Frequently Asked Question
Music publishing involves the administration and promotion of musical compositions. This encompasses activities such as licensing songs for various uses (e.g., film, television, commercials), collecting royalties from public performances and reproductions of songs, and safeguarding the rights of songwriters and composers.
The percentage of royalties taken by a music publisher varies based on the agreement between the songwriter/composer and the publisher. Traditionally, music publishers typically claim a percentage ranging from 25% to 50% of the royalties generated by the exploitation of musical compositions. However, this percentage is negotiable and depends on factors such as the songwriter's negotiating power, the publisher's resources, and the scope of services provided.
The income of music publishers fluctuates based on factors such as the success of the songs they represent, the size of their catalog, and their ability to secure lucrative licensing deals. Music publishers typically earn revenue from sources like mechanical royalties, performance royalties, synchronization licenses, and print music sales. While successful publishers can earn substantial income, predicting consistent earnings is challenging due to the unpredictable nature of the music industry.
Sound recording copyright covers the specific recording of a musical work, including its performance, arrangement, and production elements. It's usually owned by the record label or the entity financing the recording session. Composition copyright, however, pertains to the underlying musical composition itself, including its melody, lyrics, and musical arrangement. This copyright is typically held by the songwriter(s) or composer(s) and their music publisher(s). In essence, sound recording copyright protects the recorded performance, while composition copyright safeguards the core musical work.
Performance royalties arise from public performances or broadcasts of musical compositions, such as on radio, TV, live venues, or streaming platforms. These royalties are collected and distributed by performing rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. On the other hand, mechanical royalties stem from the reproduction or distribution of musical compositions, like through CD sales, digital downloads, or streaming services. Record labels, streaming platforms, and other music distributors typically pay these royalties to songwriters, composers, and music publishers.
Writer share and publisher share delineate the portions of royalties earned from a musical composition that goes to the songwriter(s)/composer(s) and the music publisher(s) respectively. Writer share represents the percentage of royalties directly allocated to the songwriter(s)/composer(s), whereas publisher share signifies the percentage allotted to the music publisher(s) for their role in managing and promoting the composition. For example, in a composition generating $100 in royalties with a 50/50 split between writer and publisher, the writer would receive $50 (writer share), and the publisher would receive $50 (publisher share).