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Music Licensing

holiday songs

Licensing holiday songs — don’t assume it’s in the public domain

November 17, 2020November 17, 2020 Andre Calilhanna

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.

music licensing

Make your music easy to license for TV, ads, and film

October 20, 2020October 21, 2020 Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan

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.

sync licensing

How does sync licensing work?

September 4, 2020September 25, 2020 Tony van Veen

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.

performance royalties

Performance royalties and PROs

July 7, 2020September 25, 2020 Tony van Veen

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.

mechanical royalties

What are mechanical royalties (and how do I get mine)?

June 23, 2020September 17, 2020 Tony van Veen

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.

sound recording

I own the sound recording of my song… how do I make money?

June 11, 2020September 25, 2020 Tony van Veen

In our third video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen discusses what royalties and payments you are entitled to if you own and exploit the sound recording of your song. Read the post.

copyright music

Should you “officially” copyright your music?

June 1, 2020September 25, 2020 Tony van Veen

In our second video about music copyrights and royalties, Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen talks about registering your song for copyright. Should you do it? Read the post.

understanding music rights

Understanding music rights and royalties

May 18, 2020September 25, 2020 Tony van Veen

Disc Makers’ CEO Tony van Veen has started a new video series aimed at answering your questions about copyrights, how you’re paid for them, and what you need to do to collect your royalties. Read the post.

music publishing

Music publishing for 2nd graders

April 27, 2020May 20, 2020 Tony van Veen

A friend of mine wanted me to explain music publishing and he asked me to “use language a 2nd grader would understand.” I figured this could serve our blog readers who need a primer (or refresher). Enjoy! Read the post.

license your music

License your music (and generate revenue)

March 10, 2020October 21, 2020 Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan

Excerpted from our latest guide, this post gives an overview of what music licensing is and lays out five things you can do to boost your chances to license your music. Read the post.

justify piracy

When musicians justify piracy

August 20, 2019August 20, 2019 Wade Sutton

If you won’t respect somebody’s art enough to pay for it, what makes you think you deserve the same in return? Read the post.

cue sheets

Maximize your royalties by submitting cue sheets

May 28, 2019June 14, 2019 Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan

Music licensing for film, TV, movie trailers, video, and advertising generates lucrative sync licenses and even boosts your performance royalties — but only if you submit cue sheets. Read the post.

one song

How to unlock dozens of revenue streams from one song

May 14, 2019October 14, 2019 Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan

Your one song can create dozens of hidden revenue streams. Make more income from the fans and musicians who want access to your source tracks, stems, sounds, and more. Read the post.

legal pitfalls

Six legal pitfalls to avoid in your music career

March 21, 2019June 20, 2019 Randy Chertkow and Jason Feehan

Avoid these tax and legal pitfalls as you launch your music business and navigate the industry as a songwriter and creative. Read the post.

quote lyrics in books

Can authors quote your lyrics in their books?

November 21, 2018November 28, 2018 Andre Calilhanna

For someone to quote lyrics in a book, or liner notes, it requires special permission and is not covered by the set fees or processes of music licensing. Read the post.

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