It is important to follow the correct path when creating music you want to perform and have played on the radio, accepting music licensing and other crucial royalty options.
Count the Ways
Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) A PRO is essential for collecting royalties when your music is publicly performed or broadcast. Here are the major options:
- ASCAP: Best for touring artists and publishers with multiple clients.
- BMI: Offers a more economical options for independent artists and publishers.
- SESAC: A smaller PRO that provides more personalized attention to its members in the US and abroad in Europe and beyond.
- AMRA: A newer PRO specializing in streaming royalties for the US and European markets.
The biggest take away from this section is that you need to choose a PRO to get paid properly and accurately once your music has been mixed and mastered.
Music Publishing Administration
Music publishing administration companies help manage your copyrights and collect royalties. SongTrust is a popular choice for artists and it does not replace your PRO. In fact, in order to even have a SongTrust account, you have to be affiliated with one of the PROs first.
- Simplified registration: Easily register your songs with PROs.
- Global royalty collection: Collect royalties from various sources worldwide.
- Real-time reporting: Track your earnings and see detailed reports.
What music administrators like SongTrust do is help collect performance royalties directly. Artists are able to collect mechanical royalties that are not collected by PROs such as from Spotify, Apple Music or Tidal. All clients collect from the Harry Fox Agency (HFA), The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) and international collection agencies directly. In addition, they collect from YouTube by claiming and monetizing user-generated content through its Content ID service.
Distribution Services are important for each artist to get the most broad reach with their music. Traditionally, artists would sign up with a label who had a traditional distribution department or directly to a distributor – one comes to mind – KOCHE Records, now known as MNRK Music Group. The distribution company’s position is to get your music distributed to digital platforms, in the stores and on the radio.
Digital Music Distribution
Distribution companies help get your music onto streaming platforms, digital stores and other outlets. Popular options include:
- DistroKid: Offers affordable plans and a user-friendly platform.
- TuneCore: Provides a variety of distribution options and services.
- CD Baby: A long-standing distributor with a strong reputation.
DistroKid is great on a budget and what is recommended at UBO Entertainment (UBO ENT), our parent business. Many independent artists have to take on the services that are provided through a label but with the independence of having full rights to your own music.
The distribution platform, DistroKid is under $25 per year and you can distribute as many projects as you want in that year – there is no limit and this is freeing for many artists and publishers because you keep 100% of your royalties. The process is simple and there is flexibility in the area of release dates (you can move it around as you wish).
They have dope tools for artists to connect with other artists to network and build, there are social media tools that can be used such as the “Fan Link” and “Hyperfollow” which helps you to keep your fans on their toes about new releases. DistroKid also provides add ons to organize your Youtube and other add-ons that help get your music out there to the public in a seamless way. Plus, it is easy to reach out to DistroKid if you need any help.
Digital Performance Royalties
SoundExchange is a crucial organization for collecting and distributing digital performance royalties. They ensure that you get paid when your music is played on digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora.This happens by collecting and distributing royalties from digital music platforms.
Music Creator Rights are important to artists who are serious about their music career, so using SoundExchange works for you to advocate for fair compensation for your work.
In conclusion, music publishing and distribution does not have to be a daunting task for a new artist. Follow these steps and you will find success.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose the right PRO: Consider your career goals and the type of music you create.
- Utilize music publishing administration: Simplify the process of managing your copyrights and collecting royalties.
- Select a reliable distribution company: Ensure your music reaches the widest audience possible.
- Register with SoundExchange: Get paid for digital performances of your music.
By understanding these key components, you can navigate the music industry and maximize your earning potential. If your time is consumed with writing and making music, performance schedule or you just work full time and don’t have the space or time to get all of this done, UBO ENT provides these services at a super low rate (info is below) and gets the job done for you so your music and your mind can relax, knowing your music is set up to receive royalties. The bonus? We don’t take a percentage of royalties like physical distribution companies do, just a one-time fee per project!
GET YOUR MUSIC HEARD
PUBLISHING & DISTRIBUTION SERVICES
These do not include the fees or any rates that the companies mentioned above may charge to set up accounts, etc. This is a low-cost fee to assist you in the process. To sign up, get a consultation with UBO ENT. Once you sign up, you will be credited the $100 consultation in your invoice for Music Publishing and Distribution services.
Music Publishing Fee | For PRO or SongTrust Sign Up
$50 per single or $15 per track for an EP or album (more than two songs). You will need a PRO in order to become a professional and licensed artist.
Setting Up SongTrust | After Signing Up For a PRO
$15 per single, $10 per track for an EP or album
Setting Up SoundExchange | $25
Ensures you get paid for digital streams. We handle setting it up with your PRO information.
DistroKid | $25 per-track / $50 per project (more than one song)
Distribute your music to over 300 streaming and digital platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, TIDAL, Pandora, Youtube and more
*The Full Package | $85 per Single / $200 per EP/Album Rate
Get everything you need to get your music out there! Includes PRO registration, SongTrust setup, SoundExchange registration and DistroKid distribution. Plus you get to KEEP ALL YOUR ROYALTIES. Unlike a distribution company, I do not contract to accept any royalties (but I do accept tips!).
GET STARTED TODAY
Email your needs to: uboent@gmail.com. If you want to expedite this process, you can pay an expedition fee of $100, where ½ of the fee will be credited to your Publishing and Distribution invoice. Sign up for your consultation today!
EXPEDITION FEE
UBO ENT Consultation: To Get Started
Ca$hApp: $UBOENT
Paypal.me/uboent
*Make sure you have your artist name, email and what the fee is for in the memo.
