Publishing

In the music industry, publishing refers to the business of copyrighting and licensing music compositions and lyrics. When a songwriter or composer creates a new piece of music, they typically own the copyright to that work. However, in order to make money from their music, they will often enter into a publishing agreement with a music publishing company.

The role of a music publishing company is to protect the copyright of the songs in their catalog and to license the use of those songs to others. For example, if a record label wants to release a song on an album, they will need to obtain a license from the song’s publisher in order to legally use the song.

Music publishing companies also work to ensure that songwriters and composers receive royalties for the use of their music. When a song is played on the radio, streamed on a music service, or used in a film or television show, the songwriter and composer are entitled to receive a royalty payment. The publisher will collect these payments on behalf of the songwriter and composer and distribute them according to the terms of the publishing agreement.

One way that music publishing companies generate income is by partnering with performing rights organizations (PROs), such as ASCAP or BMI, which collect and distribute performance royalties on behalf of songwriters and composers. PROs negotiate blanket licenses with music users, such as radio stations and music venues, allowing them to play any song in the PRO’s catalog in exchange for a fee. The PRO then distributes the revenue generated from these licenses to the appropriate publishers and songwriters.

Another way that music publishing companies make money is by licensing the use of songs for syncs, or synchronization licenses. Syncs allow music to be used in films, television shows, commercials, video games, and other media. The terms of a sync license will typically include a fee for the use of the song and a percentage of any profits generated by the project.

In addition to licensing and royalty collection, music publishing companies may also provide support and resources to songwriters and composers, such as legal representation, marketing and promotion, and career development.

Examples of well-known music publishing companies include Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, and Warner/Chappell Music. These companies represent a diverse range of artists and songwriters, including popular contemporary artists like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, as well as classic artists like the Beatles and Elvis Presley.