Becoming Your Own Music Publisher: Can Artists Self-Publish?

Introduction

For musicians looking to take control of their music and maximize their earnings, self-publishing can be a game-changer. In the past, artists relied on music publishers to handle the administrative tasks and collect revenue from their music. However, with the rise of digital platforms and self-distribution options, many artists are now considering becoming their own music publishers.

What is Music Publishing?

Before we dive into the steps involved in self-publishing, let’s first understand what music publishing entails. Music publishing refers to the business of acquiring, protecting, and exploiting musical compositions. This involves licensing the compositions for various uses, such as recordings, performances, and synchronization in visual media.

The Benefits of Self-Publishing

Self-publishing offers several advantages for artists:

• Control Over Your Music: By becoming your own music publisher, you retain full control over your creative work. You can decide how your music is used, who can cover your songs, and negotiate licensing deals directly.
• Increased Earnings: When artists self-publish, they can earn higher royalties since they’re not sharing a portion of their earnings with a traditional publisher. This allows artists to keep a larger portion of their revenue.
• Flexibility: Self-publishing provides artists with the flexibility to experiment with different licensing models and distribution strategies. They can choose to release their music independently or work with distribution services that cater to self-published artists.

The Steps to Self-Publishing

If you’re ready to become your own music publisher, here are the steps involved:

1. Register as a Publisher: Start by registering yourself as a music publisher with a performing rights organization (PRO) such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. These organizations help collect royalties on behalf of songwriters and publishers.
2. Copyright Your Music: It’s crucial to protect your music by copyrighting your compositions. Registering your copyrights with the United States Copyright Office or an equivalent organization in your country ensures that you have legal protection against unauthorized use of your work.
3. Create a Publishing Entity: Establishing a publishing entity, such as a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company (LLC), can provide additional legal protection and help you separate your personal and business finances.
4. Administer Your Catalog: As a self-published artist, you’ll be responsible for administering your catalog. This includes licensing your music for different uses, collecting royalties, and enforcing your copyrights.
5. Network and Collaborate: Building relationships with other music industry professionals, such as producers, songwriters, and artists, can open doors for collaboration opportunities and expand your network.

Conclusion

Becoming your own music publisher is not without its challenges, but it can be a rewarding journey for artists who want more control over their music and finances. By following the steps outlined above and staying informed about the ever-changing music industry landscape, artists can successfully self-publish their music and thrive in today’s digital age.