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.
copyright
You’re an indie artist — do you need legal protection?
When music becomes more than just a pastime and you set out to write, play, and release music, it’s time to consider steps you should take to protect yourself. Read the post.
Can You Sell Your Music as an NFT?
What the heck is an NFT? And is there any money to be made as an independent artist selling your music as one? 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.
What are music producer points?
A music producer can be an essential part of the creative process, but make sure you know how the compensation structure works before you start your project. 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.
Make your music easy to license for TV, ads, and film
To license your music, you need to understand the role of the music supervisor as well as how to prep your music. Follow these steps to increase your chances of getting your music licensed. 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.
How does sync licensing work?
In video number seven in our ongoing series on rights and royalties, Tony van Veen digs into sync licenses. How does an indie musician get in on the action, and how do sync licenses work? Read the post.
Your copyright and royalty questions answered
On the heels of his YouTube series addressing copyrights and royalties, Tony van Veen solicited questions from you, our viewers and readers — and you responded. Here are answers to some of the copyright questions that are on your mind. Read the post.
Neighboring rights and SoundExchange
In our sixth video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen discusses neighboring rights and SoundExchange, the organization that tracks and pays those royalties. Read the post.
Performance royalties and PROs
In our fifth video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen discusses performance royalties, the PROs (ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC) who collect them, and why you’re probably not getting all you deserve. Read the post.
What are mechanical royalties (and how do I get mine)?
In our fourth video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen discusses mechanical royalties — the money that gets paid to the songwriter or publisher for the “reproduction of your song.” Read the post.