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music publisher

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.

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.

copyright my song

Should I copyright my song?

April 24, 2019March 24, 2020 Johnny Dwinell and Brent Baxter

Per the Copyright Act of 1976, as soon as your song is in a fixed form, you own the copyright. So usually what people are talking about is registering the copyright when they ask, “Should I copyright my song?” Read the post.

the music industry

Finding your place in the music industry: The M3 podcast interviews Keith Hatschek

March 21, 2018December 10, 2018 Keith Hatschek

The “Mentoring for the Modern Musician” podcast interviewed Keith Hatschek, author of How to Get a Job in the Music Industry. Hatcheck connects his own career path to how he teaches students, encouraging them to hone a variety of skills as they find their place in the music industry. Read More.

music libraries

3 steps to get your songs in music libraries

October 12, 2017December 22, 2020 Dave Kusek

For indie musicians and songwriters who don’t yet have connections in publishing and licensing, music libraries are one way you can seek music licensing opportunities. Read the post.

Music Licensing Deal

5 things you should do before you seek a music licensing deal

September 12, 2017June 1, 2020 Dave Kusek

These five steps might not be fun or glamorous, but they’re necessary if you’re serious about seeking a music licensing deal. Read More.

Copyright Termination

Copyright termination: McCartney, Duran Duran, and the YMCA.

June 12, 2017December 18, 2017 Keith Hatschek

Copyright termination is giving music artists the opportunity to reclaim the rights to their songs. The stories of Duran Duran, Paul McCartney and The Village People’s Victor Willis tell the tale. Read More.

Music News: Adele breaks sales’ record, Willie Nelson gets Gershwin Award, Shrapnel records catalog acquired by The Orchard

November 25, 2015February 6, 2018 Andre Calilhanna

music news adele 25Whatever you think of Adele’s decision to follow the likes of Taylor Swift and Thom Yorke and sidestep streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify, she’s proven again that she has the star power and “four quadrant” appeal to change the trajectory of album sales for the industry this year. Read more.

music libraries

The ABCs of music libraries

November 17, 2015September 12, 2017 Greg Savage

Everyone wants to know how to make a little extra cash with their music, and music licensing is an appealing option for many independent musicians. There are measurable differences between the different levels of music libraries – finding the ones for you depends on your experience and business model. Read more.

How to pitch your music for video games

November 12, 2015November 17, 2015 Michael Gallant

music for video gamesGame composer Tom Salta and music publisher Jake Versluis advise hooking up with a quality music publisher if you can – or making a strong pitch directly to game-makers if you can’t – but how do you approach either sort of party and get taken seriously? Here’s advice on how to pitch your music for video games. Read more.

Music for video games: advice from a top music publisher

November 6, 2015January 15, 2016 Michael Gallant

game music supervisorWhile you may find success placing music in smaller-scale video games, music publisher Jake Versluis (Director of A&R Creative for Position Music) says you need a long-term plan, a big-time work ethic, and really great music to land your work in the big-league titles. Read more.

Music news: Happy Birthday’s disputed rights, vinyl vs. streaming, and the last CD-R for Taiyo Yuden

October 27, 2015February 6, 2018 Andre Calilhanna

music news happy birthday“Happy Birthday To Me:” a complicated history – and future – for the world’s simplest song; vinyl sales continue to make headlines, with sales generating more revenue than free Spotify, YouTube, and VEVO combined; JVC and Taiyo Yuden to stop producing optical media – FalconMedia remains a reliable option. Read more.

Music publishing: music industry insights

May 22, 2015June 4, 2015 Anthony Morgan

music publishing adviceIn the broadest sense, a music publisher looks for music initially like an A&R rep at a label would. We’re searching for the best talent. We do differ in one significant way: talent alone can sometimes entice an A&R rep to sign an artist. With music publishers, that is rarely the case. Read more.

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