Episode 113: What Every Songwriter Should Know About Music Publishing

In this episode, Jonny Amos explores the ins and outs of music publishing, focusing on what songwriters should know about choosing the right publisher, deal structures, and long-term relationships. Perfect for songwriters looking to understand how to navigate the complex world of music publishing.Keywordsmusic publishing, songwriters, publishing deals, royalties, sub-publishing, music rights, music industry, publishing contractsKey TopicsRole of music publishers in a songwriter's careerHow to identify suitable publishersDifferences between admin and control dealsImportance of understanding royalty rates and splitsGlobal collection and sub-publishing nuancesLong-term relationships and partnership strategiesNegotiating advances and deal termsMetadata and catalog management for songwritersSound bites"A music publisher is like a songwriter’s best friend.""Choose a publisher that fits your genre and goals.""Know your songs and their metadata."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Music Publishing and Its Role01:17 What Do Music Publishers Actually Do?02:15 Long-Term Relationships and Developing Songwriters04:38 Choosing the Right Publisher: Major vs. Independent06:22 Genre-Specific Publishers and Niche Markets07:48 Understanding Collection and Royalties Worldwide12:05 Admin Deals vs. Control Deals13:50 Deal Terms: Advances, Term, and Retention16:38 Royalty Rates and Income Streams17:35 Legal Aspects and Contract Clauses19:04 Co-Writing Opportunities and Relationships20:07 Managing Expectations and Communication22:01 Preparing Your Catalog for Publishing25:11 Investing in People, Not Just Songs26:36 The Language of Songs and Metadata27:30 Summary and Final ThoughtsResourcesKobalt Music Publishing - https://www.kobaltmusic.comTrue Love Music - https://truelovemusic.comRalph W Peer and Peer Music - https://peermusic.com