The music industry is a complex tapestry woven with creativity, passion, and, unfortunately, confusion. While artists pour their hearts into creating melodies that resonate with listeners, the business side of the industry can be a daunting maze to navigate. One particularly perplexing aspect is music publishing – an intricate web of rights, royalties, and Performance Rights Organizations (PROs). In this blog post, we’ll delve into the bewildering world of music publishing and shed light on the crucial steps artists must take to ensure they’re not missing out on the other half of their song royalties.
Understanding the Basics:
At the heart of the confusion lies this concept of music publishing, a realm often overshadowed by the glamour of record deals and chart-topping hits. Music publishing involves the management of the rights to a song, including its reproduction, distribution, and public performance. While record labels handle the recording and distribution side, publishers focus on maximizing the earning potential of a song.
A key player in the music publishing landscape is the Performance Rights Organization (PRO). These entities are responsible for collecting and distributing performance royalties to songwriters and publishers. The problem? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Artists must navigate a sea of PROs, each operating in a specific region or country.
What PRO do I sign up for? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Performance_rights_organisation
The Swerve Solution:
Recognizing the need to demystify this process, Swerve is taking a commendable step forward by setting up its Admin publishing arm. For new and emerging artists, many of whom might not have their publishing in order, this initiative is a lifeline. Swerve is encouraging its artists to sign up with their local PROs, providing them with the tools to unlock the potential of additional royalties.
The music industry, with all its glitter and glory, often leaves artists grappling with the intricacies of music publishing. Swerve’s proactive approach to guide its artists through the maze of PROs and royalties is a beacon of clarity in an otherwise confusing landscape. As artists, it’s crucial to recognize the value of the other half of song royalties and take the necessary steps to ensure that every note played translates into fair compensation. By understanding the basics, navigating the PRO puzzle, and embracing initiatives like Swerve’s, artists can empower themselves in this complex world of music publishing.
Let’s not leave food on the table. Sign up for a PRO in your territory and collect what is rightfully yours!
