Brand.ed Magazine Issue 4 : #i4War | Page 6

Music Publishing Basics by Zech Wilson There are four potential revenue streams of music publishing that a songwriter (artist/producer) can create, so it’s essential that you know what they are to help better understand the music business. Knowing the way that your music can potentially create revenue is valuable because it can help you form a better plan of action for your career. Here are the licenses in Music Publishing that your music could generate royalties Mechanical Licenses: Music distributed in physical and digital form. The royalties are generally collected and paid by the Harry Fox Agency.  Public Performance Licenses: Music broadcast on radio (terrestrial and satellite), in live venues, and other public places. The royalties are collected and paid by public perfor- mance societies (ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC). Each broadcaster receives a blanket license from each performing rights society, in exchange for a royalty fee.  Synchronization Licenses: Music used in film, television, commercials, music videos, etc. Publishers enter into direct licenses with users.  Print Sheet Licenses: Music published in written form as lyrics and music notation either as bound music folios or online lyric and tablature websites. Publishers enter into direct licenses with users.  This is just a basic understanding of how music could create revenue so the more a person studies the music publishing business will be essential to developing their knowledge. Attending music publishing workshops, seminars or obtaining a mentor is beneficial as well as putting out registered content to potentially create the revenue is valuable. There are plenty of companies that indies can connect with to get their music in a catalog for possible usage for syncs such as Jingle Punks, Music Dealers and Songtrust to name a few. Music Publishing is a marathon not a sprint, so just stay the course as far as creating, learning music publishing and applying the knowledge. Experience will prove to be the best teacher because there is no better teacher in my opinion than experience. Music publishing is the backbone of the music industry, it is vital that creatives must do the best they can to understand that aspect so they will know that they have the power as a creative. I definitely en- courage creatives to obtain a entertainment lawyer that has a background in music publishing as to help expe- dite the learning curve. Lastly, if anyone wants the knowledge of music publishing then remember that we live in a time where access to information is at an all time high, so any creative who doesn't obtain that knowledge is hindering their progress to maximize revenue with their music. - ZECH WILSON ZECHWILSON.COM 6