Big 3: Most common ways to set up publishing

Publishing can be a confusing process, but for those with questions, WordPlay T. Jay is here to answer some of the basics by outlining the three most common ways to set up music publishing.

Whether a writer, producer, artist or performer, each person involved with a song has a different scenario for publishing.

One of the most common is as a songwriter or producer, but not a recording artist and have no ownership. People in this scenario should:

• Register with a performing rights organization (PRO) as a writer and/or publisher

• Sign up with Publishing Administrator if managing a large catalog

• Do not usually own the master recording

Some of the most common PROs include: American Society of Composers and Authors, Society of European Stage Authors and Composers and Broadcast Music, Inc.

People in this first category don’t necessarily need to use SoundExchange or a publishing administrator unless managing an exceptionally large catalog.

If someone in this group does own a master recording, they should use SoundExchange and collect mechanical royalties.

The second scenario is a songwriter or producer who are artists and have some or all ownership. People in this scenario should:

• Register with a PRO as a writer and/or publisher

• Sign up with a publishing administrator if managing a large catalog

• Use SoundExchange with a performer and master recording owner account

• If refusing publishing administration, register with mechanical licensing agencies, like Harry Fox Agency or Music Reports

• Sign up with a Content ID Manager, like Distributor or Audiam

This scenario calls for determining the split with other writers, producers, publishers, etc. of the music. This group should also sign up with SoundExchange to collect royalties.

The final scenario is a label or music publisher. People in this scenario should:

• Register with a PRO as a writer and/or publisher, typically just as a publisher

• Sign up with publishing administrator if managing a large catalog

• Use SoundExchange with a performer or master recording owner account

• If refusing publishing administration, register with mechanical licensing agencies, like Harry Fox Agency or Music Reports

• Sign up with a Content ID Manager, like Distributor or Audiam

This group may also require a Content ID Manager, usually with a content distributor, as Content ID is involving so many social media platforms now.

For more information about this topic, check out the video below!