Music Licensing Costs for Physical Releases: Covers, Samples, and Artwork
You’ve finished recording. The mixes are approved, the album art looks great, and you’re ready to press your first batch of CDs or vinyl. Then someone asks, “Did you clear […]
Music Licensing, Copyrights & Publishing
A collection of articles from the Disc Makers blog that relate to music licensing, copyrights, and publishing.
How to Copyright Music: The Smartest Strategy for Singles, Albums, and Unreleased Songs
Most independent artists don’t register copyrights for their music — not because they’re careless, but because they simply don’t know when or how to do it correctly. And that gap […]
Obtaining the Rights to Sample Music
Music sampling is a widely used technique in modern music production, though there are legal requirements to adhere to to sample music legally. Read the post.
Will an Explicit Song on Streaming Platforms Impact My Streams?
Do explicit tracks impact streaming numbers? Learn about explicit song distribution and how to maximize your streams. Read the post.
How to copyright a song (in 9 easy steps)
Copyright laws protect creative and expressive works, such as music. Learn why and how you can copyright your music. Read the post.
Seven facts about music copyrights
Getting a music copyright gives you specific protections so other folks can’t use your creative work without your consent. Read the post.
How Bands and Co-Writers Divide Percentage Shares in a Song
What does copyright law say about your rights when an original idea is formed between two or more people? Here’s how some co-writers divide percentage shares in a song. Read the post.
Mechanical royalty rates are going up… Or are they?
The Copyright Royalty Board announced plans to increase the mechanical royalty rates for product sales, which is great for songwriters. But will streaming rates do the same? Read the post.
The MLC’s $424 million royalty distribution conundrum
The music industry has long had a royalty distribution problem, AKA the infamous “black box,” which represents hundreds of millions in mechanical royalties collected on behalf of publishers and songwriters who have not been paid because they cannot be tracked down. Read the post.
Creating song split sheets in 10 easy steps
Musician, author, educator, and music industry consultant Bobby Borg lays out the process of creating a simple, functional song split sheet. Read the post.
How to monetize your music on YouTube
In my fourth video about YouTube and your music, I explain how to monetize your music on YouTube, because I know way too many artists are missing out on this revenue. Read the post.
New music royalties: The Mechanical Licensing Collective and what it means for you
The new Mechanical Licensing Collective collects digital audio mechanical royalties from download and streaming services. Learn about the collective and see if you qualify to sign up so you can receive these new music royalties. Read the post.
When should a producer get a publishing split?
While a producer may get points on your sound recording, is he or she entitled to a share of the composition (songwriting) royalties? It depends on how they’ve contributed. Read the post.
Licensing Holiday Songs — Don’t Assume It’s in the Public Domain
Recording your own iconic versions of familiar Christmas carols or holiday songs might be the perfect way to catch the attention of new fans or thank your existing fan base with a free download or limited-edition CD. But don’t assume your choice is in the public domain. Read the post.
How to turn music royalties into a cash advance
If you’ve established a proven stream of royalties, you can turn it into a lump sum of money that you can get today by using royalty auction services. Read the post.