Understanding Publishing Rights in the Music Industry: A Guide for Artists, Producers, Engineers, and Managers

Navigating the music industry can be challenging, and one of the most critical areas to understand is publishing in the music industry. Whether you’re an artist, producer, engineer, or manager, knowing how to secure and maximize your share of revenue from published works is key to sustaining a successful career. In this article, we’ll break down how publishing in the music industry works, the role of publishers, types of publishing deals, and how each party involved can benefit from understanding the ins and outs of this complex system.

What Are Publishing Rights?

Publishing rights refer to the ownership and control of a song’s composition, which includes the melody, lyrics, and other written components of the music. When a song is used in any form—whether it’s streamed, played on the radio, performed live, or licensed for TV and film—publishing royalties are generated. These royalties are typically split between the songwriter(s) and the publisher, with each party earning a percentage of the revenue from the use of the composition. Understanding publishing in the music industry is essential for those looking to capitalize on their creative efforts.

Key Types of Publishing Royalties

When it comes to publishing in the music industry, royalties are primarily broken down into two categories:

1. Performance Royalties: These are generated when a song is performed publicly, including on streaming platforms, radio, live performances, and TV.
2. Mechanical Royalties: These are earned whenever a song is reproduced, such as through physical copies (CDs, vinyl) or digital downloads.

Both types of royalties are vital sources of income for songwriters and composers, and they can be tracked and collected by performance rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC.

Top Publishing Companies in the Music Industry

Some of the most prominent music publishers in the music industry include:

• Sony Music Publishing: Known as one of the largest and most successful music publishers worldwide.
• Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG): Another industry giant, representing a diverse array of artists and songwriters.
• Warner Chappell Music: A leading global music publishing company that manages a wide catalog of hits.
• Kobalt Music: An independent publisher focused on transparency and offering artists more control over their rights.

Each of these companies offers different deal structures to artists, with some being more favorable to independent creators.

Types of Publishing Deals for Independent Artists

For those exploring publishing in the music industry, independent artists often have the flexibility to negotiate various types of publishing deals based on their needs and goals. Here are the most common ones:

1. Full-Publishing Deal: In this arrangement, the publisher owns the copyright and takes a significant share (usually 50%) of all publishing royalties, while the artist retains 50%. This deal is beneficial for artists who want to focus on creative work and let the publisher handle the administration.
2. Co-Publishing Deal: The artist shares the ownership of the copyright with the publisher. The artist usually retains a larger share (75-80%) of the publishing royalties, while the publisher takes 20-25%. This is a great option for artists who want more control over their work while still benefiting from a publisher’s services.
3. Administration Deal: This type of deal allows artists to retain full ownership of their copyrights while the publisher handles royalty collection and other administrative tasks. The publisher typically takes a smaller percentage (10-20%) of the royalties.
4. Single-Song Agreement: Instead of signing away rights to all their work, an artist can enter into a deal for one specific song. This is often used as a trial run to see how a publisher performs before committing to a long-term relationship.

Standard Publishing Deal Percentage Breakdown

In a standard co-publishing deal, the revenue split is typically 50/50 between the publisher and the artist. However, it’s essential to understand that for every dollar earned from publishing in the music industry:

• 50% goes to the songwriter(s) (often referred to as the “writer’s share”).
• 50% goes to the publisher(s) (the “publisher’s share”).

If you’re in a co-publishing deal, you would retain 50% of your “publisher’s share,” effectively giving you 75% of the total revenue (50% writer’s share + 25% publisher’s share).

How Audio Engineers Can Get Paid Through Publishing

Audio engineers play a crucial role in the creation of music, and many engineers are now negotiating “points” on a song. This means that, beyond the upfront payment for engineering work, an engineer can receive a percentage of the song’s royalties. For example, if an engineer secures 1-2 points on a track, they would be entitled to a small portion of the revenue every time the song generates royalties.

To receive payments through a publisher, engineers can enter into agreements similar to artists and producers. By getting credited as a contributor to the composition, engineers can benefit from both performance and mechanical royalties generated from publishing in the music industry.

The Benefits of Having a Publisher

For artists, producers, and engineers alike, working with a publisher offers several benefits. A publisher’s primary role is to exploit the song’s commercial potential, ensuring that it is licensed for movies, commercials, TV shows, video games, and more. They also collect royalties and track down every possible revenue stream, including international markets.

Having a publisher means that you can focus more on your creative process, while the publisher ensures that you are being paid fairly for your work. Additionally, publishers often have industry connections that can help push your music further than you could on your own, making them an essential ally when it comes to navigating publishing in the music industry.

Conclusion

Understanding publishing rights is critical for everyone involved in the music creation process. From negotiating favorable deals to collecting royalties and securing points, knowing your rights can significantly impact your career’s financial success. Whether you’re an independent artist, producer, or engineer, navigating publishing in the music industry wisely ensures that you get paid for your creative contributions—both today and for years to come.

Here at Studio 713, we offer assistance to many local artists with their publishing needs, ensuring that they are fully compensated for their work. We’re always open to helping more artists take control of their publishing rights and maximize their earnings in the ever-evolving music industry.