How to publish music. Are you an aspiring musician looking to share your music with the world? In today’s digital age, self-publishing your music has become more accessible.
You no longer need a record label or a music publisher to get your music out there.
Streaming services let independent musicians share their music with people worldwide.
In this article, I’ll talk about how to publish music and why it’s good and give you some valuable tips on how to do it.
What does it mean to self-publish music?
Understanding the concept of self-publishing music
Self-distribution of music is when a musician, not the industry, shares their music.
This way, musicians make all the decisions about their music and keep the rights to their songs.
Many musicians use sources like Apple and Amazon Music, so many people worldwide can hear it.
Benefits of being a publisher
There are several benefits to self-distribution. It allows you to maintain creative control over your work.
You can make artistic choices without any interference from a music publisher. Also, self-distribution gives you the potential to earn higher royalties.
With a traditional publishing deal, much of your earnings goes to the publisher. Yet, when you self-publish your own music, you receive a larger share of the profits.
It enables you to establish a direct connection with your audience. You can interact with your fans through these platforms for feedback and a loyal fanbase.
Differences between self-publishing and working with a music publisher
There are some critical differences between self-distribution and music publishers. Music publishers handle distribution, artist promotion, and royalty collection on your behalf.
In return, they receive a percentage of your earnings. Self-distribution requires you to take on these responsibilities yourself.
Self-distribution gives complete control over your music and a higher potential for profits.
How to Self-Publish Your Songs
Steps to Self-publishing Your Song
Publishing involves a series of steps. Copyright your compositions to protect your rights.
Register your songs with a performance rights organization like BMI or ASCAP. Once copyrighted, you can choose a self-distribution platform that suits your needs.
TuneCore and CD Baby offer services to distribute music across various streaming platforms. Attract listeners and grow your fanbase online.
Choosing a platform
When choosing a platform, there are several factors to consider.
Search for one that shares streaming solutions. Some solutions are Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music.
Also, view the platform’s pricing, including upfront fees or commission percentages.
Look for a platform that provides reliable customer support. And offer promotional tools to help you maximize your exposure.
Registering as a songwriter
Registering as a songwriter with a PRO is essential for self-published artists. PROs track and collect performance royalties on behalf of songwriters.
And ensure that you receive fair compensation for your work. BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC are some of the popular PROs that you can register with.
License your music by registering with a PRO. And receive royalties whenever your music is on radio, TV, or streamed online.
Exploring self-publishing services
An overview of the TuneCore platform
The TuneCore platform offers a range of services for independent creators.
It allows you to upload your music to major streaming platforms. It also provides detailed analytics to track your earnings and audience engagement.
They also offer administration services and YouTube monetization. This will help you maximize your revenue streams as an artist.
You can distribute to popular streaming platforms. Through streams and downloads, reach a wider audience and generate income.
One of the key features is its analytics dashboard. This tool provides detailed insights into your earnings.
It also includes information on streams, downloads, and sales. You can track the performance of your music across different platforms.
You can identify trends and make informed decisions for your music career.
They offer music publishing administration services. They can help you get royalties from your compositions. And ensure you receive proper credit for your work.
This is especially useful for musicians who write their songs or collaborate. They also offer YouTube monetization services.
They can help you monetize your YouTube channel and generate revenue. This can be a valuable extra income stream for artists with a platform presence.
TuneCore offers comprehensive tools and services to help independent artists. They navigate the digital music landscape, helping maximize your earnings.
This allows creators to focus on their music. They also handle distribution, analytics, administration, and YouTube monetization logistics.
Understanding the benefits of using a publishing company
Self-distribution offers artists much control. Yet, some still opt to work with a music publishing company. These companies have networks and connections.
They assist artists with music in movies, TV shows, and commercial placements. They also handle licensing, royalty collection, and copyright management tasks.
Publishing companies support artists and help them navigate the music industry.
How to distribute your music on Spotify
It is one of the leading streaming platforms. Getting your music on this platform can expand your reach as an artist.
You can use a publishing platform to disburse music. Doing so offers distribution services to popular streaming platforms.
By uploading your music through a platform, you can be sure your songs are available to their vast user base. And you will gain new listeners and followers.
Like TuneCore, DistroKid, CD Baby, and Symphonic Distribution offer distribution services. These platforms need you to create an account.
Then, provide your music files and artwork and pay a fee for the distribution service.
Once you have uploaded your music, they will deliver it to a streaming platform. This eliminates the need to submit your music to each service, saving time and effort.
With your music on Spotify, millions of listeners worldwide can discover it. They have algorithms and playlists that help promote new and emerging artists.
Putting your music on this platform allows you to create an artist profile. You can customize your images and engage with fans.
Your music on this platform can also provide potential revenue streams. They pay artists royalties based on the number of streams their music receives.
Having your music streaming on a platform increases the chances of earning royalties.
Using a musician-publishing platform to share your music can expand your reach. It allows you to tap into their vast user base, gain new listeners and followers, and earn royalties.
Understanding royalties
What are performance rights organizations (PROs)?
PROs represent songwriters and composers. They collect performance royalties on their behalf. They ensure writers receive payments for their music.
They also work to protect and enforce their rights. They play a crucial role in the industry.
They ensure that songsmiths receive payment for the public performances of their music. PROs license the right to perform musical compositions on behalf of their members.
They negotiate licensing agreements with various entities. Some include radio stations, live venues, and streaming platforms.
These agreements permit them to use the songs in their performances or broadcasts. In return, these entities pay licensing fees to the PROs.
PROs share earnings with their members by collecting licensing fees. This ensures payments for using clients’ music.
They track and use data from monitoring systems. This includes radio airplay or digital streaming. PROs are crucial in protecting and enforcing songsmiths and composers’ rights.
They track unauthorized performances. They prevent copyright infringement. And they take legal action when necessary.
PROs engage in advocacy efforts to support the interests of their members. They promote fair compensation for music creators.
PROs are vital industry entities representing creators. They collect earnings and protect their rights. This allows creators to continue creating music and contributing to the industry.
Joining BMI or ASCAP as a songwriter
BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) and ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) are PROs.
There are two of the largest in the United States. Joining allows you to have earnings collected for your music.
Both offer benefits such as educational resources, networking opportunities, and industry events. These benefits help support creator’s careers.
The role of a publishing administrator in managing your rights
A publishing administrator plays a crucial role in managing the rights to your music. They handle licensing, royalty collection, and copyright management tasks.
This allows you to focus on creating music. And also promote your music. A publishing administrator negotiates licensing deals on your behalf.
This will ensure fair compensation for your music on various mediums.
Publish tips for successful self-distribution
Copyright your music to protect your rights.
Copyrighting is one of the most critical steps in publishing. Copyright protection gives you legal rights over your music.
This allows you to act against any infringements against those rights. Protect your rights by registering your songs with a (PRO). And ensure your compensation for your music.
Maximizing your presence on streaming services
Streaming solutions are potent tools for independent creators to reach a global audience. Ensuring your artist profile is complete and appealing will maximize your presence.
Engage with your fans through playlists, social media, and live performances. Releasing new music will help engagement.
Collaborate with other artists. Feature your music on popular playlists. This will increase your visibility and attract new listeners.
How to collect royalties as an independent artist
As an independent creator, it’s essential to understand how to collect royalties. To receive performance royalties, register with a PRO like BMI or ASCAP.
Registration of your music is essential. This ensures you receive royalties in films, TV shows, and commercials.
Check your earnings weekly or monthly and make sure your rights are secure.
Sell Music on Bandcamp
Bandcamp is an excellent platform for independent musicians or bands to sell music. With Bandcamp, you can control your music and set your prices.
You can upload tracks, albums, and merchandise like t-shirts or vinyl records.
Bandcamp also offers free downloads if you choose, allowing you to build a fan base and gain exposure. Selling music on Bandcamp is a straightforward process.
Create an account, upload the music, add details such as artwork, genre, and release date, and set the price.
Bandcamp takes a small percentage of each sale, allowing you to keep most of the proceeds.
You give the platform consent to collect and store personal and financial details. Yet, their privacy policy ensures that your information is safe.
Without your consent, no info is accessible to third parties.
It’s always a good idea to read the privacy policy before proceeding. Bandcamp provides an artist-centered platform for selling your music online.
Conclusion: How to Publish Music
In conclusion, publishing music has become more accessible. Artists no longer rely on record labels to get their music to the public.
Today’s platforms allow musicians to release music to a global audience. One of the most popular methods is through digital music distribution services.
Artists can upload their tracks to Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud. And can sell music on Bandcamp.
This makes the artist’s music available for streaming and downloading. Using social media platforms to promote and share music is now vital.
Engaging with the music community can enhance visibility and success. Musicians must use the available tools and platforms.
Musicians must adapt to the evolving music industry landscape. Artists can now take control of their music careers and succeed in the digital age.
