Hey, it’s TJ Miller, you want some game? Let's Tip Unda The Hat!
For some of the best independent music from artists you need to know, click, listen and follow https://spoti.fi/3td3Xol. Listen to the song in the number one spot this week from Curtis Family C-Notes called FUTURE. Know any Indie artists that need to make the list? Send them to me, if we dig ‘em, they take the number one spot.
This week, Publishing Admin - Let’s go -
Just to kind of recap and refresh; Music Publishing in short is about the creation of your copyrights and the protection of your music. As publisher you are the owner of your composition copyright. If there is no deal in place with an outside publisher, then the songwriter(s) is the publisher. Music Distribution is the placement of your music in both physical and digital music retail outlets, even though there are very few physical retail shops or record stores anymore. 😥 The distributor also collects your master and sound recording money from the places that sold or streamed it. Music Publishing administration is the act of collecting your money for the music you write, and administers the rights of songwriters. An administrator makes sure that your music is registered in all the right places. The administrator manages your compositions by licensing, registering and collecting royalties on your behalf, and makes sure you don’t leave any money on the table. There are companies that do this for you. Some of them are your independent distributors such as CDbabyPro, and Tunecore Publishing. When you sign with them to distribute your music, that does not automatically sign you up with the publishing admin arm. There is an extra step and cost for that. So don’t get caught slipping thinking that you are signed up for the admin service when you are only signed up for distribution. Companies like Songtrust and Sentric do not offer distribution, they are stand alone publishing admin companies. Here's something that’s key to know and remember, Under an Administration Deal, the songwriter retains 100% ownership and complete control of their compositions. Publishing Administrators do not own any parts of the copyright or any of the rights of the songs they administer. In a sense they are kinda like administrative assistants that work for you - the songwriter/publisher. They do collect a percentage after they collect your money, usually somewhere in the area of 10 - 15% but do your research, each company is different. Know also that the admin collects both performance and mechanical royalties for you. But be advised that your Music PRO money goes to the administrator, they take their fee and send you the rest. So there’s a bit of trust that has to go into this relationship. Feel free to hit me up with any comments, questions or concerns regarding music publishing admin.
This week's #IAOTW - Independent Artists Of The Week is Curtis Family C-Notes - San Francisco's First Family of Song. Composed of father, mother, and five children. Stay tuned, they are about to take the music and tv world by storm! Click the link to see their performance on AGT.
For more information on this or to hire Unda The Hat as your brand or label consultant send a message via undathehat.com. See you next Tuesday.