50 Percent Of Something
Published: Tue, 09/15/09
A few days ago I received a long rambling email from someone who went on and on about the evils of music publishers and music libraries. It was all about how these people are out to screw musicians and steal all their money. It was cynical, bitter, and in my opinion, completely off base.
I think there are a lot of misconceptions about both music licensing and music publishing which is a result of a lack of good information about these subjects. This is part of what I'm trying to address with my newsletter and products. On the surface, music licensing and music publishing can seem a little confusing. But if you dig just a little deeper, it starts to make sense pretty fast.
Today I want to address music libraries. What they are, how they get paid and how you get paid when you work with them. I have discussed some of these ideas before, but since I have newer readers who have not been exposed to this information and since there seems to be some confusion, I think the topic bears repeating.
WHAT ARE MUSIC LIBRARIES?
Music libraries are just like public libraries. But instead of stocking books, music libraries stock music. Music libraries vary in what style or styles of music they focus on. Some focus on a broad range of music and others focus on a niche or several niches.
Music libraries are just like public libraries. But instead of stocking books, music libraries stock music. Music libraries vary in what style or styles of music they focus on. Some focus on a broad range of music and others focus on a niche or several niches.
Music libraries work very hard to build relationships and establish a client base they can continue to work with. These relationships aren't built in day. They can take years. For the aspiring songwriter, solo artist, or band who wants to get ahead and get noticed, a few placements in the right film or right television show could just be the right break that gets the ball rolling. A music library just might be the company helps you land the right spot that helps you get both noticed and paid.
Types Of Deals
Not all deals are the same, but most music libraries offer writers 50/50 deals. This means that you retain the "writer's share" of a composition (or 50 percent of the earnings), and the music library takes over the "publisher's share" (the other 50 percent of the earnings). This seems to be where there is a lot of confusion. It's important to be aware that the publishing portion of the royalty is just one half of the overall performance royalty that a song generates. When you split the royalty this way you get paid for your composition and the publisher gets paid for the work they do in placing your music.
Not all deals are the same, but most music libraries offer writers 50/50 deals. This means that you retain the "writer's share" of a composition (or 50 percent of the earnings), and the music library takes over the "publisher's share" (the other 50 percent of the earnings). This seems to be where there is a lot of confusion. It's important to be aware that the publishing portion of the royalty is just one half of the overall performance royalty that a song generates. When you split the royalty this way you get paid for your composition and the publisher gets paid for the work they do in placing your music.
Want more in depth information on how to get your music in TV and Films? I offer a wide variety of products on the subject. Visit http://www.howtolicenseyourmusic.com/productpage.html for more.
Until Next Time....
Aaron Davison
Aaron Davison