navigating the world of music publishing can be daunting, but having a grasp of these fundamental terms will help you understand the industry better and make more informed decisions about your music. Whether you’re a songwriter, performer, or simply interested in the business side of music, knowledge of these concepts is crucial for success in the music publishing world.
