Music Licensing VS Music Publishing
Published: Thu, 03/20/08
Hi ,
I recently got an email from someone asking what the difference was between music licensing and music publishing. I realize that to some the music licensing business can seem a little confusing, so this email is an attempt to simplify how the music licensing business generally works.
When you "license" your music to a TV show, Film, Video Game or other media outlet, you are granting that production the right to use your song. Generally there is a fee paid to the artist that is called a "licensing fee" for the right to use their music. As I've pointed out in previous newsletters, writers also receive what is called a performance royalty in addition to the upfront licensing fee that they are paid for songs used in TV productions.
When a songwriter works with a publisher in the TV/Film niche, the publisher works on behalf of the writer to help them secure licensing deals. In exchange for the work that publishers do for writers, publishers typically take a 50% cut of both licensing fees and royalties. With regard to to the latter, this is what is called a Publisher's royalty.
If songwriters are real business savvy they can essentially act as their own publisher by contacting music supervisors directly or by placing their music through websites like Pump Audio, My Music Source.com, etc...
I recently got an email from someone asking what the difference was between music licensing and music publishing. I realize that to some the music licensing business can seem a little confusing, so this email is an attempt to simplify how the music licensing business generally works.
When you "license" your music to a TV show, Film, Video Game or other media outlet, you are granting that production the right to use your song. Generally there is a fee paid to the artist that is called a "licensing fee" for the right to use their music. As I've pointed out in previous newsletters, writers also receive what is called a performance royalty in addition to the upfront licensing fee that they are paid for songs used in TV productions.
When a songwriter works with a publisher in the TV/Film niche, the publisher works on behalf of the writer to help them secure licensing deals. In exchange for the work that publishers do for writers, publishers typically take a 50% cut of both licensing fees and royalties. With regard to to the latter, this is what is called a Publisher's royalty.
If songwriters are real business savvy they can essentially act as their own publisher by contacting music supervisors directly or by placing their music through websites like Pump Audio, My Music Source.com, etc...
How To Get Started
Would you like to start getting your songs placed in TV and Film? It's easier than you might think. Getting your music placed in TV and Film allows you to both earn extra money for your music and gain wide exposure at the same time. It's a great way to move your career forward while still working towards your existing goals. There are lots of different opportunities for placing your music if you know where to look.
The first step to licensing your music is to start submitting your music to people working in the industry. Over the last few years I've put together a very comprehensive directory of places to submit your music in the TV and Film Music Business. This directory is a priceless resource that will provide you with specific information on how to get your music to the right people and companies who can get your music placed. Check it out here.
If you're already pretty business savvy and you have songs that you feel are high quality and ready to be pitched, all you'll need is the directory. It has over 125 listings and is updated regularly. When you buy the directory you get free updates for life. It's a great directory and I use it myself on a regular basis!
If you want a comprehensive understanding of how the music licensing business works as well as information about the "how to" aspects of getting started in the business then you should get my How To Program, which also comes with the directory. This program walks you through the steps I took to get started and shows you how you can do the same. It also covers some of the more technical aspects of the business, including different types of deals you'll encounter.
And finally, if you're really serious about getting started in the music licensing business, the most comprehensive program I have is called "The A-Z Of Music Licensing". This program comes with a hard copy of the directory, the how to CD, and several additional bonus discs about the music licensing business. The program is available by itself or with one on one coaching from me. I'll work with you to help you develop a specific game plan that is tailored to your own unique situation that you can implement immediately to achieve your goals.
Until Next Time.... Happy Songwriting
Aaron Davison
How To License Your Music.com