Music Publishing  

For Musicians

Music Publishing for Musicians can be one of the best ways for an artist or band to earn a profit from the lyrics or songs they write.

Once your works have been copyrighted and published you can earn revenue from CD Sales, Film and Commercial Licensing, Radio Broadcasting, even revenue generated from the sheet music (tablature)  you transcribe.  Even with that...there is a huge revenue source potential through the various digital outlets that seem to be popping up all over the internet.  On-Demand Music Streams, Limited Downloads, Ringtones, Permanent Downloads and more.   The New Digital Era for Mechanical Royalty Rates is here making all this possible.

How can Music Publishing for Musicians happen?

Well...Probably the best way is to sign a deal with a Music Publisher.  A Publisher will shop and promote your songs.  They will usually and should be expected to have vast resources and business contacts within the Music Industry including, but not limited to the Record Labels, A&R Representatives, Managers, Producers and contacts within the Radio and TV Broadcasting Industries.  They should know where and how to get your music distributed and heard so revenue is generated for your works.

Is Music Publishing for Musicians easy?

The answer is yes and no.  Yes, in that there are multiple streams of resources available for musicians to get their works posted on the internet as well as other sources that will generate revenue, but unless your works have been copyrighted and published, your revenue potential especially where royalties are concerned has just dried up. That's where a Music Publisher comes into play.  A Publisher will register the copyrights, get the proper information filed with the Mechanical and Performance Rights Society's (ASAP, BMI, and SESAC).  A legitimate Music Publisher will have an association with all three of these Society's! 

Go here to learn more about the society's that are in place to protect musicians and the music industry. 

They will also procure and negotiate for various licenses thru a licensing organization.  The most well known being The Harry Fox Agency, Inc (HFA), who is a leading U.S. Music Rights Licensing Organization.  A Publisher will manage royalty statements, tract money due making sure it is collected, and take care of administration tasks.  A Publisher will protect the copyrights and enforce any exclusive rights granted by the artist and U.S. Copyright Laws.  

Is Music Publishing for Musicians profitable?

Music Publishing for Musicians easy?  There's more... Your works may be used for years to come throughout the world where royalties will be generated.  A movie, TV commercial, a movie trailer,  a play, a broadway musical, an exhibition, or any number of entertainment shows performed throughout the world.  A Publisher will tract the usage to make sure that any royalties due are paid and collected.  We now   have some exciting news...there is a new ruling that has become effective regarding payouts for the New Digital Era Mechanical Royalty Rates which includes retroactive royalties for subscription services, which HFA has been licensing since 2001.   This new schedule for Mechanical Royalty Rates, will be in effect until December 31st, 2012.

How is Music Publishing for Musicians possible and how should I go about getting a publishing deal?

All Publishers are not created equal nor are the publishing deals they provide the same.  A Publisher may only work with certain styles of music while another may work with all genres.  Some may only have interest in a solo performer while others will deal with groups.  Some may be limited to certain aspects of publishing while others may be a "full service" publisher doing it all.  Some may or may not take unsolicited material or require a press kit or only accept CD's/CDR's.  Publishers are all different...bottom line - ask lots of questions and know what your getting into.  We can't recommend enough, before signing any type of contract, being publishing or any other, get yourself some legal advice from a qualified entertainment attorney.

Publishing is a "must" for any artist who is serious about their career!  There is a tremendous opportunity for revenue that you can tap into where royalties will be generated for years to come.  A Publisher can make this happen but it will take the dedication, committment and effort of you or your band to write great works and reap the rewards.  "A Music Publisher can be your vehicle but you still have to drive to get there!" 

Music Cleveland recommends one of the most experienced "full service" Music Publishers in the Cleveland/Akron area, Cross Track Music, Inc. Cross Track Music is a full-service provider of artist services, including management, promotions, distribution, bookings, publishing, and foreign licensing.  Cross Track Music is the Parent Company of Cleveland based "Little Fish Records" established in 1996.

Cross Track Music, Inc.                 For Further Information Contact:

and                                                         Larry Koval  

Little Fish Records                                        Woody Robison

P.O. Box 19164                                                Phone:  1-216-481-1634

Cleveland, OH  44119                                  Fax:       1-216-481-5667

Website: www.littlefishrecords.com

Email: info@littlefishrecords.com